The True History of the First Mrs. Meredith and Other Lesser Lives Quotes

“Also, it must be kept in mind at all times that the women we are concerned with conducted their lives, had thoughts, went traveling, ate dinner, and fell in love while entirely encased beneath their gowns in the following articles of clothing: a chemise, a corset, a camisole over the corset, up to six petticoats—beginning with a short, stiff one, one or two flannel ones for warmth, a plain one and then some embroidered ones—a vest or undershirt, stockings, garters, and, depending on the decade, a whalebone crinoline or bustle. And all of these things were held on and together with strings, and tapes, and innumerable buttons and hooks.11 Whatever we are able to make of Mary Ellen’s adulterous behavior, we will not be able to excuse it on the grounds of impulse; there could hardly have been such a thing as an impulsive sexual irregularity for women so encumbered.”
― Diane Johnson, The True History of the First Mrs. Meredith and Other Lesser Lives