Springtime Means the Season

My crocuses have bloomed. Which means spring is on its way. Which of course has me once again thinking about Regency England.

The end of April marked the beginning of the Season.

Roads were dry enough for horses and carriages to travel upon. The weather was warmer making it easier for whole families to accompany their father, son, brother or husband as they made their way to the city of London to take their seats in Parliament. If you did not have a home in the city, one could be rented.

Evenings were filled with entertainments. Mornings were filled with visits from friends and, of course, shopping.

The Season was rightly called the "Marriage Market" where young women of 17-25 were adorned in the finest gowns to attract husbands. Social gatherings to bring young people together, still done today.

Dancing was a way to meet prospective husbands. A "dance" could last up to an hour. So you had some time to converse. It was similar to line dances except that the women were in one line and the men in another. They promenaded between the two lines and held gloved hands lightly.

If you did not want to dance with a partner there were ways to avoid the encounter.

1. You can hide from him, but then you might not be seen by the partners you do want to encourage. Probably not wise.
2. You can pretend not to hear him, when he asks for a dance. He may be persistent.
3. You could say you have promised all your dances to others. But if someone comes up and asks you to dance, you can't dance with that man either.
4. The best way is to bite the bullet and get the dance over with. Be a boring partner and talk about silk and satins. He may get the hint.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and don't forget Tea Time

For the wealthy in the Regency period, life was wonderful. Or was it? Sure you didn’t have to worry about where your next meal was coming from and if you would have a place to sleep at night. But there were rules. Rigid rules. Rules for everything and everyone to live under.  Perhaps that is how Society everywhere is run.

Living in a wealthy home the order of meals were ruled by what could be eaten and what time they could be eaten. You had a cook, she had to know what she was to prepare and when. It makes sense.

Breakfast seems to be of an incredible poor quality. Around 10:00 a.m Toast or bread with tea, coffee or a chocolate drink. Sounds good. But the chocolate beverage was a thick dark chocolate and not sweet but bitter. Maybe lunch will be hardier.

Lunch/Nuncheon was served in the middle of the day. Cold meat, cheese and bread. I guess a sandwich. Not bad. But you would be out making morning calls and would be served at your friend’s house. As a woman you were expected to eat light, so now it seems you would be starving. Tea was served with small cakes and fruit. I suggest making friends with the cook.  

Dinner – You’ve made it to 3 - 5 o’clock depending when the lady of the house has ordered this meal to be served. (In the country it was early, in town it was 6 - 7 o’clock.) Finally you get to eat. There could be hot pudding, hot meat, soup, and bread. This is where you will need to fill up. Put something in your pocket for later.

Tea time – an hour after dinner. Tea or coffee is served and maybe a small piece of cake.

Supper was served between 9-10 o’clock. Depending when dinner was served it could be a hot meal. Yes!!! Or if dinner was at 7 and finished at 8, you might get nothing more than tea and bread and butter. Maybe an English muffin, coffee or some wine and water mixed as an aid to sleep.

I'm starving but it's time for bed. Maybe tomorrow will be better.