Category Archives: aristocracy

Hair Dyes and Other Cosmetics in the Regency Era

Posted on September 11, 2026 by Regina Jeffers

When I was younger, though my hair was blonde, I would upon occasion use a mixture of Ivory Flakes™ (powdered detergent), peroxide, and bleach. Yes, as in Clorox™. If bleach was good enough for Jean Harlow, it was good enough … Continue reading →

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The Obsession with Money and Society in Jane Austen’s Novels

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Regina Jeffers

Austen’s novels speak loudly with society’s obsession with money and connections. Money and status was obtained through marriage. What we soon come to accept as a reader of Jane Austen’s novels is that her heroines marry for love (and a … Continue reading →

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What Exactly Did It Mean to be an Officer on Half Pay in Jane Austen’s England?

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Regina Jeffers

Question from a follower: I’ve often wondered about the term “half-pay officer.” Does an officer who sells out still receive half pay or only officers who retire without selling their commissions (if there is such a thing). My question concerns a … Continue reading →

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Crossing the Irish Sea in the Early 1800s, Not for the Faint of Heart

Posted on August 19, 2026 by Regina Jeffers

I have written several books of late that feature my characters traveling to Ireland from different points in England. One of the more recent ones was my Taming Lord Truist, the second book of the Strong Women Duo that accompanied … Continue reading →

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“Darcy’s Passions” Excerpt – As Elizabeth’s Betrothed, Darcy Dines at Longbourn

Posted on August 12, 2026 by Regina Jeffers

Back in 2012, I was part of a project where a group of authors revisited Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and retold scenes from the points of view of the other characters. This excerpt revisits the later part of Austen’s classic. This is … Continue reading →

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Question from a Reader: All Things Dealing with Debtor’s Prison During the Regency Era

Posted on July 6, 2026 by Regina Jeffers

QUESTION: I am writing about a widow whose husband was reckless with money and left her with nothing when he died. She lives in a small village. If she has incurred debts to tradesmen, etc., and cannot pay, what danger/threat does she face? I … Continue reading →

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Question from a Reader: Is “Debutant” the Correct Word for a Girl Making Her Society “Debut” in the Regency Era?

Posted on June 29, 2026 by Regina Jeffers

Okay, to the best of my knowledge the term “debutant” was later than the Regency Era. The word “debutante” is of later vintage than the Regency. She would be referred to as “coming out”, per Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, where … Continue reading →

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Dance Sets at a Ball or a Country Assembly in the Regency Era?

Posted on June 26, 2026 by Regina Jeffers

Though I thought I had covered the idea of dance sets in last Fridays piece on “Dance Cards,” evidently there was still some confusion, so I will try this again. QUESTION FROM A READER: My understanding is that in balls, … Continue reading →

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Expunging Criminal Records in the Regency Era

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Regina Jeffers

A reader recently wrote to ask me what I knew of expunging criminal records during the Regency Era. In truth, I knew some, but not all of the ins and out of this process. Question from a Reader: Was expungement … Continue reading →

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Dance Cards in the Regency Era? Yea or Nay?

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Regina Jeffers

Recently, I again had a writer ask me about the use of dance cards in the Regency. In truth, I have not found any period references to hostesses having dance cards for her guests. Thomas Wilson never mentions them in … Continue reading →

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