Regency Era Lexicon – And Then There Was “B”

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Regency Era Lexicon 

Backboards – stiff, straight boards, strapped to a young lady’s back, to improve her posture

Bailey – the outside wall of a fortress or castle; the Old Bailey was the main criminal court in London

Ballast lighter – a boat the carried ballast to colliers in the Thames, who unloaded the coal

Bandbox – a box used to carry and store hats and bonnets

Banns – permission to marry; “reading of the banns” required the parish rector/vicar to read aloud the intention of the couple to marry; he must do so for three consecutive Sundays; the couple must marry within 3 months of the banns being read

Bark – a three-masted ship

Baronet – a hereditary title; the bearer of which is referred to as “Sir”

Barouche-landau – a small carriage with two rows of seats and a collapsible top; the seats faced one another

Barton – farmyard

Bathing machine – a large covered wagon attached to a horse who towed the wagon out into the water; women did not go swimming in the ocean; they would undress inside the machine and then swam or hung onto the machine’s rope within the constraints of the machine; men were separated from women because they often swam nude

Battue – large parties organized for shooting

Bedlam – the Hospital of St Mary of Bethlehem; an insane asylum

Being Out – being of age to be “out” in Society; ready to become a wife

Belgrave Square – a posh area of London, south of Hyde Park; less fashionable than Mayfair, however

Bender – a sixpence

Bergamot – a citrus tree; a fancy pear

Berlin – a four-wheeled carriage with a hood

Billingsgate – a large fish market in London

Bishop – the highest of three orders in the Church of England

Blackfriars – the area between Ludgate Hill and the Thame

Black pudding – a sausage made with blood spread on the outside

Blue pill – a pill to counteract the build up of bile; it was made from glycerin, honey and mercury

Bluestocking – an 18th Century woman devoted to intellectual conversation and charitable causes

Boatswain – a warrant officer between ordinary seamen and commissioned officers; he oversaw the sails and rigging upon a ship

Bond Street – a fashionable shopping area in London’s West End

Boot – where luggage was placed in coach

Bootjack – a device used to remove boots

Bow Street Runners – created by the novelist Henry Fielding and his brother John in 1750, the Runners served as detectives; they received fees and rewards for their work

Bridewell – St. Bridget’s Well in London; a house of correction

Brighton – a seaside resort in East Sussex

Bulldog – assistants to the proctors at Oxford and Cambridge; they helped to discipline rule-breaking undergraduates.

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What is in a 17th Century Witch Bottle?

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

In writing my next novel, “The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy,” I have been exploring many of the superstitions and beliefs of 18th Century England. In doing so, I have looked at fairies, the Cerne Giant, and witchcraft. One of the plot devices I have incorporated into the story line is that of a “Witch Bottle.”

What is a Witch Bottle, you may ask? How could it be a weapon in a mystery book?  The purpose of a witch bottle is to trap the evil spirits operating in a household. A traditional witch bottle was made of blue or green glass and was about 3-4 inches high.

Bellarmine jugs, named after Robert Bellarmine, an ardent Catholic Inquisitor, who earned his reputation in the prosecution of Protestants and the burning of Giordano Bruno at the stake. Bruno was an Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer. For claiming that the Sun was one of many stars and there was likely other inhabitable worlds containing intelligent beings, Bruno was burned alive for the crime of heresy in 1600.

Bellarmine jugs, some 9 inches in height, were made of brown or gray stoneware. They were embossed with faces of bearded men to scare off the evil spirits.

The victim’s urine, hair, nail clippings or red thread (sprite traps) were included in the bottle. Sometimes iron nails or pins were included. The bottle was traditionally buried beneath the house’s hearth or at the farthest corner of the property. Some say that the witch bottle wards off the spirit, keeping the witch from entering the house. Others believe the bottle capture evil and impale the dark spirit on the pins and nails and drowned by the liquid (urine, holy water, wine, sea water, etc.).

The Dorset Echo carried a story of an unusual bottle buried under a wall near Langton Matravers. Dated October 27, 2005, the article says, “Experts believe that the rare find is a ‘witch bottle’ used to fend off evil spirits, which were thought to cause horned cattle distemper. The bottle’s contents was dark brown syrup and is one of only four bottles discovered in the UK with liquid still inside. Since then, a series of tests has revealed the liquid contained 30 different components including a salt solution – known as holy water at the time – covered with a layer of decayed animal fat.”

Once the objects were in the jar, the vessel was placed near a fire to boil. Sometimes the witch’s bottle was thrown in the fire. When it exploded, the spell upon the person or upon the household was broken. The witch would be killed.

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Regency Era Lexicon – We Begin with “A”

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Regency Era Lexicon

Abbey School – Founded in 1887, the Abbey School is currently to an independent selective day school for girls in Reading, Berkshire. The novelist Jane Austen attended Reading Ladies Boarding School within Abbey Gateway, circa 1785, which is commemorated by, and incorporated into the Abbey School’s crest.

acceptance – putting one’s name on a bill of exchange; writing “accepted” across the bill meant one was liable to pay the bill

Admiral of the Fleet – the highest rank of a military naval officer – The Admiral of the Fleet is often reserved for wartime and ceremonial appointments. Frank Austen held the rank. As was customary, the admiral who was the oldest and held the most seniority was given that rank.

advowson – having the right to appoint someone to a benefice (a church office that provides a living for its holder through an endowment attached to it)

Age of Sensibility – During the Age of Sensibility, literature reflected a rational and scientific approach to religion, politics, and economics. The period is marked by a secular view of the world and a general sense of progress.

ague – a disease (originally malaria) marked by fever and chills

alderman – a member of the government from a municipal borough; elected by a council; were to support the mayor of the borough

almshouse – lodgings for the poor, which were supported by private funds rather than public charity

amiable – To be amiable was to be friendly and easy going.

Almack’s – a social club in London from 1765 to 1871; one of the first to admit both men and women; Almack’s came to be governed by a select committee of the most influential and exclusive of London’s haut ton: Ameila Stewart (Viscountess Castlereagh); Sarah Villiers (Countess of Jersey); Emily Lamb (Lady Cowper); Maria Molyneux (Countess of Sefton); The Hon. Mrs. Drummond Burrell; Dorothea Lieven (Countess de Lieven); Countess Esterházy

annuity – A set sum paid out to the terms of a will or settlement; after the death of a husband, the annuity was the woman’s only source of income

antimacassar – Victorian gentlemen applied macassar oil to their hair; to prevent it from coming off on the furniture, ladies pinned antimacassar (small white doilies) to the backs of chairs and sofas; the gentlemen could lean his head back on the furniture without staining it

apoplexy – a stroke

apothecary – the lowest ranking medical men in the social sphere – They dealt with selling their items; therefore, apothecaries were considered tradesmen.

apron – part of a bishop’s formal garb

aristocracy – used to designate the peerage

articles of marriage – The family lawyer for a wife with a dowry would consult with the future husband’s man of business to draft the “marriage articles.” This marriage settlement stipulated how money was to be settled upon the man’s wife and children. The marriage settlements determined upon what the woman would live if her husband passed before her.

assembly room – In the 18th and 19th Century, assembly rooms were gathering places for member of the upper social class. For a ten-guinea subscription, a person could purchase twelve weeks of a weekly ball and supper.

assizes – Outside of London, justice was dispensed by justices of the peace at petty or quarter sessions. Capital cases and other criminal cases were adjudicated by circuit-riding judges from the superior common law courts in London of Common Pleas, King’s Bench, and the Exchequer after they finished their regular terms. The semi-annual sessions were known as the assizes.

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Pirated Sites Lose Google Ranking

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

This article comes from The Telegraph. Of late, several of my writer friends were attacked for taking a stand against pirated sites. It may not seem a big deal to those who love to lend their eBooks to their friends, but it is a big deal for the authors who are trying to eek out a living in what is already a constantly shifting business. For a look at the publishing business’s stance on pirated sites, please read the complete article at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/9473521/Google-pushes-pirate-sites-down-the-search-rankings.html

Google pushes pirate sites down the search rankings

The creative industries have scored a major victory after Google agreed to alter its search results so that websites offering pirated content appear lower in the rankings.

Google will not give sites which link to pirate content as much prominence as before

By Katherine Rushton, Media, telecoms and technology editor

The music, film and book publishing industries were lobbying for Google to change the complex algorithms – code that analyses data – which power its search engine, so that websites that link to illegal downloads of content like the best-selling book 50 Shades of Grey or Adele’s latest album do not get as much prominence as the legal versions.

The web search giant had fiercely resisted making any sort of alterations to demote illegal content amid fears that it would undermine the value of its results, but finally agreed to the change.

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Penquin Acquires Self Publisher, Author Solutions, Inc.

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

This article comes from Paid Content. To read the complete article, please visit http://paidcontent.org/2012/07/19/penguin-buys-self-publishing-service-author-solutions-for-116m/

Book publisher Penguin is embracing self-publishing with its acquisition of Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI). This morning, Penguin parent company Pearson announced that it has purchased the company from Bertram Capital for $116 million. The acquisition lets Penguin “gain skills in customer acquisition and data analytics that will be vital to our future,” said Penguin CEO John Makinson in a statement.

Author Solutions, based in Bloomington, Ind., had revenues of $100 million in 2011 and has published 190,000 books by 150,000 authors since its founding in 2007. It “will be integrated into Penguin’s back office and technology infrastructure but will continue to be run as a separate business.”

Penguin already offers some self-publishing services through Book Country, its community writing platform, but the acquisition of Author Solutions reflects a new focus on the area. “This acquisition will allow Penguin to participate fully in perhaps the fastest growing area of the publishing economy and gain skills in customer acquisition and data analytics that will be vital to our future,” said Penguin CEO John Makinson in a statement.

Author Solutions CEO Kevin Weiss said, “We are thrilled to be a part of its vibrant culture, and look forward to accelerating the pace  of change the industry is experiencing. As part of Penguin, we will be on the front-end of that change and have the broadest set of offerings of any publisher today. That means more opportunity for authors and more choice for readers.”

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Do You Speak Jane Austen? Part 3

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

The last third of the alphabet was a bit of a challenge. The letters “x” and “z” were less than cooperative. I searched Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Mansfield Parkfor the letters, but was, generally, unsuccessful. “X” was impossible to find, and “Z” did not willing make an appearance, but below, one may find part 3 of “Do You Speak Jane Austen?”

(The quotes are from Pride and Prejudice unless so noted.)

Q
quadrille – a historic dance performed by four couples in a square formation, a precursor to traditional square dancing

(but in Pride and Prejudice, Austen used the word not for the dance, but to mean)

quadrille – a card game popular during the 18th century, played by four people with a deck of 40 cards

She had been graciously pleased to approve of both of the discourses which he had already had the honour of preaching before her. She had also asked him twice to dine at Rosings, and had sent for him only the Saturday before, to make up her pool of quadrille in the evening. (Chapter 14)

querulous–given to complaint; grumbling; questioning

Mrs. Bennet was restored to her usual querulous serenity; and, by the middle of June, Kitty was so much recovered as to be able to enter Meryton without tears; an event of such happy promise as to make Elizabeth hope that by the following Christmas she might be so tolerably reasonable as not to mention an officer above once a day, unless, by some cruel and malicious arrangement at the War Office, another regiment should be quartered in Meryton. (Chapter 42)

R
reel–a type of Scottish dance

“Do not you feel a great inclination, Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?” (Chapter 10)

rapacity–extreme gluttony; greed

When the tea-things were removed, and the card-tables placed, the ladies all rose, and Elizabeth was then hoping to be soon joined by him, when all her views were overthrown by seeing him fall a victim to her mother’s rapacity for whist players, and in a few moments after seated with the rest of the party. (Chapter 54)

S
sanguine–optimistic

The sanguine hope of good, however, which the benevolence of her heart suggested had not yet deserted her; she still expected that it would all end well, and that every morning would bring some letter, either from Lydia or her father, to explain their proceedings, and, perhaps, announce their marriage. (Chapter 47)

saucy–insolent; bold

Oh! how heartily did she grieve over every ungracious sensation she had ever encouraged, every saucy speech she had ever directed towards him. (Chapter 52)

sennight– one week (from “seven nights”)

“Indeed I am. I shall entreat his pardon for not having done it earlier. I believe him to be Lady Catherine’s nephew. It will be in my power to assure him that her ladyship was quite well yesterday se’nnight.” (Chapter 18)

subjoin–add to the end

“And will you give yourself the trouble of carrying similar assurances to his creditors in Meryton, of whom I shall subjoina list according to his information?”

(Chapter 50)

supercilious – overly proud

For, though elated by his rank, it did not render him supercilious; on the contrary, he was all attention to everybody. (Chapter 5)

T
tractable – obedient; changeable; flexible

“I never heard any harm of her; and I dare say she is one of the most tractable creatures in the world.” (Chapter 33)

threadbare – worn; frayed

They found Mary, as usual, deep in the study of thorough-bass and human nature; and had some extracts to admire, and some new observations of threadbare morality to listen to. (Chapter 12)

U
unabashed – unapologetic; shameless

Lydia was Lydia still; untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy, and fearless. (Chapter 51)

ungovernable – incapable of being controlled

She was not of so ungovernable a temper as Lydia; and, removed from the influence of Lydia’s example, she became, by proper attention and management, less irritable, less ignorant, and less insipid. (Chapter 61)

untinctured – lacking color; without a trace of vestige as in “untinctured condescension”; not to infuse (as with a quality)

On this point she was soon satisfied; and two or three little circumstances occurred ere they parted, which, in her anxious interpretation, denoted a recollection of Jane not untinctured by tenderness, and a wish of saying more that might lead to the mention of her, had he dared. (Chapter 44)

V
vexatious – annoying

Were the same fair prospect to arise at present as had flattered them a year ago, every thing, she was persuaded, would be hastening to the same vexatious conclusion. (Chapter 53)

Vingt-et-un – blackjack

“Yes; these four evenings have enabled them to ascertain that they both like Vingt-et-un better than Commerce; but with respect to any other leading characteristic, I do not imagine that much has been unfolded.” (Chapter 6)

W
white soup – a soup made of broth and eggs

“If you mean Darcy,” cried her brother, “he may go to bed, if he chooses, before it begins—but as for the ball, it is quite a settled thing; and as soon as Nicholls has made white soup enough, I shall send round my cards.” (Chapter 11)

whist – a four-person card game similar to bridge

When the card-tables were placed, he had the opportunity of obliging her in turn, by sitting down to whist. (Chaper 16)

X
(In the three novels I surveyed, there were no words beginning with the letter X.)

Y
York – a borough of Northern England

“Aye, there she comes,” continued Mrs. Bennet, “looking as unconcerned as may be, and caring no more for us than if we were at York, provided she can have her own way.” (Chapter 20)

Z
(In Pride and Prejudice, I found no words beginning with “Z,” and in Mansfield Park and Sense and Sensibility, I found only the usual “zeal” and “zealous.” I fear I did not check Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, or Emma for either “X” or “Z.” Perhaps, someone else knows more than I on those three Austen classics. Yet, here a few examples of “Z” from MP and from S&S.)

Mrs. Norris was most zealous in promoting the match, by every suggestion and contrivance likely to enhance its desirableness to either party; and, among other means, by seeking an intimacy with the gentleman’s mother, who at present lived with him, and to whom she even forced Lady Bertram to go through ten miles of indifferent road to pay a morning visit. (MP, Chapter 4)

Maria, with only Mr. Rushworth to attend to her, and doomed to the repeated details of his day’s sport, good or bad, his boast of his dogs, his jealousy of his neighbours, his doubts of their qualifications, and his zeal after poachers, subjects which will not find their way to female feelings without some talent on one side or some attachment on the other, had missed Mr. Crawford grievously; and Julia, unengaged and unemployed, felt all the right of missing him much more. (MP, Chapter 7)

He deprecated her mistaken but well-meaning zeal. (MP, Chapter 23)

In the promotion of this object she was zealously active, as far as her ability reached; and missed no opportunity of projecting weddings among all the young people of her acquaintance. (S&S, Chapter 8)

But this did not last long; Elinor had hardly got their last visitors out of her head, had hardly done wondering at Charlotte’s being so happy without a cause, at Mr. Palmer’s acting so simply, with good abilities, and at the strange unsuitableness which often existed between husband and wife, before Sir John’s and Mrs. Jennings’s active zeal in the cause of society, procured her some other new acquaintance to see and observe. (S&S, Chapter 21)

So, what are some of your favorite Regency era words?

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Do You Speak Jane Austen? Part 2

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Do You Speak Jane Austen? Part 2

A laugh, a fist pounding on a desk top, a raised eyebrow – these are all signals to punctuation of the spoken word, but what of the written word? We start with the assumption that we each wish to avoid language that is insensitive, stereotypical, or in any other way derogatory. But was that true for Jane Austen’s time? Look below. Are there words that you particularly like? Ones you find useless in our modern world?

J
jilt – to deceive a lover

“Let Wickham be your man. He is a pleasant fellow, and would jilt you creditably.” (Chapter 24)

St. James
St. James’s Palace is one of London’s oldest palaces. It is situated in Pall Mall, just north of St. James’s Park. Although no sovereign has resided there for almost two centuries, it has remained the official residence of the Sovereign and the most senior royal palace in the UK

Such formidable accounts of her ladyship, and her manner of living, quite frightened Maria Lucas who had been little used to company, and she looked forward to her introduction at Rosings with as much apprehension as her father had done to his presentation at St. James’s. (Chapter 29)

judged – to form an opinion or conclusion about

“Perhaps,” said Darcy, “I should have judged better, had I sought an introduction; but I am ill-qualified to recommend myself to strangers.” (Chapter 31)

K
kindred – family; similar people

“Can you possibly guess, Lizzy, who is meant by this?” ‘This young gentleman is blessed, in a peculiar way, with every thing the heart of mortal can most desire—splendid property, noble kindred, and extensive patronage. Yet in spite of all these temptations, let me warn my cousin Elizabeth, and yourself, of what evils you may incur by a precipitate closure with this gentleman’s proposals, which, of course, you will be inclined to take immediate advantage of.’ (Chapter 57)

kindness – an act intended to show kindness or good will; benevolence 

“I can no longer help thanking you for your unexampled kindness to my poor sister.” (Chapter 58)

L
licentiousness – lack of moral discipline

“And it is the more to be lamented, because there is reason to suppose as my dear Charlotte informs me, that this licentiousness of behaviour in your daughter has proceeded from a faulty degree of indulgence; though, at the same time, for the consolation of yourself and Mrs. Bennet, I am inclined to think that her own disposition must be naturally bad, or she could not be guilty of such an enormity, at so early an age.” (Chapter 48)

livery – clothing marked for a particular member of the aristocracy

The horses were post; and neither the carriage, nor the livery of the servant who preceded it, were familiar to them. (Chapter 56)

loo – a betting card game

On entering the drawing room she found the whole party at loo, and was immediately invited to join them; but suspecting them to be playing high she declined it, and making her sister the excuse, said she would amuse herself for the short time she could stay below, with a book. (Chapter 8)

M
missish – prim and sentimental

“You are not going to be missish, I hope, and pretend to be affronted at an idle report. For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?” (Chapter 57)

Michaelmas – the feast day of the archangel Michael, celebrated on September 29

“Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it, that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week.” (Chapter 1)

mortifications – humiliation; shame

“Let me thank you again and again, in the name of all my family, for that generous compassion which induced you to take so much trouble, and bear so many mortifications, for the sake of discovering them.” (Chapter 58)

N
Netherfield – the fictionalized estate that Mr. Bingley rents in Hertfordshire

“Was there no good in your affectionate behaviour to Jane while she was ill at Netherfield?” (Chapter 60)

noble – dignified; gallant; aristocratic; gracious

“Had you not been really amiable, you would have hated me for it; but in spite of the pains you took to disguise yourself, your feelings were always noble and just; and in your heart, you thoroughly despised the persons who so assiduously courted you.” (Chapter 60)

novelty – freshness; uniqueness; something new, original, and different that is interesting or exciting, though often for only a short time

He was as much awake to the novelty of attention in that quarter as Elizabeth herself could be, and unconsciously closed his book. (Chapter 11)

O
odious – horrible; loathsome; abhorrent

“How many letters you must have occasion to write in the course of a year! Letters of business, too! How odious I should think them!” (Chapter 10)

obeisance – a gesture of respect, such as a bow or a curtsy; honor; loyalty

The two gentlemen left Rosings the next morning, and Mr. Collins having been in waiting near the lodges, to make them his parting obeisance, was able to bring home the pleasing intelligence, of their appearing in very good health, and in as tolerable spirits as could be expected, after the melancholy scene so lately gone through at Rosings. (Chapter 37)

P
penance – remorse; a hardship endured to compensate for wrongdoing

It seemed like wilful ill-nature, or a voluntary penance, for on these occasions it was not merely a few formal inquiries and an awkward pause and then away, but he actually thought it necessary to turn back and walk with her. (Chapter 33)

preferment – promotion; advancement; elevation; upgrading;

pecuniary – financial; relating to money

His own father did not long survive mine, and within half a year from these events, Mr. Wickham wrote to inform me that, having finally resolved against taking orders, he hoped I should not think it unreasonable for him to expect some more immediate pecuniary advantage, in lieu of the preferment, by which he could not be benefited. (Chapter 35)

Note! Yes, I know that I added a few extra words in this mix. I had originally thought to have two words for each letter of the alphabet. However, I am anticipating some problems when I reach x and z. The extras are to make up for my latter deficiencies. Part 3 will follow tomorrow.

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Do You Speak Jane Austen? Part 1

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

 

Welcome to the Austenesque Reviews Touring Thursday visitors. My name is Regina Jeffers, and I write Jane Austen sequels and adaptations, as well as Regency romance. My newest book, Christmas at Pemberley is scheduled for release in late October, and I am currently working on a new Pride and Prejudice mystery, tentatively entitled The Murder Hole. (Trust me; the title will change several times before publication. It is the way of the publishing business.) Today, I am beginning a three-part examination of the differences in Regency era words and what we hear in contemporary usage. Take a look at some of my choices to determine whether you “speak Jane Austen.”

If you like what you see, please check out my website at www.rjeffers.com. There you will find news on my latest releases, excerpts from each of my books, my personal appearances/book signings, etc.

Part I: Do You Speak Jane Austen?

When my son was about three years of age, he shocked several onlookers at the mall by saying, “I have a splendid idea, if you would acquiesce.” You see, his mother is an avid Jane Austen fan, and he had heard me use such words in every day conversation. Of course, his “splendid” idea was to visit Kaybee Toys, but that is not the point. At that time, he “spoke Jane Austen.” Unfortunately, over the years, he has unlearned those phrases that were once so common. Now, he says “you know” to the point where his often-irrational mother has considered strangling him. (He is a coach, and athletes use the phrase to distraction. Yet, never fear. His mother is on the prowl, and I have banned the phrase “you know” from his speak while he is in my presence.)

So, I ask dear Readers, do you speak Jane Austen?

A
abhorrence – hatred and disgust

The sight of Miss Lucas was odious to her. As her successor in that house, she regarded her with jealous abhorrence. (Chapter 23)

acquiesce – to comply passively; to consent

Elizabeth was exceedingly pleased with this proposal, and felt persuaded of her sister’s ready acquiescence. (Chapter 25)

B
barouche-box – a luggage compartment at the front of a mid-sized carriage

“And if you will stay another month complete, it will be in my power to take one of you as far as London, for I am going there early in June, for a week; and as Dawson does not object to the barouche-box, there will be very good room for one of you—and indeed, if the weather should happen to be cool, I should not object to taking you both, as you are neither of you large.” (Chapter 37)

brooking – tolerating

I have not been used to submit to any person’s whims. I have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment.” (Chapter 56)

C
caprice – an inclination to change one’s mind impulsively; a whim

Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three-and-twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character. (Chapter 1)

condescension – a superior behavior and attitude

The subject elevated him to more than usual solemnity of manner, and with a most important aspect he protested that “he had never in his life witnessed such behaviour in a person of rank—such affability and condescension, as he had himself experienced from Lady Catherine. (Chapter 14)

D
dilatory – slow; tending to delay

His family knew him to be, on all common occasions, a most negligent and dilatory correspondent; but at such a time they had hoped for exertion. (Chapter 48)

E
exigence – a circumstance; a dilemma; a pressing situation

“In such an exigence, my uncle’s advice and assistance would be everything in the world; he will immediately comprehend what I must feel, and I rely upon his goodness.” (Chapter 46)

effusions – outpourings of emotion in writing or speech

“Let our first effusions be less insupportable than those of the generality of travelers.” (Chapter 27)

F
Fordyce’s Sermons – a popular manual of instruction for young women, which was written by James Fordye in 1766

Other books were produced, and after some deliberation he chose Fordyce’s Sermons. (Chapter 14)

felicity – great happiness

After a week spent in professions of love and schemes of felicity, Mr. Collins was called from his amiable Charlotte by the arrival of Saturday. (Chapter 25)

G
Gretna Green – a Scottish village on the English border; a famous place for runaways to get married; reportedly by the local blacksmith (over the anvil)

I am going to Gretna Green, and if you cannot guess with whom, I shall think you a simpleton, for there is but one man in the world I love, and he is an angel. (Chapter 47)

genteel – refined; cultured; well-bred

So much the man of fashion! So genteel and easy! (Chapter 9)

H
hauteur – arrogance; overbearing pride

A deeper shade of hauteur overspread his features, but he said not a word, and Elizabeth, though blaming herself for her own weakness, could not go on. (Chapter 18)

heinous – shockingly wicked; abominable

Let me then advise you, dear sir, to console yourself as much as possible, to throw off your unworthy child from your affection for ever, and leave her to reap the fruits of her own heinous offense. (Chapter 48)

I
invectives – abusive expressions

Mrs. Bennet, to whose apartment they all repaired, after a few minutes’ conversation together, received them exactly as might be expected; with tears and lamentations of regret, invectives against the villainous conduct of Wickham, and complaints of her own sufferings and ill-usage; blaming everybody but the person to whose ill-judging indulgence the errors of her daughter must principally be owing. (Chapter 47)

intercourse – conversation

Lady Catherine was extremely indignant on the marriage of her nephew; and as she gave way to all the genuine frankness of her character in her reply to the letter which announced its arrangement, she sent him language so very abusive, especially of Elizabeth, that for some time all intercourse was at an end. (Chapter 61)

(Over the next few days, the alphabetical list will continue. These choices are a few of my preferences. What are some of your favorite Regency words?)

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Excerpt from “Darcy’s Passions” – Darcy Calls on the Gardiners after Locating Lydia & Wickham

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

At Austen Authors (http://austenauthors.net), we are celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the events of Pride and Prejudice. In this excerpt, Darcy calls on the Gardiners to tell them he has located the wayward Lydia Bennet and the nefarious Mr. Wickham.

Friday brought Darcy a short letter from Georgiana. She and the Bingleys had traveled to Nottingham, and she told Darcy of a few items she purchased from the local merchants. The most important part of the letter was the last paragraph.

Now that Miss Bingley no longer examines this letter to comment on how much my handwriting resembles my brother’s, I can say what I wanted to tell you. Your sister, my darling Fitzwilliam, praises your efforts to save Miss Elizabeth, especially considering the mortifications you must be suffering at Mr. Wickham’s hands. You see, I have no doubt you have found him, and a resolution is at hand. I await your return and news of your success.

With love,

Georgiana

Reading the letter a second time, Darcy realized the blessing of having Georgiana as his sister rather than the impetuous Lydia Bennet. He held no doubt that Georgiana would gladly have suffered the public humiliation of rumors of her brief encounter with Mr. Wickham in order to save Miss Elizabeth where Lydia Bennet cared not for anyone but herself. The girl had refused his every attempt to save her reputation and that of her sisters. Miss Lydia and George Wickham deserved each other; Wickham would marry an embodiment of Mrs. Bennet; mayhap Darcy would have the final revenge.

In late afternoon, Darcy made a trip to Cheapside to speak to Mr. Gardiner. “I am sorry, Sir, but the master is within with his brother Bennet. Mr. Gardiner left specific orders that he not be disturbed,” the Gardiners’ butler explained.

Darcy had no desire to encounter Mr. Bennet; he did not want Elizabeth’s father to know to what extremes he had gone to save Elizabeth and her sisters. If he won Miss Elizabeth’s heart, he preferred to do so with her feeling a debt in accepting his hand in marriage. “I will return on the morrow, if that is acceptable?” Darcy said as he stepped away from the Gardiners’ door.

“The master will be home most of the day, Sir. His brother returns to Hertfordshire. I heard Mr. Gardiner say that

When he called on Mr. Gardiner the following day, he received a genuine welcome. “Mr. Darcy, it is so unexpected pleasure to see you again so soon. When Mr. Witmore said I had a visitor yesterday, I had no idea it was you; Mr. Bennet and I would have received you had we known.”

“It is of no consequence, Mr. Gardiner,” Darcy stated as he accepted the seat Gardiner indicated. “My business is of a delicate nature, and I purposely avoided Mr. Bennet’s knowledge of it.”

Mr. Gardiner said seriously, “You have my undivided attention, Sir.”

“As you are aware, I was with your niece Elizabeth when she received the news from Miss Bennet, which has distressed your family of late.”

“Elizabeth has told us of the comfort your presence provided her, but I do not understand how that affects you, Sir.” The knowledge that Elizabeth had spoken kindly of his effort to allay her fears soothed Darcy’s bruised ego. He wondered how she would react if Elizabeth ever discovered his secrecy. He prayed she would understand that he had to protect her; the tears she shed at the Lambton inn had torn his heart into pieces.

“Mr. Wickham’s relationship with my family has been a tenuous one, but my many dealings with the man has provided me intimate knowledge of his habits, which neither you nor your brother would have. My knowledge of George Wickham comes from the late Mr. Wickham being my father’s steward. Mr. Wickham and I attended Cambridge together, and I have dealt with him in such nefarious matters as this one on prior occasions. I brought that knowledge to London. I realize I have taken on more than is appropriate, but I pray you will forgive my intrusion into such a private matter when I tell you I have found Mr. Wickham and Miss Lydia and have spoken to them on several occasions regarding their folly.”

“You found them!” Mr. Gardiner’s relief showed upon his countenance. “I would gladly forgive your intrusion for such happy news. Where are they? Are they married?”

“They are not married,” Darcy said with regret, and Gardiner’s happiness faded. “But I have presented myself to both Mr. Wickham and to Miss Lydia as being your family’s agent in this matter. I concocted a prevarication, which I hope you will also forgive, to achieve an agreement with Mr. Wickham and your family. Yesterday, he applied for an ordinary license with the minister at St. Clements Church. He and Miss Lydia will be married in a little over a fortnight.”

Gardiner ran his fingers through his hair. He took a deep breath. “Mr. Darcy, my sister’s family will be ever in your debt.”

“When I spoke to Miss Lydia,” Darcy explained, “no matter what I offered as a logical reason for her leaving, the girl’s determination remains with Mr. Wickham. She openly expressed wanting nothing to do with ‘boring old Longbourn’ or with ‘sisters who never wanted to do anything that was adventurous.’ Miss Lydia believes Mr. Wickham plans to marry her as soon as his “luck” changes. She wants nothing to do with any of her ‘so-called’ friends. Despite my best arguments for her leaving, Miss Lydia speaks only of Mr. Wickham’s goodness.”

Although Darcy’s news astounded him, his niece’s lack of concern for her family, however, did not surprise Mr. Gardiner. “I fear only the two eldest Bennet sisters possess good sense, Mr. Darcy.  They are our favorites, as you can well imagine.” Darcy could easily imagine Elizabeth; he had done so every day since the assembly at Meryton, but he made no comment. Mr. Gardiner, he was certain, recognized Darcy’s affection for Elizabeth. Why else would he have become involved in this most private matter if he did not care about Elizabeth Bennet? He no longer attempted to deny his feelings for her. “I have suggested that Miss Lydia be married from your home. Obviously, she cannot return to Longbourn without bringing shame upon her sisters.”

“Of course, Mr. Darcy. That is most prudent. Mrs. Gardiner is to return to Gracechurch Street a bit later today. After services tomorrow, we will make arrangements to retrieve Lydia from her reprehensible employment.” Mr. Gardiner said tentatively, “From what Lizzy and my brother Bennet has said of Mr. Wickham’s true nature, I suspect the man has demanded a hefty sum to bring about this marriage.”

Darcy smiled somewhat stiffly. “As I explained earlier, I held a prior knowledge of Mr. Wickham’s weaknesses. I have attempted to use those failings against the man, and I have negotiated in your family’s behalf what I believe to be a manageable solution.” He paused and searched for the words to explain what he had done in Elizabeth’s name. “After three days of negotiations, I have promised Mr. Wickham the following: your future nephew will resign his position in the militia and accept a comparable one in the regulars; my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam has assisted me in locating a lieutenancy in Newcastle; Mr. Wickham’s debts in Brighton and Meryton will be paid; and as a dowry, Mr. Wickham will receive three thousand pounds.” He waited for the business savvy Mr. Gardiner to digest the terms.

“Likely close to five thousand pounds in total,” Gardiner calculated, and Darcy nodded his agreement. “It will be a strain on the Bennets’ finances, but my brother Phillips and I will share the expenses of my sister’s family.”

Darcy cleared his throat in trepidation. “Actually, I would take on the wedding’s expenses and Mr. Wickham’s placement.” He looked curiously at Elizabeth’s beloved uncle. Gardiner’s shock was evident, but Darcy had more to reveal. “It is my wish that neither Miss Elizabeth nor her father know of my involvement. It would not do to make my deeds known to those most innocent in this matter. I want no false gratitude.”

“You would have me wear borrowed feathers?” Mr. Gardiner said in disbelief. “I cannot allow you to assume such a debt, Mr. Darcy!”

“I will hear of no compromise,” Darcy insisted. “It is my conviction that if George Wickham’s worthlessness had been better known, it would be impossible for him to persuade any young woman of character to make an alliance without proper bonds. I knew of his low character, but my foolish pride would not permit me to make known the extent of his depravity. I once thought myself above his actions. However, I have come to realize if I had acted with honor, none of this would have been possible. I cared only for private affairs, and I did not consider the ramifications of Mr. Wickham’s evil on others.” Darcy would never speak of his sister’s shame, but he gave Mr. Gardiner to know that Mr. Wickham had betrayed Darcy’s family. He was obstinate about his involvement and would not relent, no matter how much Mr. Gardiner attempted to change his mind.

“Well, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Gardiner offered, “it seems you have Mr. Wickham’s life planned.”

Darcy laughed conspiratorially. “Mr. Wickham said something similar.”

Gardiner sighed and rumpled his hair again. “Will you join me for dinner, Sir?”

Darcy said apologetically, “I cannot, Mr. Gardiner, I have other obligations this evening.”

“When Mrs. Gardiner returns, I wish to discuss your proposal with her. Will you join us tomorrow evening as our guest?”

“It would be a pleasure to spend time with you and Mrs. Gardiner again.”

The men parted, each with a degree of satisfaction. Mr. Gardiner would see an end to the troubles Lydia had brought on the family; Darcy would preserve Elizabeth’s respectability and maintain his slim hopes that she would one day change her mind and marry him.

* * *

 “I will not change my mind, Mr. Gardiner.” Darcy renewed his obstinacy in acting as the sole benefactor in the Wickham matter for Mr. Gardiner had had second thoughts about taking credit for Darcy’s triumph.

“I cannot see my way clear to give voice to your scheme,” Gardiner insisted.

“Mr. Gardiner, I shall not relent. You must allow me to be of service to your family.”

Mrs. Gardiner’s hand rested on her husband’s arm. “Perhaps, it is best, my Dear,” she said encouragingly. “Mr. Darcy appears earnest in his request, and if you feel a need to make things right, I am certain that Mr. Darcy will consider his investment in Lydia’s future as a loan. You may repay our Derbyshire friend for his kindness.”

Darcy had no intention of considering his outlay as a loan, but he would not argue with the lady. It was quite obvious that Mrs. Gardiner recognized Darcy’s preference for their niece. A preference he hoped one day to make public.

“I must tell you, Mr. Darcy, we will be forever in your debt,” Mr. Gardiner began. “We accept your offer relucantly in hopes by doing so we maintain the respectability of Lydia’s more deserving sisters. They should have fulfilling lives despite their youngest sister’s folly.”

The Gardiners had the pleasure of Darcy’s company that evening for dinner, and Darcy had the pleasure of listening to them tell stories of Jane and Elizabeth as children and as young ladies growing up in the Bennet household. Those tales of Elizabeth’s precociousness most interested him, but he also took delight in learning more about Jane Bennet. He had misjudged her nature, and he knew making amends to Bingley must come soon. “Those two girls!” Mrs. Gardiner laughed so hard at the story she told that tears came to her eyes. “They would look at you and maintain their innocence, which was usually true for Jane, but not so much for Lizzy. Even when one was angry over what they had done, a person could not be upset with either of them. Their goodness would make me love them even when my favorite vase lay in a hundred pieces on the drawing room floor.” Darcy knew he could love Elizabeth with all his heart. He ached for her. Darcy had a fleeting remembrance of how his heart had jumped in his chest when he had discovered her at Pemberley. Placing a bland expression on his countenance, Darcy returned to the conversation.

The Gardiners’ own children joined them for part of the evening, and the rambunctious brood showed an interest in Mr. Darcy because he was a “favorite,” according to their parents, of both “Cousin Jane” and “Cousin Elizabeth.” Having children in the house made Darcy fancy Elizabeth even more than usual. It was a perfect way to end a most pleasurable evening.

On Monday, Darcy finalized the plans for the church, the transfer of funds to Lydia Bennet, and the purchasing of the commission. Calling on the Gardiners one last time, he found they had sent a dispatch to Longbourn with news of the impending marriage. Finally, he thought, Elizabeth will be free of all these provocations: She will be able to laugh again; he dearly missed that laugh. Lydia was coming to Gracechurch Street that day, and he would return to Pemberley on Wednesday. He would return to London for the actual wedding; Mr. Wickham had no one to stand up with him; plus, Darcy’s need for meticulous planning required he be there to assure nothing went awry before the nuptials.

This excerpt comes from chapter 14 of my first novel, Darcy Passions: Fitzwilliam Darcy’s Story. I am pleased to announce that Ulysses Press has sent Darcy’s Passions for a second printing. 

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How to Sell Your Memoir to a Literary Agent…

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

I am off to a writing conference where (from past experience) many in attendance will be hoping to find a literary agent for their “memoirs.” Although memoir writing is a common format, not everyone knows how to market his/her story. Literary agent, Janet Reid, offers some specific ideas on how to best “sell” your story to a publisher.

To read the complete article, join Janet Reid at http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2012/08/querying-memoir.html

 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 02, 2012

Querying memoir

A unforeseen but lovely benefit of the New Wrinkle Experiment is that I can hear back from writers about things that were confusing in the directions, on my website, or other places where I’ve yammered about queries.

One such confusion is about how to query memoir.

Memoir is sold like novels (they have to be finished before you query) even though it is non-fiction.  Several people read that sentence and interpreted it to mean they should write the query letter in the third person.  This makes sense when you think of how many times you’ve heard not to write your query in the first person of your character (and since your memoir’s main character is you) so, ok third person it is.

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