The River Lea plays a major role in one of the most dramatic scenes in Lyon’s Obsession, but I imagine many readers of the tale may know nothing of it. For example, how close to London is it? As it flows into the Thames, it is likely closer than one would think.
For example, I am a big Ted Lasso fan. If you are also, you would know that Richmond, where the make believe football (soccer) team played, is some ten miles from London proper. Not a great distance nowadays, but it the Regency era that was, at least, an hour and a half drive for a well sprung coach.
Bow Locks near Bromley-by-Bow, London – which allow passage between the tidal Bow Creek section of the River Lea-Lee Navigation and the Limehouse Cut (part of a canal).The locks are administered by British Waterways. ~ Wikipedia ~ CC BY-SA 1.0
Same goes for the River Lea. It originates in Bedfordshire in the Chiltern Hills and flows southeast through Hertfordshire, along the Essex border and into Greater London. It meets the River Thames at Bow Creek. It is one of the largest rivers in London and the easternmost major tributaries of the Thames. It has been made more and more navigable for boats by the Lee Navigation.
The River Lea is a major tributary of the River Thames. It has a long association with navigation, as the marshes of Walthamstow have produced a dugout canoe from the Bronze Age and parts of a Saxon barge. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, the river was used by Viking raiders, and King Alfred changed the level of the river to strand Guthrum and his fleet. [ Boyes & Russell 1977, pp. 22–23.] In more peaceful times, it became important for the transport of grain from Hertfordshire, but navigation of its southernmost tidal reaches of Bow Creek were difficult due to its tortuous meanders. one can find an interesting chart regarding Lee Navigation HERE.
The point I am making here is to write good historical stories, a true writer does his/her research, even something that might be only a line or two in the mix of an 80,000 words+ tale. It is important to have it right and matched with the time period.
For example:
The man in black had directed Theodora along a narrow path through the woods surrounding the house. She had forgotten there was a tributary of the Thames in this area—the River Lea began in Bedfordshire, in the Chiltern Hills, and flowed southeast through Hertfordshire and into Greater London to meet the Thames at Bow Creek, though the man proudly told her so as he spoke of her death in the river. Although her captor called her a variety of derogatory names, Dora set herself a reasonable pace so she would not be so winded when she attempted to run away from the man. When the time came, it would be necessary for her to be in a position to fight.
Within a few minutes, they exited the woods, and the land sloped downward towards the river. The house had been closer to the stream than she had expected. A small pier reached out into the river, though it had missing boards and looked too flimsy to support both her weight and that of the man who still held a gun on her.
“The water is quite deep at this time of year,” her captor taunted. “Lots of rain, but you know London’s weather, likely better than do I, Lady Theodora. With your skirts and the pelisse and all, it might be difficult for you to stay afloat. Moreover, I hope you have noticed the current is quite swift?”
“You truly mean to do this?” she demanded.
“Naturally. I wish your father to suffer, and what better way than to kill the last of Lord Duncan’s family, just as he killed the last of mine. When the authorities discover you, perhaps they will think you knew a broken heart and either accidentally fell in or jumped.”
Lyon’s Obsession: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father’s house since Duncan became Marksman’s guardian when his lordship was but twelve. Her father’s estate marches along with Marksman’s, and they had shared multiple words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman’s peerage, had sold Alexander’s mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected Theodora’s abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real family again.
One of the things we learn of the antagonist in this tale is his former life as a pirate or privateer. What do we know of such men? My dear friend Lauren Gilbert has a most excellent piece on “pirates,” and so I am quoting her here: “The hey-day of piracy as we think of it was during the 1700’s in the Caribbean and was dominated by Blackbeard (Edward Teach), Henry Morgan, Jean Lafitte. It was largely suppressed by English and American navies by Jane Austen’s time.
“The Barbary pirates, also known as corsairs, were very active during the Georgian era. They were based in northern coast of Africa, in Morocco, Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli. These were separate nations but all were ruled by the Ottoman Empire. They plundered ships in Mediterranean, and frequented the Adriatic and the seas around Ireland and Iceland. They were known for holding people of means or status for ransom, and for taking slaves as well as merchandise. (They needed roughly 200 men per ship to man the oars of their galleys.) They favoured galleys which were fast and easy to manoeuver in shallow waters; they also liked to disguise themselves as merchant ships. The Barbary pirates were active during the Regency era (they were not completely suppressed until the Victorian era). Byron’s poem “The Corsair” was a romance inspired by them.
“Privateers were privately owned ships whose owners had letters of marque from their own government authorizing seizure of enemy ships, especially trade ships. There was a very thin line between privateers and pirates: many privateers exceeded their license, and one king’s privateer was another’s pirate. Privateers were still present during the Regency era and eers usually held no scruples about exceeding their letters of marque if profit ensued. An interesting side note: by the Regency era, pirates wore what normal gentlemen did: boots, trousers or breeches, shirts with stocks and coats.” (Piracy During the Late Georgian Era)
I have written several books of late where the hero or heroine or both must cross the Irish Sea. You will see this again in book 3 of this series when Lord Beaufort returns to Ireland for part of the book. There were several points in Wales and Scotland to cross, depending on where one was headed in Ireland. Crossing from those point, generally, meant the person was headed to Dublin or further north. One could also cross with some regularity out of Bristol, England, but those crossings were customarily headed to Cork City in County Cork. Those crossing to Cork were often plagued by pirates or privateers. What was the difference?
By the Regency era, the focus of piracy had shifted, with the Barbary Corsairs operating from North Africa being a primary concern in the Mediterranean, primarily targeting ships for slaves rather than plunder.
However, it is important to distinguish between pirates and privateers. Privateers, authorized by their governments through letters of marque, [Marque derives from the Old English mearc, which is from the Germanic *mark-, which means boundary, or boundary marker.]were essentially legal pirates, sanctioned to seize enemy ships during wartime. This blurry line between legality and outright piracy existed in the Irish Sea during this period, particularly during conflicts like the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812.
Beyond official privateering, smuggling was a pervasive form of maritime crime in the Irish Sea and along the British coast during the Regency era. Taxed goods like tea, brandy, and silks were commonly smuggled in and out of England, especially along the English Channel and areas near the Irish Sea. Smuggling operations were often elaborate and carried out by organized gangs, sometimes with the tacit complicity of local communities who benefited from the trade and feared retaliation from the smugglers. The British government struggled to effectively combat smuggling, particularly during wartime when naval resources were stretched thin.
Enjoy this short excerpt:
“Did you realize Theodora just left the house with a gentleman?” Alexander asked. Viewing Dora on the arm of another man had shaken Alexander more than he would care to admit. Seeing her with Justin Hartley was one thing, but with a man he knew only by name but one Alexander would make it his business to learn more of, had rattled him thoroughly. Since, as long as he could recall, the “dream” was to marry Theodora. They were to see Duncan into old age with grandchildren all about and adoring their grandfather.
When Duncan did not respond, meaning Theodora’s business was none of Alexander’s concern, Xander began again, “You sent for me? Hopefully, you have new information on Honfleur. I am exhausted from trailing him about town. Most days it appears he takes great pleasure in leading me from one tea party to the next. I believe the man possesses a hollow leg. I never knew anyone who could drink a good twenty cups of tea in a day without carrying a chamber pot about.”
Duncan ignored Alexander’s attempt at levity, a warning of what the earl meant to share was extremely important, and, so, Alexander sobered quickly.
“You best sit down,” Duncan advised without looking up from the paper his lordship held in his hands to meet Alexander’s worried expression—a fact which sent a shiver of dread down Alexander’s spine.
“That bad?” Alexander asked as he claimed a seat before Duncan’s desk. “Has the situation with Honfleur escalated? Has something occurred with Miss Moreau? I have not viewed even a glimpse of her since that night at the inn. Has Honfleur sent her away?”
Duncan eyed him with a peculiar look. “You have developed a strong interest in the lass,” he said sagely. “It is not wise to forget she is part of Honfleur’s family.”
Alexander shrugged his response. He knew his obsession with Miss Moreau was not appropriate, but he could not seem to keep the woman from his mind. “I believe she fears Honfleur,” he confessed.
“I would think anyone who does not fear Honfleur would be making a mistake,” Duncan stated plainly.
“I comprehend your warning,” Alexander responded in seriousness. “I assume you have additional information regarding the marquis, and you mean to remind me of our obligation to this investigation.”
“Aye, but not as you assume,” Duncan said gravely.
“Then perhaps we should skip the various warnings and come to the point,” Alexander suggested.
Duncan cleared his throat before retrieving another letter from his desk drawer. “I have heard from our agents in France, and it is as we expected: Honfleur is not a marquis.”
“I knew such was true,” Alexander declared with glee. “What else did we learn?”
“Honfleur is not French at all. He is British.”
“Such explains the combination of French and English he often uses,” Alexander observed. “I should have realized his use of French was odd, especially as Miss Moreau’s English has tones of the Lake District in it. Now that I think about it, when I asked the lady if Honfleur was English, all she said was her parents were English, and Honfleur was her mother’s half-brother, who came for her when she was in Honduras.”
“We have information saying Honfleur captained a ship in the West Indies and along the coast of America, making a living essentially as a privateer and running brandy and rum and other goods where there was a market.”
Lyon’s Obsession: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father’s house since Duncan became Marksman’s guardian when his lordship was but twelve. Her father’s estate marches along with Marksman’s, and they had shared multiple words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman’s peerage, had sold Alexander’s mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected Theodora’s abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real family again.
We have all heard tales of pots of gold buried at the ends of rainbows, but do you know from where many of those tales originate. Some believe the tales come from the Vikings’ invasion of Ireland in 795 A.D. As the Vikings were known for hiding gold and jewels in undisclosed locations, the idea of their burying a pot filled with gold was easy to imagine. And, as it often with the Irish (whose blood runs through my veins), the assumptions became familiar tales and soon those tales spread, leaving Ireland’s shores for new country and adventures.
In the legends, leprechauns were quick to trick the humans. One of my favorite cereals is Lucky Charms, and we all know the commercials. The most iconic line associated with the Lucky Charms leprechaun, voiced by Arthur Anderson for many years, is “They’re always after me Lucky Charms!”. Another memorable line is, “They’re magically delicious,”
The History and Science Behind Pots of Gold and Rainbows, tells us, “Folklore depicts leprechauns as mistrustful creatures who detest humans. According to legend, leprechauns found the abandoned gold and buried it again so no human could ever find it. The old folktales tell us that there is a pot of gold hidden where the end of any rainbow touches the earth. Unfortunately, science tells us that rainbows do not have an end since their arch shape is an illusion! Rainbows are actually full circles reflected from raindrops, which we can normally only see when we are up very high, in an airplane or on a mountain. Rainbows also seem to move farther away from us as we move toward them (also due to their illusory nature) making for some frustrated treasure seekers!”
Enjoy this short excerpt:
Of late, Alexander’s desire for her had grown, but Theodora was like searching for the illusive pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, and he assuredly was not worth anything near a pot of gold in either wealth or reputation. Yet, when around her, he wanted Dora with a desire so primitive Alexander could not put words to his feelings. The sum of the matter said he simply could not imagine his life without her.
Though she had bitten her bottom lip to keep from protesting, he tugged her into his embrace. Even so, she remained defiantly stiff. A will-’o-the-wisp tended to be difficult to catch, but when one had it in his grasp, a person should never let it go, and Alexander would not release Theodora now.
“Are you going to agree to marry me, Dora?” he asked as he leaned down to nibble on her ear.
“No,” she said again, but the sting had disappeared from her tone.
“Then who am I to marry?” he asked as he peppered her cheeks with kisses. “Do you wish to view me with another?”
“No,” she repeated, but it was more of a whimper.
“You still wish to marry me, and I still wish to marry you. I suggest we cease fighting and plan how we may move forward.”
“Is it not too late?” she asked, but even she must have heard hints of hope in her tone.
“Do you not know? It is never too late.” With that, he covered her mouth with his.
Lyon’s Obsession: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father’s house since Duncan became Marksman’s guardian when his lordship was but twelve. Her father’s estate marches along with Marksman’s, and they had shared multiple words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman’s peerage, had sold Alexander’s mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected Theodora’s abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real family again.
In 1800s England, milestones were crucial markers along turnpike roads, indicating distances to towns and facilitating travel. They were essential for navigation, helping travelers and coaches with distances and timings. Milestones also helped in calculating postal charges before the uniform postal system was introduced.
Milestones were primarily used to indicate distances along turnpike roads, aiding travelers, coaches, and postal services.
Location: They were placed at regular intervals along the roads, often on the right-hand side for convenient reference.
Material and Design: Milestones were typically made of stone, but cast iron was also used, especially for mileposts. The designs varied, with some being cylindrical and others rectangular.
Evolution: While initially simple markers, milestones became more standardized and uniform in design during the Victorian era.
Historical Significance: Despite their decline, milestones are now recognized as important historical artifacts, reflecting England’s transportation history.
There is even a Milestone Society in the UK. The Society’s purpose is to encourage people – Highways and Local Authorities, Parishes, civic societies, local history groups, individuals – to look after their local milestones, which are at risk from neglect, vandalism, vehicle impacts and road works. But to use the appropriate materials, with due regard to permissions and safety – do read through their guidance notes.
Short Excerpt from Lyon’s Obsession, Chapter Fourteen:
Duncan ignored the maid’s question. “Where did you and my daughter leave Lord Almano?” Duncan growled. His face was taut with worry.
“The young mistress swore me to secrecy, my lord,” the maid said nervously.
“You heard me,” Duncan hissed. “And if you value your position, you will not waste one more second of my time!”
Alexander interpreted, “The count has taken your mistress. We must find her.”
Winston nodded her understanding. “He said he would find a means to even their encounter.”
“I require a quick explanation, Winston,” Duncan ordered.
She turned to them. “Originally, my lady and the count were to view the Elgin Marbles, but he set his gig for a different destination. When Lady Theodora finally realized our traveling so far, she ordered him to return her to this house. We were in the country, my lord. About three miles just outside the city,” the maid explained while wringing her hands in obvious worry.
“What was his destination?” Duncan pressed for more information.
“I cannot say with assurance, my lord,” Winston said solemnly. “Lady Theodora demanded he stop the gig, and, when he would not, I convinced him with my Queen Anne pistol.”
“Which road?” Duncan asked as he led the way to his office to retrieve his guns.
“At the corner. To the right. No turns,” Winston described as she followed her master about the room. Meanwhile, Alexander also claimed several of the guns Duncan did not use, along with a box with the necessary ammunition. “No turns, sir,” the maid repeated. “Past the jeweler where Lord Orson’s telescope was engraved. Past the houses rimming the city. Finally, thinned out significantly.”
“Any milestones?” Duncan questioned.
“Charing Cross the opposite way. Two towards Newham,” the maid said.
Alexander was impressed with how well Winston kept her composure.
“Anything else you can recall?” Duncan asked as he headed towards the main door.
“When Lady Theodora demanded the count turn the gig around, the count said there was a lane up ahead where he could turn the gig about. Afterwards, I wondered how he knew of the lane if he had recently arrived from Italy.”
“And you were where?” Duncan implored.
“Past West Ham Marsh and on the left-hand side—my left as I was facing the back of the gig—there were three cottages close together, all a pinkish white,” the maid provided. “Lots of flowers before them, as if they had all been planted by the same person.”
“No one is to speak of this to anyone inside or outside this house,” Duncan ordered.
Lyon’s Obsession: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father’s house since Duncan became Marksman’s guardian when his lordship was but twelve. Her father’s estate marches along with Marksman’s, and they had shared multiple words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman’s peerage, had sold Alexander’s mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected Theodora’s abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real family again.
Okay, 82% of my DNA is made up of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Scotland is one of the biggest chunks of that. One of my great grandfathers was John MacComie (Iain Mor), 7th Chief of Clan MacThomas. The Clan MacThomas was described in a roll of the clans, in the Acts of Parliament of 1587 and 1595, and they were known to the government in Edinburgh as Macthomas. The seventh chief was John Mccomie (Iain Mòr) who has passed into the folklore of Perthshire. Tax collectors, particularly those of the Earl of Atholl seem to have been offensive to him. The Earl employed a champion swordsman from Italy to slay Mccomie but the swordsman was himself slain by Mccomie.
When I traveled to Disney World with my son and his family several years back, I was quite disappointed for I only saw my favorite Disney princess once. That is Merida from “Brave.” One of things I like about Merida is she chooses her own path to travel, and she does not require a prince to save her. Yada, Yada! The film was released in 2012, but no one then was complaining about the prince not saving Snow White. Yet, that is another story for current times, not the purpose of this post.
In the film, when the clans arrive to bring their suitors from which Merida is to choose, I automatically scream “Macintosh” along with the voice over from Craig Ferguson. My granddaughters always looked at me curiously, but only recently have I explained that my 9th Great-Grandfather on my father’s side is the 7th Chieftain of the clan, John Mccomie (Iain Mòr), who I have mentioned above. You see, the reason I screamed “Mackintosh,” was the fact that the progenitor of the Clan MacThomas was Thomas, who was a Scottish Gaelic speaking Highlander. He was known as Tomaidh Mòr and it is from him that the clan takes its name. He was a grandson of William Mackintosh, 7th chief of Clan Mackintosh and 8th chief of the Chattan Confederation. [Way, George and Squire, Romily. Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). Published in 1994. Pages 258–259.]
If you seen the film, Merida chases the Will-o’-the-Wisp to the cabin where she receives a secret potion. But what exactly is a Will-o’-the-Wisp and what does all this talk of Scotland have to do with “Lyon’s Obsession“?
In folklore, a will-o’-the-wisp, will-o’-wisp, or ignis fatuus (Latin for ‘foolish flame’), generally found over bogs, swamps or marshes. [Phipson, T. L. (October 1868). “Will-o’-the-wisp”. Belgravia. Vol. 6. London: Robson and Son. p. 392.]
The phenomenon is known in the United Kingdom by a variety of names, including jack-o’-lantern,friar’s lantern, and hinkypunk, and is said to mislead and/or guide travellers by resembling a flickering lamp or lantern. [Trevelyan, Marie (1909). Folk-Lore and Folk-Stories of Wales. London: Elliot Stock. p. 178.] Equivalents of the will-o’-the-wisps appear in European folklore by various names, e.g., ignis fatuus in Latin, feu follet in French, Irrlicht or Irrwisch in Germany. Equivalents occur in traditions of cultures worldwide. In North America the phenomenon is known as the Paulding Light in Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Spooklight in Southwestern Missouri and Northeastern Oklahoma, and St. Louis Light in Saskatchewan. In Arab folklore it is known as Abu Fanous.
In folklore, will-o’-the-wisps are typically attributed as ghosts, fairies or elemental spirits meant to reveal a path or direction. These wisps are portrayed as dancing or flowing in a static form, until noticed or followed, in which case they visually fade or disappear. Modern science can explain how these images are formed, but that is not the purpose of this post.
The Will o’ the Wisp and the Snake by Hermann Hendrich ~ Public Domain
Short Excerpt from Lyon’s Obsession:
Alexander had always been a man who liked perfect order in his world. His childhood had been so chaotic that once he had come under Lord Duncan’s steady hand and had learned something of “order,” Xander had discovered he enjoyed the feeling of knowing what to expect. However, his attachment to Theodora was everything but “orderly.”
He instinctively moved closer to her. Beaufort occasionally called Dora c lúacán, meaning “a sprite.” According to his friend, the cluricaune is one of three different solitary fairies in Ireland, the other two being a “far darrig” and the other a leprechaun. In Scotland, some would call Theodora a will-o’-the-wisp because a wisp is often misleading or elusive.
Like the will-’o-the-wisp, Theodora had been dropped into Alexander’s life. He had once promised to find his mother and share her with Theodora, who had lost Lady Elsbeth when she was quite young.
Without his cognizance of the situation, Dora had been dropped into his life when he had been brought under her father’s roof, and she had changed Alexander forever. Hard to admit, but, sometimes, he desired her so much it hurt. Other times, she made him quite livid with anger.
Lyon’s Obsession: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father’s house since Duncan became Marksman’s guardian when his lordship was but twelve. Her father’s estate marches along with Marksman’s, and they had shared multiple words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman’s peerage, had sold Alexander’s mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected Theodora’s abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real family again.
An 18th-century drawing of ear trumpets ~ Frederic Dekkers ~ Public Domain
An ear trumpet is a tubular or funnel-shaped device which collects sound waves and leads them into the ear. As far back as the 17th century, ear trumpets were being used. In his work, Recreations mathématiques (1634) was the earliest description of an ear trumpet. It was written by French Jesuit priest and mathematician, Jean Leurechon. By the late 18th Century, ear trumpets were made by instrument makers on a one-off basis. The Townsend Trumpet was made by deaf educator John Townsend. The Reynolds Trumpet was built especially for the famous painter of the period, Joshua Reynolds and the Daubeney Trumpet.
“The first firm to begin commercial production of the ear trumpet was established by Frederick C. Rein in London in 1800. In addition to producing ear trumpets, Rein also sold hearing fans and speaking tubes. These instruments helped concentrate sound energy, while still being portable. However, these devices were generally bulky and had to be physically supported from below. Later, smaller, hand-held ear trumpets and cones were used as hearing aids. [Levitt, H. “Digital hearing aids: wheelbarrows to ear inserts.” ASHA Leader 12, no. 17 (December 26, 2007): 28-30.]
“Rein was commissioned to design a special acoustic chair for the ailing King of Portugal, John VI of Portugal in 1819. The throne was designed with ornately carved arms that looked like the open mouths of lions. These holes acted as the receiving area for the acoustics, which were transmitted to the back of the throne via a speaking tube, and into the king’s ear. [ “Concealed Hearing Devices of the 19th Century”] Finally in the late 1800s, the acoustic horn, which was a tube that had two ends, a cone that captured sound, and was eventually made to fit in the ear. [ Howard, Alexander. “Hearing Aids: Smaller and Smarter.” New York Times, November 26, 1998.]
“Johann Nepomuk Mälzel began manufacturing ear trumpets in the 1810s. He notably produced ear trumpets for Ludwig van Beethoven, who was starting to go deaf at the time. These are now kept in the Beethoven Museum in Bonn.“
So how does an ear trumpet fit into a Regency romantic suspense/mystery series? The answer is simple: Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, owner of the Lyon’s Den.
You see, Mrs. Dove-Lyon does not much care for Alexander Dutton, Lord Marksman. Those of you who have read book one of this series will recall that Alexander is Lord Macdonald Duncan’s youngest adopted son. Like the youngest of most families, Alexandr is impetuous, impatient, impulsive . . . Choose an “im” word, and it is likely to fit Alexander. If you have read the many stories set around the Lyon’s Den, you know Mrs. Dove-Lyon is a no-nonsense type of woman. “Hard” when difficult decisions are required. “Soft” when, well those moments are private.
Anyway, when Alexander and Lord Duncan call on her for a favor, Mrs. Dove-Lyon speaks to Alexander’s immaturity. [Enjoy this short excerpt from Chapter Sixteen of Lyon’s Obsession. – [Note this excerpt was added before the book has been edited by Dragonblade, but it will remain much the same.]
“I know I am a doting father, but I viewed the young lady who is part of this evening’s bet and your matchmaking and wondered upon her parents and their approval. Though she was very comely of face, I did not consider her lovelier than my Theodora, but she had three suitors.” He paused briefly. “I feel as if I have not done justice by my child if she was willing to submit to public scrutiny.”
“In truth, my lord,” the woman responded with real understanding laced in her tones, “the gentlemen I have approached regarding Lady Theodora were intimidated by your place in society, as well as expressing not wishing for a wife who obviously loves another.” She turned her gaze on Alexander. “Pardon my saying so, Lord Marksman, it is common knowledge that you intend to marry Lady Theodora. Why would any gentleman choose to go against Lord Macdonald Duncan’s wishes for his daughter and the possibility of facing you in an unlawful duel on the heath, my lord?”
“What has Lady Theodora offered you?” Alexander asked, ignoring the woman’s insinuations, for they were exactly what he had expected: It was he who had ruined Theodora, not in the traditional manner of the word, but by permitting himself too much latitude with Dora before he had actually spoken his proposal.
“My usual fee ranges from one thousand pounds to twenty-five hundred, but then there is a more substantial fee from the gentleman,” she explained. “That is if he earns the lady’s consent by winning a bet between the contenders.”
“But if there are no other contenders, how might there be a bet?” Alexander argued.
Mrs. Dove-Lyon leaned forward to ask, “Do you intend on winning Lady Theodora’s consent, my lord?”
“You wish me to agree to some foolish bet,” Alexander accused.
“Nothing more than I might ask of another suitor,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon countered.
“Lady Theodora will agree to marry me without all these ‘foolish’ wagers,” Alexander protested.
“True,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon said with a slow nod of her head, “but it is my opinion her ladyship will always wonder if you love her enough to know a bit of embarrassment to claim her. Lady Emma, for example, said she proposed to Lord Orson before a crowd of his peers to prove her devotion to his lordship. Your brother, in my opinion, is a better man, for he will never doubt the affection of his wife. Do you not think Lady Theodora also deserves to live without doubt?”
“Should I also make a public proposal?” Alexander asked, becoming a bit miffed at himself for seeking Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s opinion.
“When I spoke to Lady Theodora and Lady Emma, we three agreed your weakness lies not in your self-doubt but, rather, in your misplaced self-worth. We, you see, agreed that you often speak your opinions when you should be listening to those of others.”
Duncan’s poorly-disguised chuckle said his lordship agreed. While Alexander swallowed his retort, Mrs. Dove-Lyon offered her challenge, “The young ladies and I thought it might be appropriate if you spent a day in Parliament with a large ear trumpet and a small mask for your mouth, so you might listen and not speak. I understand a collapsible ear trumpet has been made on a one-off basis for special clients. Even the ever-famous Joshua Reynolds sported one in the late 1700s. Frederick Rein, right here in London, produces ear trumpets. His business even sells hearing fans and speaking tubes to concentrate the sound, but I suppose you do not require those accoutrements.” The woman laughed aloud. “Please inform me if any part of this proposition appeals to you, and I shall be glad to serve as Miss Duncan’s matchmaker.”
Lyon’s Obsession: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father’s house since Duncan became Marksman’s guardian when his lordship was but twelve. Her father’s estate marches along with Marksman’s, and they had shared multiple words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman’s peerage, had sold Alexander’s mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected Theodora’s abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real family again.
In book 2 of my new Dragonblade Mystery/Suspense Series, Lyon’s Obsession, one of the more complicated characters assumes the name Marquis of Honfleur (Lord Honfleur). Nowadays, our heroes would immediately be able to check out the man’s credentials, but this series is set in early 1812 to mid 1813, meaning in the middle of the Napoleonic War. Sneaking in and out of France was not of the faint of heart, shall we say. But what do we know of Honfleur?
In present time, Honfleur is a commune (administrative division of the French Republic) in the Calvados department in northwestern France, meaning it is in northwest Normandy. (Yes, the same Normandy we read about as part of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, in World War II). It is located on the southern bank of the estuary of the Seine across from Le Havre and very close to the exit of the Pont de Normandie, along the English Channel.
History of Honfleur in relation to my storyline: The first written record of Honfleur is a reference by Richard III, Duke of Normandy, in 1025. By the middle of the 12th century, the city represented a significant transit point for goods from Rouen to England. At the end of the Hundred Years’ War, Honfleur benefited from the boom in maritime trade until the end of the 18th century. The wars of the French Revolution and the First Empire, and in particular the continental blockade, caused the ruin of Honfleur. It only partially recovered during the 19th century with the trading of wood from northern Europe. Trade was however limited by the silting up of the entrance to the port and development of the modern port at Le Havre.
Eugène Boudin, Navires dans le Port à Honfleur, 1856, Princeton University Art Museum ~ Public Domain
Short Excerpt from Chapter Two, where our heroes learn of Lord Honfleur:
“Speaking of other conspirators,” Richard said with a large grin. “I learned something of the mysterious count that Aaran mentioned on Monday. He turns out to be a French marquis, not a count, after all.”
“From whom did you learn this information?” Duncan inquired.
“From Lord Godfrey,” Richard explained. “His lordship and I both returned to Madame Emmeline’s modiste to retrieve our ladies within a minute or so of each other. However, Madame Emmeline explained there was a slight delay. After congratulating me on my upcoming marriage to Emma, Godfrey began to claim his own personal triumph. It seems the Marquis of Honfleur will arrive in London in time to attend Lady Godfrey’s masque.”
“Has this marquis let a home?” Duncan asked.
“Yes, the one belonging to Lord Amgen,” Richard declared with a smile. “Amgen lets out the house regularly while he takes rooms in London for the Season.”
“Not the most fashionable address, but still respectable,” Beaufort remarked.
“Who else travels with the marquess?” Duncan asked as if he was already strategizing, which Alexander suspected such was true for his lordship. The man’s brain never took a rest.
“His daughter and his niece,” Richard confirmed, “but in accepting Lady Godfrey’s invitation, it will only be Honfleur and his daughter.”
“Why not the niece?” Theodora asked.
“None of us know,” Richard explained. “Perhaps the niece is a poor relation serving somehow in the man’s household as a companion or something along those lines.”
“Richard, would you send what you learned to Hartley, so he might discover what he may from our contacts on the Continent? Where is the area known as Honfleur?”
“I believe it is a port in Normandy, sir,” Beaufort said.
“Thank you, Navan, but do we know, with the war whether it is located a stable area of France? How long has this man been the Marquis of Honfleur? Is it a blood line title? Those sorts of inquiries.”
“Yes, sir. I understand.”
“I should do the same at the embassy.” Donoghue said, though none of them thought the British embassy’s staff would be of much use.
“When is this masque?” Duncan asked. “Should we expect Lord Honfleur to be out and about in society soon? Do we have time to put men in place to observe his comings and goings?”
“This upcoming Thursday,” Theodora answered, “but I had not initially accepted because I did not wish you to overextend yourself, my lord.”
“I should be there,” Duncan instructed. “You will send our pleasures, Theodora.”
“Yes, Papa, but no dancing, and we are leaving early,” Theodora instructed.
“I promise to sit as much as possible,” Duncan assured. “I know my limits.”
Lyon’s Obsession: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father’s house since Duncan became Marksman’s guardian when his lordship was but twelve. Her father’s estate marches along with Marksman’s, and they had shared multiple words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman’s peerage, had sold Alexander’s mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected Theodora’s abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real family again.
Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman, was the next to last of the five boys Lord Macdonald Duncan took in to raise as his sons. Alexander was, however, the oldest at age 12, when he actually came to live with Duncan. The other four boys were all around nine to eleven when they came under Duncan’s care.
I suppose I should explain that Lord Duncan and his late wife, Lady Elsbeth, tried and tried again to conceive children. They had their daughter Theodora, who is Alexander’s love interest in this tale, but experienced miscarriage after miscarriage until Lady Elsbeth died in childbirth.
Alexander’s father and mother ran off to marry because Lady Madelyn Smithfield was engaged to another. Because their marriage severed important marriage contracts and cost them retributions, both the Honorable Robert Dutton and Lady Madelyn were disowned by their respective families. They were presented a farm by his father, and she had a small allowance from her maternal grandmother, but neither had the skills to survive such a life.
Madelyn adapted quicker, but Robert Dutton began to drink and drink and drink. They lost the farm and were forced to move again and again until they lived in one room in London’s slews. Alexander was born into those conditions and spent much of his life navigation their existence. A few years later, the Duttons had a daughter, who they named “Annalise.” That daughter is the heroine of book 3 of this series.
Anyway, Robert makes the decision to sell his wife and daughter at a marketplace. Robert tells himself such is better for his “womenfolk,” but it is an act that sends him further into depression and drinking. Before any of you criticize this plot point, it was, for a time, legal for a man to sell his wife as a means of a divorce. Please recall that for a lord of the Realm to divorce, it was a very public matter before the House of Lords. The line in the marriage vows of “two shall become one” was taken seriously.
Alexander was a bit over 8 years old when he watched his mother and sister sail away on a ship.
So how did Alexander make his way from living in London’s slums to becoming the 12th Earl Marksman? FATE and my steady black ballpoint pen both played a big part in the story.
Alexander’s father, whose backstory we know from above was the Honourable Mr. Robert Dutton and the fourth son of the 9th Earl Marksman. As I said above, Robert was disowned when he eloped with another man’s betrothed, bringing shame on the family.
When Lord Jonathan Dutton, 9th Earl Marksman (Alexander’s grandfather) dies, the eldest son Lawrence becomes the 10th Earl Marksman. However, he dies of a heart attack shortly after his succession to the peerage, and Lawrence had only sired daughters. The earldom was to pass through the male line.
The second son Richard was to succeed Lawrence, but Richard dies in a duel on the Continent and does not even know he was to be the 11th Earl Marksman.
The third son Evert Dutton rushes home when the news reaches him of Richard’s demise, but Evert is thrown from his horse and dies without succeeding to the peerage.
Robert is found by Lord Macdonald Duncan in London’s slums and is brought home to become the 11th Earl Marksman. It is said that Robert’s greatest achievement was to live long enough to claim the earldom for his son, Alexander.
Finally, when his father dies, Alexander becomes the 12th Earl Marksman, and comes to live under Duncan’s care until he is old enough to claim the peerage. BTW, Alexander’s and Duncan’s estates march along together in Derbyshire.
Convoluted, I admit, but is it not deliciously coincidental. LOL!
Lady Theodora Duncan is the only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan and his wife Lady Elsbeth. She is raised in the same household as each of Duncan’s “sons,” beginning with Lord Richard Orson, who shared a love of astronomy with Lady Elsbeth, who was followed by Lord Aaran Graham, a child of one of Duncan’s tenants, whose story is more twisted than is Alexander’s, and then by Lord Navan Beaufort, an Irish earl whose parents were slaughtered in an attempted takeover of the earldom.
Lord Duncan is the senior lord of the Scottish delegation as part of the United Kingdom’s House of Lords. He also leads a division of the Home Office and trains each of the young men he protects to be agents for the Crown. The last two are Alexander and then Lord Benjamin Thompson.
Like Duncan’s “sons,” his daughter Theodora also trains to fight, though Duncan has not yet permitted her to search out spies and forgers and the like. Duncan is, after all, an indulgent father, but Theodora wants to do more than be a “princess on a velvet pillow.” Somewhat like Alexander, she is impulsive, but some of her impulsiveness must be carved back, for she is a female, with a headstrong father and five brothers. Theodora is most efficient with a bow staff and archery.
The family has always assumed Theodora and Alexander will marry. They were essentially raised together, for when Alexander came to live with Duncan, he had had no education, so Dora and Alexander spent a lot of time together in the schoolroom in those early years, and he has made Theodora a promise to find his own mother and sister and share them with Dora.
Theodora has never truly learned to run a household, though she has often served as her father’s secretary, etc.
Lyon’s Obsession: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father’s house since Duncan became Marksman’s guardian when his lordship was but twelve. Her father’s estate marches along with Marksman’s, and they had shared multiple words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman’s peerage, had sold Alexander’s mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected Theodora’s abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real family again.
Lord Alexander Dutton, Lord Marksman, and Lady Theodora Duncan are the two youngest of my heroes and heroines in this new mystery/romantic suspense series. Alexander is four and twenty, and Theodora is barely nineteen. I thought it important after Lord Richard’s and Lady Emma’s story in book one to contrast Richard’s carefully predicted actions with those at the other end of the spectrum: the impulsive ones. I admit, I am not impulsive, unless I am angered, and, even then, most would still think me possessing reason.
Rational decision-making involves careful consideration of all available information and potential consequences before making a choice, while impulsive decision-making is characterized by quick, often emotional, choices with minimal forethought. Essentially, one relies on logic and analysis, the other on instinct and immediate gratification.
Rational Decision Making:
Process: Involves a systematic approach, often including identifying the problem, establishing criteria, evaluating alternatives, and selecting the best option.
Considerations: Focuses on long-term consequences, potential risks, and benefits, and may involve gathering data and seeking expert opinions.
Examples: Carefully researching and comparing prices before purchasing a car, or developing a detailed financial plan before investing.
“Emotional Influences: Emotions can override rational thinking. In emotionally charged situations, impulsive reactions can emerge before reason has a chance to catch up. This is why conflicts between individuals can escalate rapidly if emotions aren’t managed.
“Evolutionary Heritage: Impulsivity is rooted in our evolutionary past. In survival scenarios, quick decisions were often essential for escaping threats or seizing opportunities. While modern life is less fraught with immediate dangers, this survival instinct still influences our inclination toward impulsivity.
“Instant Gratification: The allure of instant gratification is a significant driving force. The brain’s reward center responds to immediate rewards, releasing dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction. This can make impulsive actions, like binge-watching a show instead of studying, more appealing than a delayed, but ultimately more rewarding, activity.
Which are you? Impulsive? Rational?
Lyon’s Obsession: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father’s house since Duncan became Marksman’s guardian when his lordship was but twelve. Her father’s estate marches along with Marksman’s, and they had shared multiple words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman’s peerage, had sold Alexander’s mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected Theodora’s abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real family again.
Although I reference spousal abuse in a couple of my 70+ novels, I do not customarily write those types of scenes. I NEVER enjoyed reading graphic scenes of physical abuse of any kind, but especially between a man and a woman. That being said, spousal abuse did occur in more than a few marriages during the Georgian era, just as it does now, and to pretend it did not happen would be a great disservice to the history of the era.
Though the idea of a man raping his wife makes many modern women cringe, there was no such thing as marital rape during the Georgian era. A man could not rape his wife because she was his property and had no choice in the matter.
First, I would like to point out Amanda Vickery’s book, Behind Closed Doors: At Home in Georgian England. If you have not read it, I might suggest it to readers and writers of the Regency Era, especially if you really want to know the “skinny” on the period.
From the award-winning author of The Gentleman’s Daughter, a witty and academic illumination of daily domestic life in Georgian England.
In this brilliant work, Amanda Vickery unlocks the homes of Georgian England to examine the lives of the people who lived there. Writing with her customary wit and verve, she introduces us to men and women from all walks of life: gentlewoman Anne Dormer in her stately Oxfordshire mansion, bachelor clerk and future novelist Anthony Trollope in his dreary London lodgings, genteel spinsters keeping up appearances in two rooms with yellow wallpaper, servants with only a locking box to call their own.
Vickery makes ingenious use of upholsterer’s ledgers, burglary trials, and other unusual sources to reveal the roles of house and home in economic survival, social success, and political representation during the long eighteenth century. Through the spread of formal visiting, the proliferation of affordable ornamental furnishings, the commercial celebration of feminine artistry at home, and the currency of the language of taste, even modest homes turned into arenas of social campaign and exhibition.
The book is also the basis for a 3-part TV series for BBC2.
“Vickery is that rare thing, an…historian who writes like a novelist.”—Jane Schilling, Daily Mail
“Comparison between Vickery and Jane Austen is irresistible. This book is almost too pleasurable, in that Vickery’s style and delicious nosiness conceal some seriously weighty scholarship.”—Lisa Hilton, The Independent“
If until now the Georgian home has been like a monochrome engraving, Vickery has made it three dimensional and vibrantly colored. Behind Closed Doors demonstrates that rigorous academic work can also be nosy, gossipy, and utterly engaging.”—Andrea Wulf, New York Times Book Review
For example, there is a lengthy discussion in Vickery’s book on divorce laws during the Georgian Era verses what we sometimes find in period era novels, especially those from authors who have not taken the time to learn something of the period before putting pen to paper. Readers easily recognize those who think there was an easy way out of a marriage, confusing it with modern times. For example, I live in North Carolina, where “criminal conversation” is still on the books. If you are not familiar with the idea, please check out my piece on Annulments, Divorces, and Criminal Conversation in the Regency.
In the Vickery book, the author discusses several ecclesiastical and regular court cases concerning what we’d call emotional abuse today. These cases are a little earlier than the Regency era, but the general trend through the early 19th century was for liberalizing protections for abused women, not reducing them. So I think this can be taken as good information for the Regency period in broad strokes at least.
A couple of interesting things I noticed included . . .
Escape from abuse for well-off women suffering from serious physical violence was actually fairly widely available, and the main recourse seems to have been a church law entitling women to “separate maintenance” in the event their husbands were abusive. It seems it was the standard remedy for serious domestic violence, and much more widely available than divorce. Basically it functioned like a modern day order of protection and spousal support. The husband would be required to financially support the wife while staying out of her home.
Oddly, one of the main types of “abuse” for which the church courts would rule for separate maintenance was when a husband demeaned his wife’s proper household authority by interfering in the internal management of the home. This was considered the woman’s domain, and, essentially, her word was law. It should also be noted that it was seen as laughable, improper, unmanly and “tyrannical” for men to exert excessive control over stuff like small household purchases, laundry, cooking, etc. The family was almost viewed like England and its colonies. There were laws that governed who was entitled to make which decisions, and a husband was not supposed to suppress his wife’s proper range of ‘administration.” Such goes a long way in explaining why young girls of the period were provided instruction on meal planning, etc., but provided only a basic education. Though it’s not clear to me that separate maintenance was typically awarded in the absence of ANY physical abuse, the church courts definitely considered “tyrannical” and overly-controlling behavior as strong evidence of a husband’s being too demeaning to his wife’s dignity for her to be forced to live together with him.
Another domestic crime for which courts awarded relief to women was the “lock out.” A husband’s marital duties included providing shelter and protection for his wife, and, when he locked her out or put her out on the street, a very common tactic even today, the courts were quite ready to punish him. In one case a court actually broke an entail and the dispossessed father AND surviving sons were forced to give an estate to the mother and daughters who had been locked out of the family home.
In other words, “Canon law allowed a separation (in the era called a divorce), called the divortium a mensa et thoro (separation from bed and board). The Ecclesiastical courts permitted it for certain specified causes. The causes were life-threatening cruelty and adultery by the husband, or adultery by the wife. This act allowed spouses to live separately and ended the woman’s coverture to her husband and his financial responsibility for her. Yet, if a spouse, man or wife, simply ran off and deserted the other, the doctrine of coverture complicated matters, because they were still legally one person. A woman could not simply leave her husband’s home without permission. He could legally drag her back under his roof—and even soundly beat her for her efforts!” (English Historical Fiction Authors)
Other points of interest on women as property:
There was no such thing as marital rape during the Regency era. A husband could not rape his wife because she had no choice in the matter.
Legal separation. Though most of the cases were initiated by men, when the wife was accused of adultery, women could sue for it. It was not easy to attain and cost a large sum of money. The women usually required a powerful family and friends who would protect her. Until that decree from bed and board was finalized, the husband had a right to have the sheriff seize his wife and return her where he could beat her.
History does provide us a very VIVID example of how this could all shake out. “Laurence Shirley, 4th Earl Ferrers (18 August 1720 – 5 May 1760) was an English nobleman, notable for being the last peer to be hanged, following his conviction for murdering his steward. Shirley was the eldest son of Laurence Ferrers, himself the third son of the first Earl Ferrers. At the age of twenty, he quit his estates and Oxford University education, and began living a debauched life in France in Paris. At the age of 25 he inherited his title from his insane uncle the 3rd Earl Ferrers, and with it estates in Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Northamptonshire. He lived at Staunton Harold Hall in northwest Leicestershire. In 1752, he married Mary, the youngest sister of Sir William Meredith, 3rd Baronet.
“Ferrers had a family history of insanity, and from an early age his behaviour seems to have been eccentric, and his temper violent, though he was quite capable of managing his business affairs. Significantly, in 1758, his wife obtained a separation from him for cruelty, which was rare for the time. She would not accept her husband’s drinking and womanizing, and was particularly upset by his illegitimate children. The old family steward, Johnson, may have given evidence on Mary’s behalf and was afterwards tasked with collecting rents due to her.
“The Ferrers’ estates were then vested in trustees; Ferrers secured the appointment of an old family steward named Johnson, as receiver of rents. This man faithfully performed his duty as a servant to the trustees, and did not prove amenable to Ferrers’ personal wishes. On 18 January 1760, Johnson called at the earl’s mansion at Stauton Harold, Leicestershire, by appointment, and was directed to his lordship’s study. Here, after some business conversation, Lord Ferrers shot him. Johnson did not die immediately, but instead was given some treatment at the hall followed by continued verbal abuse from a drunken Ferrers before Dr. Thomas Kirkland was able to convey Johnson to his own home where he died the following morning.
“In the following April, Ferrers was tried for murder by his peers in Westminster Hall, Attorney General Charles Pratt leading for the prosecution. Shirley’s defence, which he conducted in person with great ability, was a plea of insanity, and it was supported by considerable evidence, but he was found guilty. On 5 May 1760, aged 39, dressed in a light-coloured suit embroidered with silver (the outfit he had worn at his wedding), he was taken in his own carriage from the Tower of London to Tyburn and there hanged by Thomas Turlis. There are several illustrations of the hanging. It has been said that as a concession to his rank the rope used was of silk.After the execution his body was taken to the Barber-Surgeons’ Hall in Monkwell Street for public exhibition and dissection. The execution was widely publicised in popular culture as evidence of equality of the law, and the story of a wicked nobleman who was executed “like a common criminal” was told well into the 19th century.” (Laurence Shirley, 4th Earl Ferrers)
LADY FERRERS V. LORD FERRERS 1 HAO. CON. 130, [130] lady ferrers v. lord ferrers, llth Nov., 1788; 5th March, 1791.- Divorce, by reason of adultery, on the part of the wife-how affected-by delay in instituting proceedings-by alleged condonation, &c. Ultimately granted. [March 5, 1791]
From Curious Punishments of Bygone Days, we find: “The way of punishing scolding women is pleasant enough. They fasten an armchair to the end of two beams twelve or fifteen feet long, and parallel to each other, so that these two pieces of wood with their two ends embrace the chair, which hangs between them by a sort of axle, by which means it plays freely, and always remains in the natural horizontal position in which a chair should be, that a person may sit conveniently in it, whether you raise it or let it down. They set up a post on the bank of a pond or river, and over this post they lay, almost in equilibrio, the two pieces of wood, at one end of which the chair hangs just over the water. They place the woman in this chair and so plunge her into the water as often as the sentence directs, in order to cool her immoderate heat.”
A man called “Mr. Stock” supposedly had his wife denounced as a common scold because she complained about him.
The adjectives pleasant and convenient as applied to a ducking-stool would scarcely have entered the mind of any one but a Frenchman. Still the chair itself was sometimes rudely ornamented. The Cambridge stool was carved with devils laying hold of scolds. Others were painted with appropriate devices such as a man and woman scolding. Two Plymouth ducking-stools still preserved are of wrought iron of good design. The Sandwich ducking-stool bore the motto:
“Of members ye tonge is worst or beste An yll tonge oft doth breede unreste.”
We read in Blackstone’s Commentaries:
“A common scold may be indicted, and if convicted shall be sentenced to be placed in a certain engine of correction called the trebucket, castigatory, or ducking-stool.”
Wives were at a disadvantage in not having any money of their own. Wives did swear out restraining orders against their husbands, but only where the community sided with her and against the husband who usually had to do something like be publicly drunk and disorderly. A wife had no recourse against a husband who installed a mistress in their house, unless she had friends or family who would take her in and help her plea for a separation. There again, though, many put up with abuse and humiliation to stay with their children.
All the church could do was excommunicate a person. While that meant that the average person lost ability to go to university or to work in some vocations/professions, it wouldn’t work with a peer or a very rich or very poor man.
One husband took the children and put them under the care of another and refused to allow the wife to see them, even though they were supposedly living together.
People speak of the horrid way women were treated or the fate of women under the law. For the most part, the law extended equal protections to men and women and allowed both to own property and have money. The ones who needed the law changed were married women. That is why who a woman married was so important. Our romantic book heroes would never mistreat a wife, but such cannot be said for real life husbands.
Every Woman Dreams... 