regency – Exact Words

“Is this,” thought Elizabeth, “meant for me?” – Rereading the Turning Point Conversation between Elizabeth Bennet and Colonel Fitzwilliam

Elizabeth’s blush when she says that distance isn’t a problem if money is no object. Even her feigned coolness when she tells Col Fitzwilliam that she’s surprised Darcy doesn’t marry for the convenience of a built-in travel buddy, all take on new shape.

Jane Austen: Mockingbird

Austen took the skills of an expert impersonator and moved them to the written page.

Miss Bates is a circus. Miss Bates is a blind.

Like, I know Jane Austen didn’t literally say, “I will write a circus, and I will call her Miss Bates,” but I am going to pretend that she did, and you can’t stop me.

Jane, Jane! What’s in a name? Mrs. Elton’s most unpardonable sin.

What Mr. Knightley cannot fathom is that anyone—even Mrs. Elton—could address someone with the dignity and pride of Jane Fairfax like an inferior to her face. And by calling Miss Fairfax “Jane,” Mrs. Elton is indeed “continually insulting” her.

Regency Dinner Parties and Mrs. Bennet’s “two full courses”

WTF does Mrs. Bennet mean by “courses”? Your intrepid reporter went in search of answers.
“…she had the consolation of thinking that Mr. Bingley would be soon down again, and soon dining at Longbourn; and the conclusion of all was the comfortable declaration, that, though he had been invited only to a family dinner, she would take care to have two full courses.”