Sometimes while I’m reading I like to imagine what St. Matt would say if I made him read/ listen to the audiobook. Usually I do this when I’m loving a book I know he wouldn’t enjoy. I give myself an approving pat on the back and think: I’m-such-a-good-wife for not making him read this -- even though I really, really want him to.
I thought this while reading and loving The Season by Sarah MacLean. As I smiled like a puggle in a sunbeam and turned delicious pages, I imagined his reaction:
"Um, there’s a lot about dresses in there."
"Exactly!"
"And dancing."
"I know!" *dreamy sigh*
"What the heck’s a dance card? These girls have to follow a lot of rules. You, my sweet catastrophe, would not have done well in the 1800’s." Then, kiss on my forehead, he’d walk away.
As usual, he’d be right. Even in my imaginary conversations, St. Matt’s irritatingly accurate.
I would have been an awful regency lady. Despite my love for all-things-Austen, I’d have failed miserably in her social circle. I’m impulsive. I’m outspoken. I’m entirely too uncoordinated for the quadrille and all the beautiful slippers, gloves and gowns would spontaneously stain and rip under my wear. I’d be scandalous.
On the other hand, the feisty heroines in some of my favorite books made rebelling against 19th century society seem like a recipe for love & happiness. Elizabeth Bennet, Emma Woodhouse, A Great and Terrible Beauty’s Gemma and Felicity, and The Season’s Ella, Vivi, and Alex were more admirable because they refused to conform. They were all impulsive, opinionated, rule-breakers like me.
So maybe I wouldn’t have actually been good at living back then, but – dancing skills aside – I’d make an excellent regency heroine (provided they don’t try and separate me from my Blackberry (Petunia) or yell at me for ripping my gloves).
Now if I can only talk St. Matt into dressing like Gavin…
Aww so cute! Glad you loved it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation, Alea! It was great. I can't wait to reading Sarah MacLean's future stories about Vivi and Ella too!
ReplyDeleteSure thing! I can't wait either!!!!! *pokes Sarah*
ReplyDeleteI take it St. Matt is your husband? You are so nice to him on your blog. Mine could only hope I'd be so kind. ;)
ReplyDeleteHi T. Anne. St. Matt earned his halo the hard way... by putting up with ME! There's a cozy spot in heaven for men who marry writers :-)
ReplyDeleteSomehow I think that Petunia would make you stick out more in Regency England than a torn glove. hehe
ReplyDeleteHave you read Austenland by Shannon Hale? Its about a modern retreat where peeps can go and pretend to live in Regency times. Main character, Jane, has a rich aunt who buys her ticket. I think you and Jane might get along. lol
Irish - I did read Austenland and liked it. But I LOVED Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman! Have you read it? You need to!
ReplyDeleteI doubt you'd be surprised to learn that I, like Ashleigh, am a bit of an Enthusiast...
Haven't read that one...off to library website to see if they have it.
ReplyDelete