(International and USA Today bestseller, Library Journal Editor’s Pick of the Year/starred review Regency World Magazine Best New Fiction) The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austenreveals the untold story of Jane’s impassioned, life-changing romance with the mysterious gentleman said to be the love of her life. Since no one else had written them, I decided to write them myself! There are three stories set in Jane Austen’s era that I longed to read. I have been so fortunate as to dance the night away in costume at many Regency balls and it is always a thrill. English Country Dancing also provided the excitement of physical touch, which was otherwise strictly forbidden until a couple was engaged. In the era of Pride and Prejudice, SANDITON, and BRIDGERTON ,dance lessons were obligatory from a young age.īalls were one of the only opportunities for young women and men to meet and be together without a chaperone at their elbow. Pride and Prejudice 1995 – Courtesy of BBC/A&E No wonder they needed a ladies maid to help them dress! (Why don’t we carry muffs anymore?)įashionable Regency ladies usually wore their hair up, styled with braids and curls (again in imitation of the ancient Greeks), and embellished for evening with jewels, ribbons, flowers, and feathers. Parasol (to shade oneself from the sun).Reticule (a small handbag designed to match one’s frock).Outerwear: a spencer (short jacket), pelisse (full length jacket), shawl (often imported from India) or cloak (often trimmed in fur).Hand-painted and gorgeous, they had a language of their own. Bonnet or hat often embellished with flowers, fruits, feathers, and/or ribbons.They wouldn’t think of leaving the house without these vital accessories: Regency women decorated themselves with such élan.

There’s nothing sexier than a man in a cravat. Men wore tight breeches, brocaded vests, frock coats, and cravats. Fashion in Austen’s time was so cool. Women wore filmy, empire-waisted frocks in imitation of the ancient Greeks and lavishly embellished evening gowns.

Sanditon and other stories