I could have danced all night
“There were twenty Dances & I danced them all, & without any fatigue. . . . I fancy I could just as well dance for a week together as for half an hour.” letter to Cassandra December 24, 1798 [15]
View ArticleA good ball
“There were more Dancers than the Room could conveniently hold, which is enough to constitute a good Ball at any time.” letter to Cassandra January 9, 1799 [17]
View ArticleHe’s just not that into you…
“I do not think I was very much in request–.People were rather apt not to ask me till they could not help it;–One’s consequence you know varies so much at times without any particular reason–. There...
View ArticleA very pleasant evening
“Our ball was chiefly made up of Jervoises and Terrys, the former of whom were apt to be vulgar, the latter to be noisy. . . . I had a very pleasant evening, however, though you will probably find out...
View ArticleA scarcity of men
“There was a scarcity of Men in general, & a still greater scarcity of any that were good for much.” letter to Cassandra, about a ball two evenings prior November 1, 1800 [24]
View ArticleThe power of refusal
“Man has the advantage of choice, woman only the power of refusal.” Henry Tilney, comparing dancing and marriage Northanger Abbey, volume 1, chapter 10
View ArticleEye at an Adultress
“I am proud to say that I have a very good eye at an Adultress, for tho’ repeatedly assured that another in the same party was the She, I fixed upon the right one from the first. . . . her face has the...
View ArticleMore fun in the Upper Rooms
“Mrs Badcock & two young Women were of the same party, except when Mrs Badcock thought herself obliged to leave them, to run round the room after her drunken Husband.–His avoidance, & her...
View ArticleHow to be particular
“Mr. H. began with Elizabeth, and afterwards danced with her again; but they do not know how to be particular. I flatter myself, however, that they will profit by the three successive lessons which I...
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A time for everything
“My dear Catherine, I am afraid you are growing quite a fine lady. . . . Your head runs too much upon Bath; but there is a time for everything — a time for balls and plays, and a time for work. You...
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