The College of Physicians (Microcosm of London Plate 020)

Thomas Rowlandson (1756–1827) and Augustus Charles Pugin (1762–1832) (after) John Bluck (fl. 1791–1819), Joseph Constantine Stadler (fl. 1780–1812), Thomas Sutherland (1785–1838), J. Hill, and Harraden (aquatint engravers)[1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

He had not had much in the way of wealth and worldly possessions when they had first met, but she had known, to the depths of her soul, that it was only a temporary state for him. She had always believed he would be a great success, and from what she had seen today and had heard since she arrived in Bath, her assessment had been correct. He was a success and would continue to be so.

Oh, to be a part of his life and cheer him on to further greatness as his wife! Her heart still cried for what had been lost. It ached with its desire to be the lady at his side. But how could she be? Why would a gentleman who had been so wronged ever wish to be tied to the very family who had threatened to deny him of his profession? 

[from His Irreplaceable Belle]


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Heart-Shaped Scenic Card

Heart-Shaped Vintage Card from olddesignshop.com

The colonel had exceptional taste — likely in all things. How could he not if he could name a bird so well, like music, and recite poetry?

“About Colonel Brandon,” their mother prompted when Marianne did not continue speaking. “How did he come to be at our gate?”

Marianne lifted her eyes from the sheet of music on her lap. She would have to imagine how the colonel might sound singing this piece later when there were not so many inquisitive people around to interrupt her musings.

[from Morning Mist one of the novelettes included in Thunder, Mist, and Frost: Nature’s Fury and Delights Anthology 1]


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Vauxhall on a Gala Night (Richard Phillips c.1804)

Image extracted from page 503 of Modern London; being the history and present state of the British Metropolis. Illustrated with numerous copper plates, by Richard Phillips. Picture dated as published June 11, 1804. Original held and digitised by the British Library. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Elizabeth placed her hand on Darcy’s arm and allowed him to escort her from their supper box and toward one of the numerous paths in Vauxhall Gardens. The vast number of people that filled the supper boxes and paths was astonishing, and then when the torches were lit, and the orchestra was playing while waiters scurried back and forth making certain that all in attendance were happy, it was nearly overwhelming. She had heard stories of this place, but until now, she had never truly imagined its grandeur.

Darcy drew Elizabeth closer to his side as they strolled. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Immensely.”

[from Unravelling Mr. Darcy]


The ebook edition of Unravelling Mr. Darcy is on sale everywhere for 99¢ USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, NZD, AUD, with all other currencies also reduced, until March 31, 2021.

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Good Manners Book Ad (c.1890)

This is a black and white clip art version of the image in the ad below. The ad is said to have been from 1890. I found both images on olddesignshop.com.

Rycroft drew in a deep breath and released it as Georgiana took his arm. She looked up at him with a brow raised and a scolding look.  “Do not,” he said.

“Do not what?” She fluttered her lashes and smiled sweetly.

“You know very well, but since I must clarify, do not chide me.  I know I have insulted her once again and must apologize, although I doubt she will forgive me.”

Georgiana hugged his arm tightly.  “She will if you are sincere.  Miss Mary is quite agreeable and sweet.”

[from No Other Choice]


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The Surprise (A Collection of Valentines Ancient and Modern, c. 1876)

From the book The Quiver of Love: A Collection of Valentines Ancient and Modern, a collection of love poems published in 1876, illustrated by Walter Crane and Kate Greenaway (source)
. The illustration was created for “The Surprise”, a translation of a German poem by Heinrich Heine (source: Google Play eBook edition page 4445)
. It reads:

THE SURPRISE
I dreamt I saw you yesternight,
And claspt my hands about your eyes,
Nor dared to venture in your sight
Until you pardoned the surprise.
So take my letter, Valentine,
My name and mission quickly guess —
I fear to offer word or sign;
I wait until you whisper “Yes.”

(Public domain via Wikimedia Commons)

“You knew she was behind me?” There was a bit of venom in Darcy’s whisper.

Fisticuff might not happen in the garden, but Bingley was not certain he was going to survive this bit of trickery without some damage to his person.

[from Mr. Bingley Plans a Ball]


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