Interested in what romance was like in the 19th century? Author Tara Johnson provides a glimpse into her historical romance novel, “All Through the Night,” and the courting customs of the 1800s.
In the Victorian era, romance was a delicate art filled with various rituals that are quite different from what we know today. Beyond the chaperoned conversations, walks, carriage rides, dances, and parties, there were numerous intricate customs.
For instance, when a man noticed a young lady at a social event, he needed an introduction from mutual acquaintances. This introduction could be complicated by the elaborate fan codes women used to express their feelings. Here are some examples:
– Resting a fan on the left cheek meant the woman was not interested.
– Resting a fan on the right cheek indicated interest.
– Drawing the fan through the hand expressed hatred.
– Hiding eyes behind an open fan signaled love.
Once a man found a lady he liked, he would give her his card. The lady would then choose from the cards she received. If she liked him, he would write to her father for permission to court her. These letters followed strict guidelines, such as using sealing wax and folding the letter within an envelope.
If the father approved, the lady would invite the gentleman to call on her, but she couldn’t appear too eager. Courtship activities included parlor games, singing, piano playing, and talking. Gifts were another key part of courtship, but they had rules too. According to “Advice to Young Ladies,” respectable women shouldn’t accept gifts other than fruit, flowers, or candy until a marriage proposal was made. Flowers had specific meanings—a practice called floriography, which allowed flowers to convey emotions and messages.
During the Civil War, the exchange of letters between couples became even more significant since mail was the main way they could express their feelings. This period saw a rise in quick marriages due to the uncertainties of war.
In “All Through the Night,” characters Joshua Ivy, a surgeon, and Cadence Piper, a nurse, navigate the complexities of war and romantic entanglements. When their relationship risks societal scandal, they face a choice: marry immediately or cease treating wounded soldiers. Cadence struggles with her feelings for Joshua while weighing the necessity of a marriage that might be more about convenience than love.
As for the broader theme, the romantic customs of the 1800s, with all their rules and nuances, aren’t so different from modern dating rituals like texting. Romance, after all, has always involved navigating societal expectations and personal desires.
In summary, “All Through the Night” by Tara Johnson not only offers a compelling story set against the backdrop of the Civil War but also highlights the unique and intricate dating rituals of the 19th century. Tara Johnson is an author who writes to share her journey towards freedom from societal expectations. Her novels, including “Engraved on the Heart” and “Where Dandelions Bloom,” as well as “All Through the Night,” reflect her love for storytelling. She lives in Arkansas with her family.
