The Gilded Age - Dauntsey Park, an Edwardian historical romance

Nicola here! Last week saw the UK reissue of my 2008 Edwardian historical romance The Last Rake in London with a new title, Dauntsey Park, and a gorgeous new cover. I was tickled pink when a UK magazine described the book as "perfect for fans of Downton Abbey," The Oxford Times said that it was "everything a historical romance should be and more", and another review described is as "a particularly fine Edwardian romance."

Over on my website I’ve been blogging about the inspiration for the story and various aspects of my research. I found writing an Edwardian-set book absolutely fascinating and the parallels between the period and my more accustomed era of the Regency to be intriguing. There were similarities – both were gilded ages, at least for the top of society – and both saw immense social, political and technological upheaval.

Today I thought I would blog about a few favourite and random facts I discovered when I was researching the Edwardian age. I hope you enjoy them!

The Buccaneers and Dollar Princesses

First up, those fabulous American heiresses! One influence on Edwardian high society that has always fascinated me was the arrival of the “dollar princesses” into the British aristocracy. The later Victorian and Edwardian period was a time when high society was becoming more open; rich industrialists, self-made men, heiresses, even foreigners (gasp!) were able to enter the ranks, enriching the coffers of the old nobility.

Mary Jo has written a wonderful blog post about the buccaneers here: http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2011/05/another-wedding-of-the-century.html

We also see the influence of the American heiress very strongly in the smash hit TV programme Downton Abbey. Cora, Countess of Grantham, was a dollar princess or “buccaneer”, the daughter of a self-made man, whose money saved the Grantham family from financial ruin.  The American heiresses influenced society a great deal from fashion – their preferred couturier was the House of Worth in Paris – to interior design. Cora’s character was apparently based on that of Mary Leiter whose social success was assured when she went to a ball during the London Season as “a statuesque beauty in a stupendous Worth gown” and danced with the Prince of Wales. She married George Curzon of whom she most romantically said when he came through the door she felt “that the band was playing the Star Spangled Banner and that the room is glowing with pink lights and rills are running up and down my back with joy.”

Ashdown House, where I work, also had its own Buccaneer, Cornelia Martin, whose fortune saved the Craven family. She was fabulously rich, extremely stylish and became very admired. I have blogged about Cornelia here.

Food

Ah, those tables groaning under the weight of eight courses! By the Edwardian age many affluent families would aspire to a French-trained chef who would be paid the princely sum of £100 or more per year. The food served at the Edwardian dinner table not only had to taste fabulous, it also had to look wonderful too. There was no holding back: glazed boar’s head was a favourite dish, as was roast lobster decorated with seaweed. Sweet dishes were enormous too - hills of bonbons, huge bowls full of exotic fruit and tiny cakes. Flowers would be preserved in gelatine and filled with cream and fruit. It’s amazing the ladies could fit in those Worth gowns but then your corset would restrain the worst excesses.

 The Franco-British Exhibition of 1908

 I had never heard of the Franco-British Exhibition before I researched Dauntsey Park, but I discovered that it was a huge exhibition that aimed to display and promote the industrial achievements of both countries. Alongside the displays of machinery and products there was a wide range of fairground attractions and sideshows. My favourite was the Flip-Flap, which was like a swinging boat with two carriages. It carried 50 people in each carriage and went up 200 feet, giving a panoramic view of the exhibition and of London beyond. There was also a huge helter skelter, a Canadian toboggan ride, a recreation of “old London” before the 1666 Great Fire and, curiously, a recreation of the 1889 Johnstown Flood. There was even an Irish Village, based on Ballymaclinton, which contained part of President McKinley’s grandfather’s cottage.

The Franco-British Exhibition was a fashionable event and visitors were expected to wear their best clothes for the outing. I was amazed to read that there was a type of “uniform” expected of the visitors. The style of the day, as outlined in Donald Knight’s ‘The Exhibitions’, was, for women, either grey or green costume, with braid and button trimming, white collar and cuffs, lace blouse, fawn felt hat with brown ostrich feathers, brown handbag, fawn gloves; or poplin skirt, bolero jacket, white lace blouse, straw hat decorated with ribbons/flowers, gloves and parasol. For gents the fashion was lounge suits of worsted or tweed (herringbone, plain or striped) in brown, grey or navy, single or double-breasted jacket and waistcoat; shoes were starting to come in but most men wore boots, and bowler hats or straw boaters. Young girls dressed entirely in white, with black lace-up shoes, boys in kneebreeches, blouses with lace collar and cuffs or a jersey, and sailor suits. For the working class, it was Sunday best, white blouse and short jacket for women; black suit, flannel shirt and cap for men; knickerbockers, shirt and cap for blouses with lace collar and cuffs or a jersey, and sailor suits. Even on a day out the different ranks of society could be recognized by their clothes.

The Night Clubs

In Dauntsey Park my heroine, Sally Bowes, owns a London nightclub called the Blue Parrot. The nightclub in the book is modelled on the Moulin Rouge in Paris because I wanted it to be fairly racy and the Moulin Rouge was certainly that! The Blue Parrot was a little ahead of its time – the first Edwardian nightclub in London was said to be The Cave of the Golden Calf, which opened in 1912. The Cave was legendary for its drinking and dancing, but it lost money rapidly and closed after only two years.

In my story the Blue Parrot is a very fashionable but exclusive venue, a favourite haunt of King Edward himself. It is not rowdy or too overtly sexy. It offers musical cabaret, drinking, good food and gambling for high stakes, all in the most tasteful and opulent of surroundings, destined to appeal to both the aristocrats and the self made members of Edwardian society.

I’m giving away a copy of Dauntsey Park to one commenter between now and midnight Thursday. All you have to tell me is whether you enjoy books set in the Edwardian period and if so what you like best about them. And if you don’t enjoy historical romance set in that era it would be interesting to know that too. One reader once told me that knowing that World War I was on the way ruined her pleasure in the Edwardian period. What do you think?

Comments

[HJ]

I do enjoy books set in the Edwardian period, but hate it if the author betrays knowledge of WWI and gives her characters presentiments. That seems to me a betrayal of the pact between writer and reader. I love the dollar princesses as depicted by PG Wodehouse, which is where I first came across them.

I enjoyed The Last Rake, which I read as the last in the series Bluestocking Brides, and shall enjoy re-reading it as Dauntsey Park. I hope it does well in its new guise!

[Janga]

Congratulations on the reissue, Nicola. May all Downton Abbey lovers find Dauntsey Park.

I love the Edwardian Period and am delighted to see it becoming a more popular choice for setting in romance fiction. I spent years studying and teaching the novels of Henry James and Edith Wharton. Students often complained about the endings. One reason I love reading Edwardian-set romances is that they give readers the happy endings denied us in the literary fiction.

[Artemisia]

My enjoyment of historicals in any period is not dimmed by knowledge of what darkness is coming. Name any age where the revelry is not ended by the Red Death.

[Nicola Cornick]

I agree, HJ. It feels like cheating if an author foreshadows something like the Great War. Weren't those dollar princesses wonderful? And they really shook society up a lot. That is one of my favourite things about the social mobility of the period. Thank you - I am so pleased you enjoyed the book in its previous incarnation.

[Nicola Cornick]

Thank you very much, Janga. It is good to see the Edwardian period gaining in popularity. I love Edith Wharton's books too, but I do enjoy a happy ending!

[Nicola Cornick]

That is a very good point, Artemisia!

[Elizabeth Kerri Mahon]

I adore the Edwardian period. One of my favorite playwrights is George Bernard Shaw who wrote many fabulous plays during the late Victorian/Edwardian period and on since he lived until 1950. I adore the clothes and the transatlantic travel on the great ocean liners, plus the cars! I've always thought that the Edwardian period more closely resembled the more decadent Georgian period while the Roaring twenties were more like the Regency what with the Prince of Walces behaving scandalously like his predecessor.

[Carla (@CassiaDeWarren)]

I don't know the Edwardian period very well. I must admit my fave for romance is Regency, but as I named one of my sons Edward, I would study the Edwardian period more closely from now onward.

On the other hand, as I adore all your stories and style, I think I would love this as well!

[Diane Sallans]

I became more interested when I got the video of the BBC miniseries 'The Duchess of Duke Street' out of the library last winter. It was a time of major changes on many levels. Watching Downton Abbey is just reinforcing that interest in the time period. But I haven't read many Edwardian books lately.

[Maria D.]

I do like the books set in the Edwardian period mostly because it was the period that saw some huge political changes - the continued rise of the common man and women. I'm fascinated by the changing role of women during this period. I'm also fascinated by the glamorous yet lighter in weight appearance of clothing. I need to catch up on my episodes of Downtown Abbey.

[Susan/DC]

After the excesses of the Victorian era it's such a pleasure to see the gorgeous Edwardian fashions. Plus, as you say, it was also a time of social, economic, and political change, so a fascinating setting for a story. I do read these books with knowledge of the upcoming war, but then I read other books (e.g. the Maisie Dobbs series) knowing that the horrors of WWII lie ahead. I think the secret is not to ignore what we know but to assume authorial omnipotence and grant our heroes and heroines a safe journey through perilous times.

[Nicola Cornick]

Oh, yes, weren't the liners extraordinary, Elizabeth? There was a programme about transatlantic crossings a few nights ago that was fascinating.

LOL, Carla, you obviously have good taste with the name Edward! My nephew has the same name.

Upstairs Downstairs was the programme that first hooked me on the Edwardian era, Diane, and then the Duchess of Duke Street was fabulous as well. I am loving Downton Abbey.

[Nicola Cornick]

It is such an interesting period of change, isn't it, Maria. I studied the suffragette movement at university and it was inspiring and humbling as well. Certainly made me appreciate my right to vote even more.

Susan, thank you for the thoughts on reading these books with an awareness of upcoming war. I agree it's difficult not to take it into account - for example when I was writing about my hero, Jack, being involved in aviation I wondered how that would play out during the war, but the knowledge need not spoil the story, I think. As Artemisia said, many periods of history are colored by war in some shape or form or other.

[Anne Gracie]

Nicola, this book sounds fabulous. Lovely blog, too. I adore the Edwardian era, probably my favorite era in the fashion stakes, too.

[Barbara Elness]

I enjoy books set in the Edwardian period because of the changes in society, the new inventions that were becoming more accessible to the masses, and of course, the fashion.

[Andrea Penrose]

Fascinating post, Nicola!Like you, I'm really drawn to the Edwardian era—probably because, as you say, there are so many parallels to the regency. I find that the upheaval of tradition makes a very interesting backdrop for a book because one can really play with both personal conflicts and doubts layered with the challenges going on in the world around the characters. Lots of intriguing stuff to play with!

Thank you for a glimpse at some of the details of Edwardian life. Can't wait to read Dauntsey Park! Like so many others, I've been loving Downton Abbey.

T

[Marie]

I like all different kinds of history but I do have to admit that I am not sure I ever read an Edwardian set romance novel. I did read a bio of Winston Churchill's mother once and she seems to fit into that time period, and I found it fascinating. I would like to read your book it sounds good, so whether I win a copy or not it definitely goes on my to-be-read list :)

[Theresa N]

Periods don't really play a part when I'm reading a book, a good read is a good read. I'm not set completely on having to have one period.

[Dee]

I've not read many Edwardian set stories, romance or otherwise. It's a fascinating era of excess and social upheaval. You can see the trends for so much of the 20th century's problems. In autobiographies I've read, the Edwardian years are always tinged with a wistfulness and the sense of a hedonistic lull before the storm. I think that knowledge of WWI's pointless crucible does tend to flavor any story set in this era for me as a reader. The odds of the average male protagonist (20s, 30s) escaping the hell of the trenches or surviving the Spanish Flu which follows do tend to color one's perspective. I will be adding this to the TBR pile, however. Is it a stand alone or a series (asks the OCD reader)?

[eli yanti]

congratulation on re-issue Nicole,

i think i havent read Edwardian Period ;(

[Lorraine Marwood]

I enjoy the Edwardian period because it represents the calm before the storm of social unrest and the Great War- any period like this shows us a glimpse into the past of our forebears, enables us to understand today's world and gives us that leeway to dream, to imagine, to refresh.

[chey]

I enjoy most historical periods. Things are just so different from this day and age.

[Jenny]

I enjoy all historical periods, but I have to admit Regency is my favourite. However, I do enjoy Edwardian, especially if it is entirely Edwardian and doesn't go into the war period. One of the great things about Australia is there are lots of Federation (1901) and Edwardian houses around,and it is easy (with imagination) to envisage the people who might have lived in them.

[bn100]

I enjoy books set in the Edwardian Era because I like reading about the fashions and the parties.

[Minna]

I don't think I've read any books set in the Edwardian period. At least I can't remember reading any books set in that period.

[Nicola Cornick]

Thank you, Anne! must admit I was totally bowled over by the stunning fashions. When I was researching the book I went to the Costume Museum in Bath where there were some wonderful gowns from the period.

Barbara, the rapid pace of change in the era is fascinating, isn't it. One of the things I loved was the development of the motor car. So stylish!

[Nicola Cornick]

There's huge potential for a writer in the era, isn't there, Cara/Andrea. Marie, I loved Jennie Jerome's story. One of the most interesting of the Dollar Princesses!

Theresa, I agree that a good story can transport you anywhere and that eras don't really matter. I was never really drawn to the Twenties as a period and then I read a wonderful book called The Golden Prince and thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Nicola Cornick]

Thank you for the congratulations, Eli. I hope you will give the Edwardian romances a try!

Dee, it's so interesting about that "golden age" idea, isn't it, and the lull before the storm. I suppose it's no surprise that people would look back with nostalgia. One of the most interesting things I read was that the summers were very wet in that decade and yet a lot of people remembered the "sunlit lawns"!

Thanks for the comment, Lorraine. It's a very interesting point that the Edwardian era can actually throw a lot of light on the present and we can see how society developed from that point into our modern era. So many seeds were sown then.

[Shannon McEwan]

Another Duchess of Duke Street fan here. Louisa - what a legend! I love Edith Wharton and E.M Forster. The whole heroic endeavour of breaking-free from convention is incredibly seductive (yes, yes, even when it goes pear shaped...). The fact that it's often painted in terms of being a sensual journey makes it particularly delectable (which come to think of it is one of the things that made Duchess of Duke Street so fab - all that food and wine!!!!). I can't recall coming across much in the way of Edwardian genre romance. Will definitely look up Dauntsey Park.

[eli yanti]

i will Nicole and soon ;)

[Jane O]

May I be truly frivolous? I love the Edwardian era for the hats, those huge, gorgeous, utterly impractical hats.

[Cate S]

PG Wodehouse got me started and Then along came Duchess of Duke Street! I love the excess -- food, clothing, hats..

[Nicola Cornick]

Hi Shannon! Yes, wasn't that series lavish! Fabulous.

Chey, I agree. Any historical setting is an escape from the present and worth exploring, I think.

Jenny, I adore the idea of those Federation and Edwardian houses and would love to see them!

[Nicola Cornick]

Weren't those parties legendary, bn! A bit like those amazing hats Jane mentions! I loved that the hats got bigger and bigger!

Minna, I think Edwardian romances are few and far between. I'm always looking out for more.

Cate, the P G Wodehouse books were such fun! Loved the TV adaptations as well.

[Alison]

I agree about the downer of knowing WW1 is on the way - I have read some Edwardian stories but if they're not foreshadowing WW1 they're doing it for the Titanic, and it's a bit depressing. But I'm sure yours is nothing like that!

[Dee Feagin]

I faithfully watched Upstairs Downstairs...gulp, many years ago so that was my intro to the Edwardian era. My exposure in books has been much more limited. That said, I find the history you've provided intriguing and look forward to exploring this new setting in your book and others, I hope.

[Hope]

My favorite is a classic -- "The Edwardians" by Vita Sackville-West. I love the period because of the overwhelming sense of transition and possibility in people's lives (think of the arrival of electricity and a telephone at Downton Abbey, plus the opportunities opening up for women of almost all classes) -- and the sense of doom hovering over everything adds poignancy for me as a reader.

[Pearl]

What a wonderful and informative post. I enjoy reading books set in the Edwardian era. The locales, the lifestyles, the difference between then and now. It transports me to another period, realm and place which I can think about for many hours and days.

[Annie]

When I read a novel set during the Edwardian era or during the 1930's and 1940's it affects me in many ways.The individuals and their lives, the trials and tribulations and problems are mine to deal with. The profound depth with which these books are written in such detail is always a pleasure to appreciate. I have been watching Downton Abbey which is riveting.

[Margay]

I haven't actually read anything in this time period, but I love the age that led up to it (Victorian), and am enjoying Downton Abby.

[Diane]

when I read D.H. Lawrence's novel, Women in Love it was an experience. No wonder. The writing and the era was fascinating and gripped me throughout. I am always interested in reading about the Edwardian era for its mores, intrigues, changes and lives which are undergoing extreme changes. One that was particularly enjoyable was The House at Riverton. Many thanks for this memorable post.

[Nicola Cornick]

LOL, Alison! I hope my book isn't depressing. I know what you mean about the downer, though. I feel like that with anything to do with the Titanic.

I'm so glad you found the background intriguing, Dee. I too first came across the Edwardian era with Upstairs Downstairs!

Hope, I loved the way they showed Carson teh butler struggling with the telephone at Downton Abbey! Apparently the King used to ring up his friends and tell them he was about to make an impromptu visit, which must have thrown everyone into disarray! At least there was the phone to warn them!

[Nicola Cornick]

Thanks, Pearl! I am so glad you enjoyed the post. And Annie and MArgay, it's great to meet other Downton Abbey fans!

Diane, thank you for the recommendation of the House at Riverton. I will snap that up!

[misskallie2000]

Congratulation on re-issue Nicole. I love Historical Romance of all era's. The reason I love Edwardian as it preceeds the Roaring Twenties which fasinate me. I love to read about the clothing, food, homes, and the way people think and act in each era. Of course I was glad when we women were finally treated as human beings and not slaves to do their men's bidding. Being forced to marry for money and not love is so sad.

[John Burrows]

My favorite Edwardian novel is E.M. Forster's 'Maurice' which opens up a whole new take on the unraveling of the proprieties of Victorian English society at the outset of the 20th century (with just a hint of the oncoming war.) Written in 1913, publication was supressed until after Forster's death in 1971. As Forster made revisions throughout his life, is it a period novel or a historical novel? James Ivory's film (1987) captured the spirit of this novel in which choices are made to A) follow the expected path into a false life of dull respectability, or B) break free from all society conventions to be true to yourself. The theme of clandestine love is revisited in Downton Abbey.

[LilMissMolly]

I'm OK with the Edwardian period. My favorite is the Victorian era. I hate the Georgian and King Henry 8th. Wigs - yuck!

[Nicola Cornick]

John, Many thanks for the comment. I have read a few of EM Forster's novels but not Maurice, which I will now seek out. I very much enjoy those themes of the conflict between following a pre-ordained respectable path and being true to one's self. So much easier for us to seek personal freedoms these days than in the past!

[Nicola Cornick]

LOL, I am with you on the wig issue, LilMissMolly! They don't work for me either. I like the Tudor period, though, although not the character of Henry VIII himself.