Victorian Mumsnet

[PlayOnWurtz]

Brought over from another thread...

AIBU to think I've left it too late by starting my ds in the mining profession at 5?

How old is too old to go up chimneys?

What size coal is right for my fire?

SittingAround1- should you be so unfortunate and your dear husband passes, I can only hope you will receive a small income from your husband's estate. He should indeed make a provision for you and your DD's.
If this fails, I can recommend to approach your local vicar, he might be able to help you in such a desolate time with a small widower pension and be able to place your DD' s in service with a respectable family.
However, if your dear husband is a member of our victorious military forces, rest assured, you will be fortunate enough to qualify for a widower pension from our dearest monarch.

ZebraOwl I beg you to think.

Women taking degrees?

Women practicing medicine?

What next - letting them vote? Or sit in Parliament? Or be Bishops?

The laws of nature are not to be so easily defied. You mark my words - if ever there were a female Prime Minister - obviously an absurd idea - a lot of women would not approve of that person's actions.

There is only one high position in this land which can properly be held by a woman and that is that of our gracious Sovereign Lady Queen Victoria.

I overheard this exchange in that nice new emporium opened by Messrs Waite and Rose.

Shall we have Indian or china Hortencia?

I mean, what's wrong with Gin ?

ylvamoon I must thank you for your advice it is most assuring to know we will not be left completely destitute. I am only to assume my DH will provide for us. He certainly tells me not to worry my silly head about it.
I couldn't bear the thought of my DDs entering service though, it's giving my heart palpitations as I write.
I do say the thought of a female doctor does seem all very modern, would she not run the risk of being seen as morally compromised and however would she find a husband?

I must admit though it would be lovely to consult with such a person, as my downstairs department hasn't been the same since the birth of my last child.

Not that I would know of course, but I once heard that a tot of gin was very settling to overexcited nerves. And it has the benefit of not being able to be smelt on one's breath.

At least that's what I've heard.

Zebra...rowing? Cycling? What would any sensible lady want with such activities? They are not good for the figure or the mind of a gently brought up female.

And as for your suggestion that ladies become Doctors! I should rather die than be treated by one of my own sex! What could she do to help me if I were suffering a serious malady?

No. Listen to Mr Andrew Fogg and keep your place where it should be! In the home!

@zebraowl. Women doctors?
Why would tell our most personal details to a woman? So she can spread it around town with her vicious gossip? It will never catch on. In my day a woman would be burned at stake for such fancyfull ideas. The only medical treatments a woman could preform are surely those of voodoo and therefore ungodly.
Is not enough that you are able to read and write? I knew no good would come of educating women folk. There imagination is far too wayward. What next women in politics? The police force? Next you will suggesting than the man of the house should do house hold dutys and rear children!

Recommendations for a day out please.

Newgate or Horsemonger Lane? Which is more suitable for families?

treaclesoda- May I suggest a 3rd option of a most amusing nature.
We took a guided tour around our local slum for a small fee. It is a place of most fascinating interest. Contrary to popular belief, the slum dwellers are of an happy and content nature. They don't mind the mud and filth in the yard and finding their living arrangement very pleasing.
One has to warn of the unpleasant air in such a place, and I highly recommend taking your salts to avoid any embarrassment.
A respectable person of course would never entertain living in such peculiar conditions. The slum dwellers must be of a different breed to be content in such squalor.

Andrewofgg thank you for your concerns but my situation has resolved itself most satisfactorialy. I have one DS; sadly our six other children perished from consumption and terrible accidents (though I have always suspected MiL of ensuring my DDs met their ends intentionally- there's no way ALL the perambulators could have had faulty brakes)

Anyway, I have now murdered my husband and I marry the NDN next week.

After some discussion with my NDN we have decided that his infant Ward will be betrothed to my DS thereby ensuring both our modest fortunes will be permanantly secured.

Most importantly, the horse issue is no longer bothering me and I'm off for a jaunt in my new barouche!

SittingAround1 I fear that the female physique and mind are of the most delicate nature. I believe it would be impossible to practice such an strenuous profession as that of a well respected doctor.

Is 14 too young to marry?. My DD is being courted by a wealthy neighbour of some 65 summers. My DH believes she is old enough, but I am not so sure.

Jax how can you ask such a thing , get them betrothed before he pops his clogs and you miss out on the fortune!

I shouldn't laugh at this thread. But still, I do (horrors!).

We're in the northeast of England, and - seriously, now - my DILs (in their late 70s) voted for Brexit because they felt that independence from the EU would mean the mines would re-open. Yes, really.

They lament that my DH hasn't worked in the mines and hasn't had the opportunity to work there, even though my FIL lasted two weeks as a miner in the 1940s before quitting and joining the forces. He hated it. But they want their DS to work there & LOVE it. (He works in IT and has no desire to get coal dust under his nails.)

Oh bloody well.

CaliBoingo, are you of a foreign persuasion perchance? I m unable to comprehend the majority of your missive. Brexit? 1940's? What on earth do you mean? I believe the rather clever Mr Wells is working on a novel about a time carriage. Have you perhaps had a sneak peek of his manuscript?

My DH is consorting with ladies of ill repute. Should I speak to him about this or continue in my role of demure, subservient wife?

What are you having for dinner? I have ordered: 1. Crimped cod and oyster sauce 2. Roast haunch of mutton, brown onion sauce and vegetables 3. Bullace pudding, baked custards in cups.
Hope Cook can manage this simple repast, she has broken both arms but has a new kitchen maid to assist. She must be recovered by tomorrow as we have 18 persons dining and 11 courses.

@Sacha Dhawan
I'm afraid @CaliBoingo might have gone mad. Possibly by the Sypyilis. For shame. I'm afraid it's off to bedlam for her.

Dagenham why you should be grateful he is seeking his pleasures elsewhere, this should relieve you of the obligation of fullfilling your wifely duties, which we all know can be somewhat unpleasant at times.

Anybody following the annulment proceedings between Euphemia Chalmers Gray and John Ruskin?
I hear their marriage was never consummated. In the first instance, I feel for the poor woman!
But one has to ask why this most affluent of gentleman has agreed to such a ill matched marriage. (I hear she is from a humble family looking to improve their wealth and social standing... )

Mrsmadevans, I would if he was likely to leave this earth soon. But his father persisted until the age of five score and ten, fathering his last son only 2 years before his untimely demise. Mayhap the good yorkshire water they imbibe daily has a life sustaining effect?

Sinuhe DH has told me that that case is much too lascivious and he forbade me from following it! He took the newspapers from the parlour and returned them with holes where he cut out the offending articles so I have no idea what is happening. I'm sure he's right in doing so, after all he is the master of the house.

BTW, are you free for tea and a chat tomorrow? Your place would be better than mine.

'There is just not enough discipline with children nowadays, it wasn't like that when we were young. We knew not to speak until we were spoken to'

Quoted by Victorian MIL every time I bloody see her. Jeez..

Ladies, this is a WWYD. Being a spinster of this parish two years shy of twenty, I fear my marriageable years are coming to an end. My friend has told me of a service whereupon you can view pictures of young bachelors and if you find upon there something pleasing, you can indicate your interest by moving said portrait from a left hand hook to one on the right.

AIBU to think perchance this may leave one vulnerable to cads who thereupon may use such a service as a means to gaze upon ones ankles and upper arms rather than as a vehicle for holy matrimony?

treaclesoda I'd go for Horsemonger Lane. My friend Mr Dickens went there and had an excellent view.