It's that time of year again off to Rutshire

[Slaymill]

I want to have a bubble bath then liberally douse myself in L'Eau d'Issey. Then wander downstairs to the cottage lounge to sit in front of a fire of apple logs, wearing only a dark blue towel.

I want swishy hair and rosy cheeks from country walks with the dogs so the local village widower/reformed seducer/newbie falls madly in love with me.

I want to drink Moet from tooth mugs or ancient heirloom crockery.

I want my new love to take me to their achingly rich family who are super friendly and have houses all over the world.

I want to live in Rutshire.

AIBU?

Do like a bit of Jilly escapism. I am going through divorce and thoroughly fed up, though a man with three homes has asked me out! Could it be real....

Yessss I read all the romances in my teens before Riders too. And yes they all had glam pix of Jilly on the front.

My first was Emily, bought in the library sale for 15p!

Oh right it was Lazlo who was El Gato then, makes a bit more sense.

Hugs to everyone going through horrible stuff, in need of the escapism. 💐

I'm now on TMWMHJ after starting anotherepic rereading of the Rutshire Chronicles... Do you think we'll ever get to read Tackle?

Hmm, do we want to read Tackle? after the travesty of buttercunt and, was it Jump beforehand?. Bloody awful. Not JC on top form.
And huge bunches of Rutshire wild flowers to those having a rough time, I am too and yes the escapism helps.
Oh and bottles of champagne to everyone too, drunk out of a chipped tooth mug, natch

I've been poorly all day and no Taggie beating down my door to bring me some home cooked food.

Thanks for the kindness @mogloveseggs

@stucknoue sorry to hear your going through a tough time. I'm sure the man with three houses is waiting in the wings.

I don't think Tackle will see the light though I would like a last hurrah for Rutshire @LadyMonicaBaddingham

@Collectorofcookbooks Thanks for reminding me I need to get a copy of How to Survive Christmas is it any good ?

I'm so pleased to hear that those who have met JC found her rather tight

It would be so disappointing to hear she just sipped Perrier to keep her figure

I've still got my original paperback copy of JC's Imogen. My DF queued up to get a signed copy for me when it first came out. The byline on the front cover was 'the life of a jet set virgin was a hard one'....... I'm going to dig out my JC's and re-read them.

Declan sounds like he could do with a change from the parasitic wife. I'm free, and cheaper!!!

Rebekha? Is that you?

Great to read this thread and realise I’m not alone in my guilty pleasures and escapist dreams...

I too once met a fragrant and friendly Jilly who spontaneously enveloped me in a pale blue cashmere hug. She also sweetly responded to a card I sent her after she lost her husband.

Beezie was it Prussian blue ?

@Beeziekn33ze Loving all the Jilly meet and greet stories she never seem to disappoint.

Does everyone know those mugs which read I'd Rather ( insert witty comment) I'm thinking of making a Jilly inspired one. So any ideas what to add ?

Ladybird - definitely powder blue!

I'm watching Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over with the Arkwrights and they are so Jilly.

@JaneJeffer thanks I'll have to watch it is it on catch up ?

I watched it on W Slay so I'm not sure where you can find it.

Jilly's books are my guilty pleasure. As a feminist, I know I should massively disapprove but I can't help myself. As a teen, I devoured her books, which I'm convinced is entirely the reason I had such a totally distorted view of how relationships should be when I was younger. They're so comforting somehow, I adore the descriptions of nature and food and people's personality and appearance. The characters feel like old friends.

I'm listening to 'Imogen' in the car at the moment. It makes me commute so much more pleasurable.

I am in a Jilly Cooper book club it is incredible...!

At work right now but obvs going home shortly to listen to opera with my girlfriend Winnifred and pet my labradors.

@LadLadybirdbookworm you had me at 'rack of lamb' !

I feel like sliding out of my office English exam about ribboned coats where I've called someone a poofter in an essay to saunter sexily up the road having tugged my skirt up four inches and wrinkled my socks, only to be appropriated by the Carlisle twins and end up at a polo after-party.

@HighlyUnlikely Did your amazon orders all turn up, still waiting on the photo or have you been enjoying a literary hug from enjoying all those Jilly books ?

This is the mug website www.stubbsmugs.co.uk/ At the moment I'm going for I'd Rather Be At Penscombe.

Tell us more @AgathaMystery

I'm supposed to be reading something incredibly dull for my book group but this thread has reminded me of just how great JC is so I'm going to reread Rivals again instead.

On Friday, when I'm asked at book group what I enjoyed about the book, I shall say "all the shagging!"

BeBrave