Hi readers! I’m so thrilled to welcome back the lovely Cherith Boardman to Austenesque Reviews for the second time today! Just three months ago Cherith was here to celebrate the release of her series – Total Want of Propriety. And today she is visiting to share a little about her newest release – Mistaken Premise.
Mistaken Premise is an off-canon coming-of-age story about Elizabeth Bennet. And Cherith is here to talk about child training in the Regency Era. We hope you enjoy!! 🤗
Good morrow, fair readers, and thank you Ms Meredith for inviting me to join you on Austenesque Reviews today.
I am an unrepentant nerd who sometimes wonders if the only reason I became a writer is to justify my research addiction. I am constantly reading or listening to books either that my characters would have read or books about Georgian/Regency history. A genre I recently added to my repertoire is comportment books for girls, young ladies, and even matrons. I’m slogging through Sermons for Young Women (1766), by James Fordyce (1720-1796) – not a fun read! – but one I somewhat enjoyed is The Mirror of Graces (1811), by the anonymous ‘A Lady of Distinction’.
For Mistaken Premise, I researched child training of the Georgian era. Thanks to the era
of enlightenment and the writings of Rousseau (1712-1778), and his introduction of childhood as a condition of innocence, the children of the latter half of the eighteenth-century were allowed to be just that, children, not miniature adults as they were viewed in earlier times. The mass manufacture of toys, books written specifically for children, and children’s clothing as a distinct style, not just small reproductions of adult fashions, were a result. Parents were encouraged to spend time with their children and to shower them with gifts and affection.
The earlier English Enlightenment philosopher, John Locke (1632-1704) and his theory of the tabula rasa – that children were born with a ‘blank slate’ – was most influential in the education of young children. This meant that the nurture side of the nature versus nurture debate was in the ascendancy. Thus, it was up to parents to ensure the proper etchings of right and wrong, shaping a young child’s ability to reason, were made upon their child’s tabula rasa. “That all the men we meet with, nine parts of ten are what they are, good or evil, useful or not, by their education,” Locke wrote.i
Yet there could be a dark side to this tabula rasa, too, for this was still a time of classical education. Plato’s belief that individuals, including children, learned what is good through education, and Aristotle’s theory that the habituation of virtue was best if started early, held equal, if not greater, sway as Locke and Rousseau, in the United Kingdom’s gentry and nobility.
The late Georgian and Regency periods were a time of enormous transition: economically, politically, culturally, and philosophically as English society shifted to the morality, prosperity, domesticity, and arts of the Victorian Era (beginning in 1837, but 25 years after the typical settings of P&P variations). These were the days of ‘spare the rod and spoil the child’ii, and children still possessed no rights of their own – the first of the child labour laws in England did not pass through Parliament until 1833 – and remained under the complete control of their father, even in the highest reaches of the ton.
Children of the upper classes might have been showered with gifts and eaten regularly with their
parents, particularly their mothers, but for most of them, much of the rest of their day was spent in education, moral and academic, in the schoolrooms and nurseries of the country houses across England or the fashionable houses in Town. Alongside the more fashionable languages of French and Italian, Greek and Latin were also required subjects for many toddlers as young as two or three, and chairs fashioned with iron restraints to hold these young scholars still during their lessons were commonplace. (See Erickson below) Such lessons could last from six to eight hours a day, as governesses and tutors ‘improved’ the minds, instilled virtue, and wrote ‘good principals’ on the tabula rasa of their young charges. The offspring of the gentry and nobility were then expected to participate in their parents’ social sphere by showcasing their manners and performing recitations or recitals for their parents’ guests’ entertainment.
And as Fordyce, in particular, proves, the burden of somehow regulating the propriety and behaviour of the entire nation was placed on the young shoulders of the daughters of the gentry and nobility.
One of the best-selling and best-known writers of Jane Austen’s lifetime, the Evangelical moralist, Hannah More (1745-1833) wrote several comportment books – one, Hints Toward Forming the Character of a Princess (1805), was specifically addressed to Prinny’s only daughter, and heiress to the throne, Princess Charlotte (1796-1817). Hannah More believed that education could not be separated from morality and that the best way to improve the plight, both physically and spiritually, of the lower classes was to improve the personal piety of those in the ton. The higher the rank of the young lady she addressed, the more Miss More – and Society – expected of them, not only in terms of education and accomplishments, but in terms of manner and morality.
In Mistaken Premise, Lizzy’s Uncle Malcom and Papá Bennet were of a more Lockian, balanced with Rousseau, view as they prepared their charge for her future as the Duchess of Soloway. My fictional Lady Tyranholt, finds this education insufficient merely because Lizzy possesses an open disposition, instead of the ennui her ladyship expects of a future duchess. As the only other suo jure title holder in the land, Lady Tyranholt believes she alone is capable of training Lizzy in her future role. As much as readers might hate her – I sure did! – she is not entirely made up, either. There are aspects of her character which come from historical personages of the late Georgian era, nor is she entirely unfamiliar to a reader of Jane Austen. Lady Catherine and Sir Walter Elliot are both consumed with the preservation of rank, a belief which would have been familiar to Jane’s contemporary readers.
For those who have not yet read Mistaken Premise, worry not… Our dear girl might lose herself for a time, under the extremity of Lady Tyranholt’s treatment, but once she is reunited with our dear boy, his love and support give Lizzy the courage to utilise all that she has learned in becoming her best self, with Darcy at her side.
~ Sources ~
Our Tempestuous Day, by Carolly Erickson, 1986, William Morrow publishers, Audible edition
The Georgian Guide to Perfect Parenting: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/09612020100200286
The Regency Town House – Children: http://www.rth.org.uk/regency-period/family-life/children
Hannah More: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/09612020100200286
i John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning Education, 1693
ii“spare the rod and spoil the child” is a line, paraphrased from Proverbs 13:4, in a poem, Hudibras (1664), by Samuel Butler (1612-1680)
~~~
~ Book Description ~
With everything in his favour, ’tis no wonder Fitzwilliam Darcy thinks well of himself.
The head of an ancient Norman family, Mr Darcy is the generous and revered master of Pemberley, a respected MP, and a valued friend and neighbour. The powerful Earl of Matlock, his uncle, and his cousin, Viscount Milton, ally with him in Parliament, increasing not only his political influence but his eligibility amongst the most sought-after bachelors of the ton.
Joining his schoolmate at the latter’s leased estate, Darcy knows there will be no one of any consideration in the world in the backwaters of Meryton, Hertfordshire.
But amongst these rustic savages, Darcy discovers a hidden treasure: a fine-eyed young lady of kindness and wit. Miss Elizabeth, the second daughter of Longbourn, is as open and amiable as she is graceful and intelligent, caring for the needs of the estate’s tenants and deflecting incivility with smiles and bon mots.
Yet notwithstanding Elizabeth’s many perfections, Darcy leaves her behind, for how can he damage the Darcy heritage by marrying the penniless daughter of an obscure country squire?
But Fitzwilliam Darcy shall soon learn… not everything is as he believes.
Mistaken Premise is a Lizzy coming-of-age story as she grows from an idyllic childhood, through unforeseen turmoil that nearly costs her identity and her life, to ultimately finding her place in the world.
Mistaken Premise is a story of the healing power of love in the worst of circumstances.
TRIGGER WARNING: non-sexual physical and mental abuse in addressed in this story.
~~~
Thank you so much, Cherith! I really appreciate you sharing more about the lives of children and the practices of childrearing during the Regency Era. It is interesting to think about the differing perspectives of children being “blank slates,” miniature adults, or innocent vessels that need to be educated.
I wish you all the best with your release of Mistaken Premise! 🙌🏼
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today, Cherith brings with her one ebook of Mistaken Premise for me to give away to one lucky winner! Woot woot!!! 😃
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Cherith below!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Cherith!
- This giveaway ends March 29th.
An interesting article! What does “suo jure” mean? I have this in my wish list, and I would love a chance to win a copy!
title “in her own right”–not through a husband
Thank you for answering Coleen561’s question, dholcomb1. Have a great day!
Good luck on the giveaway, Coleen561. As dholcomb1 shared below, suo jure is a legal term which means that a person – usually a female – holds the title in her own right. In Mistaken Premise, Lizzy is her uncle, the duke’s, heiress, and because of the Scottish heritage, the title can follow the female line. When her uncle dies, Lizzy will become the suo jure 9th Duchess of Soloway, meaning she IS the duchess not simply the wife of the duke.
I have also found myself down the rabbit hole researching the Regency Period just wanting to learn more. Thank you for the information about children. Mistaken Premise sounds very interesting. I have a feeling that Darcy will be surprised when he meets Elizabeth once again. Thank you for the giveaway.
Ah, Eva E… Our dear boy’s reaction upon encountering our dear girl again in the Ton… NOT Darcy’s finest moment, and whilst Lizzy’s response might not be entirely perfect, he had certainly earned it. LOL I hope you like the story.
Congratulations on your new release! You always do such an amazing job creating a whole new world and the research that goes with it.
I started it on KU, but I would much rather read it in paperback. Do you have an idea on when it will be available?
Thank you, Sam H. I am so glad you like my worlds.
As for a paperback version of Mistaken Premise (and Total Want of Propriety, too), last year went chaotic and my graphic designer and I never got to fashioning the spine for TWoP’s cover. She is currently working on Mistaken Premise’s back cover and spine, then she wants to update TWoP’s covers then make the spines. I HOPE to have MisPrem available in physical format by June 1, and TWoP by Sept 1.
I look forward to June then 😉
I read this story as soon as it was available on KU. I love it! It’s engaging and well written. Very well done! Congratulations!!!!
Thank you, Virginia P. I am so glad you liked Mistaken Premise. It was a challenge, but in the best way, to write, but I am very pleased with the outcome.
OOOhhh excellent! I have loved your other books and the amount of research and time you put into them. I have you on a “buy sight unseen” basis now with a handful of other authors. I look forward to seeing what you do with this story.
Thank you, Shannon Grover. Given my short list of “sight unseen” authors, I am so honoured to be on yours. I hope you enjoy Mistaken Premise.
WOW, I learned lots just reading this and I am sure it is only the tip of the iceberg. I am glad that my kids were able to be kids! I have added this book to my wish list.
It was rather eye-opening for my too, Glory; though, it was not totally unfamiliar. We were part of an Amish church/community for five years when my children were all young, and there were some definite overlaps. I suppose it would not surprise anyone that we ended up leaving because of child rearing issues and because I was too outspoken to fit into their world. LOL
I hope you enjoy Mistaken Premise.
This is in my wish list too. Thank you for the giveaway. Best wishes and congrats on the new release!
I hope you enjoy Mistaken Premise, Robin G. Good luck on the giveaway!
Putting on wish list now. Congrats on your book!
Thank you, Julie Goodman! I hope you enjoy it.
Fascinating! Congrats on your new book, it sounds really interesting.
Thank you, Bats. Mistaken Premise was very interesting to write, for it gave me many new research opportunities (always a plus for me!).
I would love to read this book. And I think I just have to take a look at once!
I hope you enjoy it, Aundy Kjuus. It is available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. Godspeed on the giveaway!
Sounds interesting, thanks for the giveaway!
I hope you enjoy it, darcybennett. I enjoyed writing it. Good luck on the giveaway!
I would have hated being a child in those times! I enjoyed school but learning Latin and Greek at aged two? No! I learnt Latin along with Spanish and German but not until I went to the Grammar School aged eleven!
Thank you for this fascinating information, I’m definitely looking forward to reading this soon.
I don’t know how this happened, but my reply to you somehow ended up down the page as post 18. Sorry, Ms Glynis!
I hope you enjoy Mistaken Premise.
Whew! I am still reeling from the angst of Lizzy’s period of imprisonment. This story was extremely realistic, not because of any personal experience, but because it is so well-written, I was emotionally engaged.
I certainly liked the vocabulary, but I would have appreciated footnotes on some of the period language. While I do have a very large reading vocabulary, I do need to check some of the words used in a different way from what I learned, as well a in languages other than Latin and French. I would also like to have seen a translation of the chapter headings.
Also, another proofing, with fresh-to-the-story eyes, was needed. Too many mistakes of incomplete words slipped through, unfortunately, particularly for this 5* book.
All in all, it’s a humdinger, but I need to read a few less stressful books to recover. But that won’t take long: I’ve read nearly a hundred variations this year,. . .but nothing else like this one.
Betty Campbell Madden
I am glad you liked the story, Ms Madden, and I am sorry you were disturbed by mistakes. I will read through my copy again on my Kindle, specifically to catch such errors as you mentioned.
As for the chapter titles, I didn’t elaborate on those because the translation is already there – they are the chapter number in Gaelic.
Thank you so much for letting me know that I need to give it another go through.
I have read and become enthralled with all your books. When this was released, I immediately downloaded and read it. It is not a quick, easy read and there is plenty of angst, the plot is well thought out, – my only problem is the proofreading. Sentence structure and dropped words make it a challenge is places. I really wanted to give it 5 stars but did not due to the errors. Keep up the great writing, you have a real talent..
I do not need to be included in the giveaway for this book.
I am glad you enjoyed the story, Frankie P, and I apologise for any errors. Some of the sentence structure issues might be because I write in an older, more archaic to the modern reader, style. I shall re-read my Kindle edition looking for the errors you have mentioned. Thank you for bringing them to my attention.
Borrowed this from KU and am now reading it. Your great amount of research is very evident! Sometimes overwhelming. Foregoing clicking on all the links as it is slowing down my reading.
Don’t worry about not reading all the notes, sheliamajczan. I put them there for the readers, like me, who love to learn about new things, but if all the little endnotes for each chapter are not your thing, then feel free to skip them – my eldest son does, too. LOL
I read this on KU. It was fascinating, the whole tyrant experience was very uncomfortable. Yet ODC persevered and had the HEA.
My reply to you, Colleen, is down at #20 in the comments below. Godspeed!
I had the privilege of reading this wonderful story as it was being written. The tale leads us from Lizzy’s happy childhood, to her “retraining” as a young adult–and the emergence of Elizabeth, to finding her true self with Darcy. Wow! What a journey. Thank you, Ms Boardman for the interesting information on rearing children, and the burden placed on girls during this period.
I’m so very pleased to have this wonderful book as part of my permanent collection and can highly recommend it. Please do not enter me in the give away.
You were a most wonderful focus reader, Ms Jeannette. I thank you for all your work catching my mistakes and helping refine the story, making it better. Godspeed!
It was not necessarily Every parent who did such things, Ms Glynis. In canon, Mr Bennet of Longbourn was likely a disciple of the pure Rousseau method – children are inherently good and left to themselves, if given opportunities, they will choose to learn of their own accord.
Meanwhile, the Darcys of Pemberley were Lockean; as ODB states, “I was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit.” That tells me that they wrote good things on their son’s Tabula Rasa, but without giving him the opportunity to put these ideas into practice.
And now thinking about it – and the obvious failures of both pure Locke and Rousseau, as pointed out in canon – perhaps this very contrast was purposely done by Austen. [Now my mind is spinning off down a rabbit hole.]
I can’t imagine keeping a toddler in a schoolroom for that long, though I would hope that the 2 and 3 year olds got a bit of a break. Unless they were already reading, the language instruction would have been all oral. It seems bizarre that such young children would read, though I knew a boy who taught himself to read at 3. Maybe the Greek and Latin weren’t quite as hard for them as we think. That may be the optimal time in a person’s life for learning language.
I don’t need to be entered in the giveaway. I was pleased to be an advance reader, and enjoyed it very much.
It is my understanding, Xena Anne, that teaching toddlers as young as 2 and 3 to read was something of a feather in a parents’ cap, that they could read in Greek by 3 or 4 was a truly crowing achievement that some parents strove for.
In general, yes there were breaks for meals and outside play – with varying degrees of structure depending on the parents. My point mainly is that not every family had a Longbourn style parenting scheme, and some – like the Tyrant – whilst acceptable in the day, are hands-down abusive to our modern sensibilities.
And you were an excellent beta reader. I appreciated your input – especially Lady Xena.
Godspeed!
I’m glad you found the story fascinating, Colleen. The Tyrant was uncomfortable to write, and she was the only character I have enjoyed killing off. All along, Lizzy was supposed to find herself as the Duchess with the love and support of Darcy. I was very happy with their HEA.
There must be some sort of glitch in the system this morning, Colleen, because again, my reply to you is filed down below at #20. Godspeed!
I’ve added this one to my wish list. Congratulations on your new release!
Thank you, Cath E! I hope you enjoy Mistaken Premise when it gets to the top of your TBR list. Godspeed in the giveaway!
I’m utterly fascinated by the premise, and after reading your articles and the all the comments, I’m really looking forward to reading Mistaken Premise. That is, after I gather some courage to read such an angsty story. Treating children cruelly is giving me the shakes. But I also must bring your other story up to the top of my wish list. Obviously I’ve been missing out on some great writing. Best of luck with this new book’s launch.
I had to roll my eyes when the term ‘clean slate’ came up in the theories listed above. Anyone who has had children knows within weeks if not days that their child has their own personality imprinted within their little bodies. Yes and no…to the ability to mold them into what one might expect them to achieve by teaching them in the ways described above. I know you can teach children to read at a very young age, and many pre-schools introduce other languages to children because yes, they are more receptive at that age to learn another language. I wish I had been taught another language earlier in my education. I suspect that the parents in those days didn’t do any of the actual teaching anyway but relied on governesses. What a taxing job it would be to teach more than one child in a family all those things parents of the time expected their children to learn. Governesses were sure to learn that each child had their own personality. And that is probably why so many of them became completely authoritative and punishment driven to control order with the children and keep their employers happy.
You have hit upon many of the same thoughts I had, Ms Michelle H.
As the mother of 10, I entirely agree with your opinion – and modern science bears this out: nature (genetics) is the stronger influence. NOT that nurture doesn’t have its place, for the two do work together, but much of a child’s personality is there at birth.
I, too, feel for the poor overworked governess and tutors, especially as families were large, but I am unsure if a more Rousseauean parent would keep in their employ a draconian governess who wielded a switch indiscriminately. The parents, especially the father, were the ones with all the power in this equation.
I hope you enjoy Mistaken Premise, but yes, gird your loins. The third quarter of the book is difficult, but Lizzy is 18 by the time she is exposed to the Tyrant and her views of appropriateness for young ladies.
Godspeed!
I am truly intrigued by the plot. I hope I could win a copy, if not I will buy the book because I will not be left without being able to satisfy my curiosity about the development of this story. Greetings from Peru
Greetings from the Southeast US, sgabrielamolina!
Peru! How wonderful! Now I want to go look at pictures and read about the culture. Ah a nerd’s life.
I hope you enjoy Mistaken Premise, and Godspeed to you on the giveaway!
I look forward to reading it!
I hope you like it, abqnmfox. Warning though, Lady Tyranholt – and her views on the proper training for young ladies – gets dark. But worry not, when ODG meets up with Darcy again, she finds healing and the strength to become her truest self through his love.
Thank you for sharing all the research in child training and rearing in the Regency era. I found this very interesting in the changes in raising children. I look forward to reading your new novel. –Leslie
I am so glad you enjoyed the post, lesliegb. I fretted over it and rewrote it several times trying to find the right balance. Glad to know I managed the potentially fraught conversation. I hope you enjoy Mistaken Premise. Godspeed!
Hello! I’ve read so many reviews that I’m intrigued and want to find out the story myself. Congratulations to the author, because I know she works hard for her stories.
Thank you very much, reeahree. I hope you enjoy Mistaken Premise; I certainly enjoyed writing it. Godspeed!