The Conservatory and its adjoining
gardens was the perfect place for a Victorian man and woman to
conduct a courtship.
How to Commence a Courtship
From Inquire Within:
3,700 Facts for the People, 1858
A gentleman having met a lady at
social parties, danced with her at balls, accompanied her to and
from church, may desire to become more intimately acquainted. In
short, you wish to commence a formal courtship. This is a case
for palpitations, but forget not that "faint heart never won
fair lady." What will you do? Why, taking some good opportunity,
say,
"Miss Wilson, since I became acquainted with you, I have been
every day more pleased with your society, and I hope you will
allow me to enjoy more of it - if you are not otherwise engaged,
will you permit me to visit you on Sunday evening?"
The lady will blush, no doubt — she may tremble a little, but if
your proposition is acceptable to her, she may say,
"I am grateful for your good opinion, and shall be happy to see
you."
Or if her friends have not been consulted, as they usually are
before matters proceed so far, she may say:
I am sensible of your kindness, sir; but I cannot consent to a
private interview, without consulting my family."
Or she may refuse altogether, and in such a case, should do so
with every regard to the feelings of the gentleman, and, if
engaged, should say frankly:
"I shall be happy to see you at all times as a friend, but I am
not at liberty to grant a private interview."
As, in all these affairs, the lady is the respondent, there is
little necessity for any directions in regard to her conduct, as
a "yes" every so softly whispered, is a sufficient affirmative,
and as her kindness of heart will induce her to soften as much
as possible her "No."
To tell a lady who has granted the preliminary favors, that you
love her better than life, and to ask her to name the happy day,
are matters of nerve, rather than form, and require no teaching.
