Remember When . . . We Went Out for Tea?

I found myself in an interesting place in my story the other day. I needed my heroine to be out somewhere, away from her chaperones, where she could meet with another young lady of whom they didn’t approve. It needed to be someplace public, but that wouldn’t raise any eyebrows. I had a hunch that a tea room might be perfect…but I wasn’t quite sure. So away I went to look it up.

What I discovered was absolutely perfect. The idea of a public tea room first gained popularity in the late Victorian age and soon became quite trendy. In London, there were a few rival establishments that were the epitome of posh–gorgeous decor, orchestras, etc. These were beautiful establishments which were perfectly acceptable places for young, unmarried ladies to go without chaperones. They would often attend their correspondence there, enjoying a few hours out and about on their own.

What’s more, they were one of the first places where a young lady could work without anyone frowning about it–even well-to-do young women often took on part-time jobs at tea rooms just for a little extra spending money. I had no idea!

I discovered most of this on a fun blog called Edwardian Promenade – go take a peek if you’re interested in the era!

And I know this is short, but you’ll have to excuse me. I’m getting ready to leave for a writing retreat, where I will hopefully get to The End of this last Ladies of the Manor book!!