Thank you, my dear. We'll sit in this corner behind the potted palm and have a nice little coze while the lovely footmen offer us dainty treats. I do believe quite a few of our dancing gentlemen will stop by to pay their respects, especially if they wish to meet a particular gal they've spotted on the floor. We'll have a fabulous time!

Oh my heavens, you look fabulous in that gown! Have a glass of champagne so you can look oh so sophisticated sweeping up to Rafael!

There ya go, in fantasy we can have it all!

Oh you know Atherton, he's up for anything. He would have so much fun escorting someone as intelligent as you! And a sari-style formal is absolutely perfect, especially if our heroines are floating around in here somewhere. They do not settle for dull gowns!

Oh, lovely Cyn, thank you for bringing him! And half the fun of a fancy dress ball is looking for the gown!

thanks for the recommendation! And as women, most Regency writers accept that smart midwives would figure out that cleanliness could only help. Persuading doctors might have been difficult--but if theyre heroes, then theyd catch on fast. G

anyway you look at it, urine or ammonia, it stinks!

thats most excellent to hear! Take care of yourself too.

LOL! Id forgotten that line.

Thank you for reminding me why I dont make my own soap!

Given how many ways children could die--fires, falling trees, tumbling in rivers--I am amazed that any of us survived. We didn't have all those extra precautions we do today with signs and fences and whatever. I'm not certain how mothers lived through the tragedies.

I have no scientific evidence other than my experience, at a later date than yours, that we build immunity by exposure. But people with low immunity for whatever reason would get sick. Either way, Soap is Good. ;)

We always used Ivory when I was a kid but I imagine Lifebuoy was still around.

and don't touch your face with the gloves and throw them out when you get home! It's difficult remembering all the steps. Hope your husband is doing well.

LOL, that must have been one fine tasting soap!

I do wish we had the resources to research natural immunities more. I know I've never had the flu, but it could simply be because I stay inside a lot. Or because I travel a lot and have been exposed to so many different things... Right now, we simply don't know.

It is a testament to human biology and perseverance that we have survived at all. One must assume some people have a natural immunity to viral infections and whole lot of people didn't leave near anyone else to have survived those epidemics.

Thank you for the wonderful reference source! A lot of science is observational and the Civil War taught doctors and nurses who cared a lot of things that were put to practical use later. I'm sure if I had time to dig deeper, I could find many sources for washing recommendations from that era. And midwives had lots of time to make this observation and pass it on without modern science ever knowing about it--because, y'know, they weren't men so what did they know.

LOL! Ever practical are scientists. ;)

As ever, Quantum, displaying your amazingly good taste! I love Loretta's book and for humor, they're hard to beat. And Anne's books are so clever and comforting I think maybe I'll get one out tonight and re-read. Thanks!

oh, that cover! I think the cover would be worth the price even if I can't read the book! And love your sense of humor. It's one way of getting through the monotony of staying home, thank you!

Good to hear you're staying safe, Janice. It really is a strange feeling. We need a good Regency cotillion! We could all virtually dress up and talk about books.

oh no, Sue! You know where to find me if I can be of any help at all. And lovely that you can pass Andre's books on to a new generation!

I remember reading that long, long ago! I've completely forgotten it. Will check the digital library, thank you, Joan!