Pamela Mingle | Regency Heroines Who Matter

Can heroines from the past be relevant in today’s world? A twenty-first century
career woman coming home to a partner, children, dishes in the sink, and a
hamper full of dirty laundry may find it difficult to relate to an early
nineteenth century lady, whose every need is seen to by servants.

Writers of historical romance try to imbue their heroines with enough curiosity,
gumption, and resourcefulness to make them relatable and likable. Ladies living
in a different age didn’t have the same family responsibilities as we do today,
but neither did they have the same opportunities, especially for education and
employment. For an unmarried gentlewoman of the early nineteenth century,
options were limited to a very few professions: most commonly, lady’s companion,
governess, or shopkeeper. And we see these occupations often in historical romances.

But Regency writers have found clever ways to circumvent the lack of options
available to their heroines. These fictional characters often have the requisite
skills and interests to carve out a purposeful life. And if they are also
engaging, beautiful, and admirable, heroes (and readers) find heroines to love.

As a result, we have female characters who are writers, philanthropists,
artists, and scientists. We can also find, in the modern Regency romance,
heroines who keep safe houses for abused women, solve mysteries, design
landscapes and gardens, and manage estates they’ve inherited. Some historical
romances feature thieves (always for noble causes), spies, owners of gaming
hells, and courtesans. Most of these women are passionate about their work, and
in many cases, though not always, that passion may be a huge obstacle in the
relationship between the two protagonists.

Found less often are heroines with political interests. Women in the eighteenth
and early nineteenth centuries were excluded from many aspects of political life
beyond the obvious ones of voting and holding office. During the eighteenth
century, for example, women were not even allowed as spectators in Parliament.
Not until the early nineteenth century was a compromise reached. But even this
concession relegated women to the “Ventilator,” a roof space designed primarily
to carry away heat and smoke. Nevertheless, there were often lines of ladies
waiting for the limited seats.

Women were not highly visible during the eighteenth century enlightenment, but
Mary Wollstonecraft argued persuasively that the values of the enlightenment
suggested equality for women. Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire (and
distant relative of Diana, Princess of Wales) was a powerful philanthropist and
lobbyist for a variety of causes.

The historian Sarah Richardson argues that the beginnings of political activism
among women in the early nineteenth century grew out of their domestic life,
especially among those who were well-read and came from families with political
concerns. My heroine, Cass, comes from such a family. Women who travelled widely
in Europe were also more likely to be involved in politics as petitioners and
philanthropists. And those who could afford to often became political hostesses
and patronesses.

In A FALSE PROPOSAL, Cass lived in seclusion for a few years after the public suicide of her fiancé. As the book begins, she has recently returned to London and the social scene. She’s spent several years tutoring her younger sister, but now she’s ready for a change. Adam, the male protagonist, is standing for a seat in the House of Commons, and Cass has always had a keen interest in politics. So, in this case, they share a passion for something, and it brings them together. Adam admires Cass’s fine mind and her knowledge of politics; Cass respects Adam for his desire to end the war. She questions him about the causes he would fight for, and his answers so impress her, she realizes her heart is at risk. More than anything—well, almost anything—she wants to be involved in Adam’s campaign for office. Eventually, Cass’s political acumen plays a big part in rescuing Adam’s ambitions.

Engagement in the real world beyond the home has now become a necessary
ingredient in many Regency novels. Combine this with the age old elements of
classic romance, and readers will love their historical heroines!