probably the oldest surviving Valentine love letter in the English language was written by Margery Brews to her fiancé John Paston in February 1477. Describing John as her 'right well-beloved valentine', she tells him she is 'not in good health of body nor of heart, nor shall I be till I hear…….
Recently, I’ve been watching a PBS program featuring Jane Austin’s Sandition, unfinished novel begun in January, 1817, stopped in March 1817. Now on season three, it stuck me how today’s romance has lost the touch of true “wooing!”
Back to those days of Jane-No touching in public, modest clothing, fans fluttering around the face to flirt; and love letters written, secretly placed in hiding spots known only to two would be lovers or maybe a letter arriving discreetly in the mail to be whisked away, only to be read in privacy. It’s all so romantic!! At least, in Jane Austin’s world—
Brings to mind, the original movie, “Shoppe Around the Corner”, starring Margaret Sullivan and James Stewart. This movie was made in 1940. Somehow, these two became pen pals through postal service. Their letters soon turned into love letters—-ahhh! What a movie! Today’s version is “ You’ve Got Mail”— the story uses internet to bring emails to life. Is this “wooing” today? No hand written letter to unfold, to read in secret, to read over and over again—
During my courtship with hubby (over 60 years ago), we wrote letters to each other. I couldn’t believe what lovely words he could jot on paper! Made my heart swoon! How I miss those letters, which were destroyed in a house fire. I wish our children could appreciate those words of their father—they would be astonished he had an ounce of romance in his bones!
And if you happen to see an oldie but goodie movie, you might see a stack of love letters bundled up and tied with a ribbon, which are lovingly hugged by the heroine, who unties and cries as she unfolds the paper to relive a once special romance.
Yes, love letters today are not of Jane Austin’s world—sure would be nice if we could be like that again!
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