Anne here. 
Since the wenches had so much to say about the "chick-in-pants" trope last week, I've broken it into two parts, and this week it's Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley, Joanna Bourne and me, talking about it. We've included a few more excerpts, too. Also here's another 19th century portrait of a man who could easily be a woman in disguise. (Sir William Cornwallis Harris by Ramsay Richard Reinagle (attributed to), c.1823.)
Mary Jo says: Much as I loved Heyer's The Masqueraders, the story requires major suspension of disbelief. Which I do willingly, but she was writing in the age before pheromones had been discovered, which may help with that suspension. (Actually, an even bigger question in my mind is how Prudence could pour a glass of claret into her sleeve to conceal the fact she wasn't drinking much. Sure, the shirts were ruffled, but wouldn't there be wine dripping from the sleeve? But I digress.)
Like Pat, my heroines wear trousers when it's practical and convenient. The longest stint in britches belongs to the heroine of my Angel Rogue, where the American, half-Mohawk Maxie Collins decides to go to London to discover the truth of her father's death. She has very little money, so she chooses to walk–not a stretch for her since she and her father were book peddlers in New England and she was used to a roving life.
Since Maxie is petite, she figures that loose, shabby rural clothing will allow her to pass for a nondescript young boy. Which works until she trips over the hero while bird watching. He's napping in the woods, and when she lands full on top of him, he has no doubt about her gender:
It wasn't until she stepped away that she realized he was the handsomest man she had ever seen. His longish hair shimmered with every blond shade from gilt to dark gold, and the bone structure of his face would make angels weep with envy.
A fairy ring in the center of the circle gave her the wild thought that she had stumbled over Oberon, legendary King of Faerie. No, he was too young, and surely a fairy would not be wearing such mundane clothing.
The blond man sat up and leaned back against the tree trunk. "Females have thrown themselves into my arms a time or two before, but not usually quite so hard," he said, the skin at the corners of his eyes crinkling humorously. "However, I'm sure we can work something out if you make a polite request."
I've had other heroines wear trousers when necessary. Alys Weston, heroine of THE RAKE, was a land steward on an estate so she dressed for supervising laborers and fixing farm equipment. Catherine Melbourne was similarly attired when a homicidal madman was hunting her and the hero down on a remote island. And I believe that the heroine of my work in progress is about to acquire riding culottes for similarly practical reasons. But they aren't fooling anyone about their gender, least of all their heroes!
Jo Beverly says: I think I've only done this once, but that was in a major way in My Lady Notorious. Like others I've enjoyed the device as a reader, but had my doubts, especially in Regency clothing, with the breeches or pantaloons fairly tight and the coats cropped at the waist in front. Even in Georgian costume, Cyn Malloren quickly notices the shape of the young lad is more feminine than masculine. Of course that can be true of a man, but Cyn later suggests that Chastity "put a sock in it" to make the look a bit more convincing. 
My candidate for man most likely to have been a woman in disguise is Banestre Tarleton, despite him being a very active military officer and definitely male. But look at his portrait!(on the right) So soft of thigh and gentle of feature. The hat doesn't help.
My Lady Notorious is Georgian, and 18th century clothes help, especially as it's a double twist story with the hero dressing as a woman for part of the time. I made that plausible by having him slender and quite pretty. "He alone of the family had been gifted with the full glory of his mother's delicate bones, green-gold eyes, russet-red hair, and lush lashes…. As a boy he'd believed age would toughen his looks, but at twenty-five, a veteran of Quebec and Louisbourg, he was still disgustingly pretty. He had to fight duels with nearly every new officer in the regiment to establish his manhood."
Unfortunately the first cover gave Cyn the sort of hunky muscles that would have made the story impossible.
When he dresses as a woman in order to throw their pursuers off the scent it gives an opportunity for a gender-bending kiss.
"Horrible Henry was looming over them.
Cyn gave a shriek and clutched Charles face-down to his bosom. "Adrian! We are discovered! No, dear boy, stay safe in my arms. They shall not hurt you." He fixed Henry Vernham with what he hoped were tragically intense eyes, and declared, "Only death shall part us, sir!"
"Zounds, woman. We have no interest in you and your paramour. Did a young woman pass by here? A young woman with very short hair.""
Yes, Chastity has very short hair, which helps with the deception. Chastity's head was shaved by her father, and though it's grown out a bit she can wear a man's wig, and pass for a man without it. Hair becomes a significant element of the book, as does her femininity. She doesn't want to be a man or dress as one. When she gets to wear women's clothing, "She twirled, laughing for the pleasure of fine things, for the rustling, slithering feel of silk."
We have the idea that trousers give freedom and long skirts are an encumbrance, but there are societies where men wear long skirts and dresses and are physically active, so it's interesting to consider how true that is.
Joanna Bourne says: I'm of the party that says some young women, not overly endowed in the breast department, could pass as boys. Sometimes I look around the restaurant or library or checkout line at the supermarket and pick out teen girls who could pass as boys and teen boys who could, with a bit of makeup, pass as women. 
Gender, as they say, is a social construct.
I had one heroine who dressed as a boy. it doesn't happen in the story itself, but in her past. That's my Annique in Spymaster's Lady. What made it even slightly plausible was she's still in her teens. I drop little hints throughout the text that she's athletic, small, thin and — may I be indelicate? — has tiny breasts. The passing-as-a-boy trope is most plausible, in my opinion, when the female is one of those thin and boyish types I am so teeth-gnashingly envious of and she's passing as a fellow too young to shave.
Or it's dark. Very dark.
Anne here. I do find the chick-in-pants thing quite plausible — depending on the situation. But I believe that people in the past were more prone than we are today to take others at face value. If they saw a person dressed in men's clothes, they would have assumed it was a man. I well remember my grand-parents exclaiming crossly (and often) "Is that a boy or a girl? I can't tell!" about some slender person with long hair wearing jeans. Because to them, long hair signaled a girl but jeans were for boys. But I could almost always tell.
Today we are very accustomed to seeing all kinds of cross-dressing, on TV, in movies and in life, so we are educated in looking for and noticing the subtleties — the Adam's apple — or lack of it, the subtle curves of a woman's body, and so on. But in the days where it was unthinkable— even scandalous — for a woman to dress as a man, there was little reason to wonder. Effeminate men have been around for ever. And as a number of commenters last week mentioned, there are many well-documented historical examples of women who passed quite successfully as men, and whose gender was only discovered in death or when they were wounded.
But we are writing for a modern readership, so we need to take our modern gender awareness into account when we're writing our stories.
I've written chick-in-pants at least three times — once in An Honorable Thief, in which the heroine, as The Chinese Burglar dressed in baggy, black Chinese-style clothing — at night. And the hero did encounter her, but she defeated him with a tricky kung-fu type move and got away. Here's that scene in the Japanese Manga version (which I love.) 
In Bride By Mistake, the heroine had been dressed as a boy by her father, when she was a very young girl, and later during the war, as an adolescent. But when the hero sees her for the first time in pants, he's in no doubt of her femininity.
In To Catch a Bride, set largely in 19th century Cairo, the hero first encounters the heroine dressed as a shabby Arab street boy — in loose clothing. He doesn't recognize her gender – not until he's knocked her out. And gets a closer look.
Rafe grimaced. He must have hit harder than he intended. He'd meant to subdue the little devil, not knock him out.
He sat back on his haunches, kneeling astride the youth's supine body and regarded his young assailant. In the soft light from the other room all he could see was an urchin face smeared with dirt. He looked about fifteen, thin and raggedly dressed. His turban had come off in the struggle and his hair was very short, chopped jaggedly in a cut that Rafe decided the boy had done without benefit of mirror or scissors. It wasn't unattractive, he decided. Might even take off — the Urchin Cut. He favored the Windswept, himself.
The youth's features, under all that dirt, were quite delicate . . .
Good God. If he didn't know better . . .
He thought of the lad's lack of muscle. The way he'd succumbed to the merest tap on the jaw.
He stared at the youth's chest. Flat as a pancake.
He shifted his position back, till he was sitting on the boy's legs. He peered at the place where the legs joined the torso. The pants were very baggy, but . . .
There was only one way to tell. He brushed down over the base of his prisoner's stomach and between his legs. Nothing. Or rather not nothing, but nothing that would have been there if his youth had been a youth.
He was a girl. And, he thought, staring at the girl's features in the dim light, not just any girl.
Her eyes fluttered open. "Filthy pervert!" she snapped in French and in the same moment that Rafe recalled just where his hand was resting— and removed it — she exploded under him.
You can read the full excerpt here.
I do so enjoy that moment where the hero discovers the gender of the "boy." What's your favorite moment?
We've talked a bit about "chick-in-pants", but what about "guy-in-a-dress" — does that hold any appeal to you? I did enjoy that old B&W movie "I was a Male War Bride" with Cary Grant dressed as a woman — but really, Cary Grant dressed in anything would still do it for me. Any others you can think of? Any that weren't comedies? I'll send a book to someone who leaves a comment.
Thanks for the excerpts-so enticing that now I have to go buy the books (except yours, Jo. I already have The Spymaster’s Lady.)
Thanks for the excerpts-so enticing that now I have to go buy the books (except yours, Jo. I already have The Spymaster’s Lady.)
Thanks for the excerpts-so enticing that now I have to go buy the books (except yours, Jo. I already have The Spymaster’s Lady.)
Thanks for the excerpts-so enticing that now I have to go buy the books (except yours, Jo. I already have The Spymaster’s Lady.)
Thanks for the excerpts-so enticing that now I have to go buy the books (except yours, Jo. I already have The Spymaster’s Lady.)
Ah, Rose, that’s the thing about excerpts — they entice. 🙂
Ah, Rose, that’s the thing about excerpts — they entice. 🙂
Ah, Rose, that’s the thing about excerpts — they entice. 🙂
Ah, Rose, that’s the thing about excerpts — they entice. 🙂
Ah, Rose, that’s the thing about excerpts — they entice. 🙂
Non-comedic romances with blokes in petticoats…
Anna Cowan’s Untamed, of course.
Even though Hugh Grant doesn’t actually wear a dress in the film ‘impromptu’ – a version of the romance between George Sand (Judy Davis) and Chopin (Hugh Grant) – I think of it as being a bloke-in-petticoats film in the sense that gender is turned around.
Non-comedic romances with blokes in petticoats…
Anna Cowan’s Untamed, of course.
Even though Hugh Grant doesn’t actually wear a dress in the film ‘impromptu’ – a version of the romance between George Sand (Judy Davis) and Chopin (Hugh Grant) – I think of it as being a bloke-in-petticoats film in the sense that gender is turned around.
Non-comedic romances with blokes in petticoats…
Anna Cowan’s Untamed, of course.
Even though Hugh Grant doesn’t actually wear a dress in the film ‘impromptu’ – a version of the romance between George Sand (Judy Davis) and Chopin (Hugh Grant) – I think of it as being a bloke-in-petticoats film in the sense that gender is turned around.
Non-comedic romances with blokes in petticoats…
Anna Cowan’s Untamed, of course.
Even though Hugh Grant doesn’t actually wear a dress in the film ‘impromptu’ – a version of the romance between George Sand (Judy Davis) and Chopin (Hugh Grant) – I think of it as being a bloke-in-petticoats film in the sense that gender is turned around.
Non-comedic romances with blokes in petticoats…
Anna Cowan’s Untamed, of course.
Even though Hugh Grant doesn’t actually wear a dress in the film ‘impromptu’ – a version of the romance between George Sand (Judy Davis) and Chopin (Hugh Grant) – I think of it as being a bloke-in-petticoats film in the sense that gender is turned around.
Oh, of course, Shannon — why did I leave out Anna Cowan’s Untamed? Thanks for the reminder. And I haven’t seen Impromptu — thanks for the heads up.
Oh, of course, Shannon — why did I leave out Anna Cowan’s Untamed? Thanks for the reminder. And I haven’t seen Impromptu — thanks for the heads up.
Oh, of course, Shannon — why did I leave out Anna Cowan’s Untamed? Thanks for the reminder. And I haven’t seen Impromptu — thanks for the heads up.
Oh, of course, Shannon — why did I leave out Anna Cowan’s Untamed? Thanks for the reminder. And I haven’t seen Impromptu — thanks for the heads up.
Oh, of course, Shannon — why did I leave out Anna Cowan’s Untamed? Thanks for the reminder. And I haven’t seen Impromptu — thanks for the heads up.
Great post… & I’ve just found an Anne Gracie I haven’t read, so that’s me sorted for the weekend ( An Honourable Theif + a Bellowhead concert = fab birthday weekend !)
But let’s be honest dear Word Wenches, there are only 3 men that could carry off female dress … 1 & 2 Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon in the sublime Some Like It Hot, and 3. Paul O’Grady as the scurrilous Lily Savage (such a shame Lily’ s retired to the Convent of the Perpetual Vintner, somewhere in the South of France !)
Great post… & I’ve just found an Anne Gracie I haven’t read, so that’s me sorted for the weekend ( An Honourable Theif + a Bellowhead concert = fab birthday weekend !)
But let’s be honest dear Word Wenches, there are only 3 men that could carry off female dress … 1 & 2 Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon in the sublime Some Like It Hot, and 3. Paul O’Grady as the scurrilous Lily Savage (such a shame Lily’ s retired to the Convent of the Perpetual Vintner, somewhere in the South of France !)
Great post… & I’ve just found an Anne Gracie I haven’t read, so that’s me sorted for the weekend ( An Honourable Theif + a Bellowhead concert = fab birthday weekend !)
But let’s be honest dear Word Wenches, there are only 3 men that could carry off female dress … 1 & 2 Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon in the sublime Some Like It Hot, and 3. Paul O’Grady as the scurrilous Lily Savage (such a shame Lily’ s retired to the Convent of the Perpetual Vintner, somewhere in the South of France !)
Great post… & I’ve just found an Anne Gracie I haven’t read, so that’s me sorted for the weekend ( An Honourable Theif + a Bellowhead concert = fab birthday weekend !)
But let’s be honest dear Word Wenches, there are only 3 men that could carry off female dress … 1 & 2 Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon in the sublime Some Like It Hot, and 3. Paul O’Grady as the scurrilous Lily Savage (such a shame Lily’ s retired to the Convent of the Perpetual Vintner, somewhere in the South of France !)
Great post… & I’ve just found an Anne Gracie I haven’t read, so that’s me sorted for the weekend ( An Honourable Theif + a Bellowhead concert = fab birthday weekend !)
But let’s be honest dear Word Wenches, there are only 3 men that could carry off female dress … 1 & 2 Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon in the sublime Some Like It Hot, and 3. Paul O’Grady as the scurrilous Lily Savage (such a shame Lily’ s retired to the Convent of the Perpetual Vintner, somewhere in the South of France !)
I also enjoyed the chick-in-pants elements of “Impromptu” — there’s an amusing bit where one of the men at a shooting party refers to “That Fellow George” with no idea that the fellow is really a notorious woman.
Anne Rice’s erotic novel Cry to Heaven is about a castrato who plays women’s roles in opera (it is set in 18th century Italy). He makes a very convincing woman onstage and occasionally offstage, with special corsets creating the illusion of breasts. He has lovers of both sexes and eventually finds his HEA with a female artist.
I also enjoyed the chick-in-pants elements of “Impromptu” — there’s an amusing bit where one of the men at a shooting party refers to “That Fellow George” with no idea that the fellow is really a notorious woman.
Anne Rice’s erotic novel Cry to Heaven is about a castrato who plays women’s roles in opera (it is set in 18th century Italy). He makes a very convincing woman onstage and occasionally offstage, with special corsets creating the illusion of breasts. He has lovers of both sexes and eventually finds his HEA with a female artist.
I also enjoyed the chick-in-pants elements of “Impromptu” — there’s an amusing bit where one of the men at a shooting party refers to “That Fellow George” with no idea that the fellow is really a notorious woman.
Anne Rice’s erotic novel Cry to Heaven is about a castrato who plays women’s roles in opera (it is set in 18th century Italy). He makes a very convincing woman onstage and occasionally offstage, with special corsets creating the illusion of breasts. He has lovers of both sexes and eventually finds his HEA with a female artist.
I also enjoyed the chick-in-pants elements of “Impromptu” — there’s an amusing bit where one of the men at a shooting party refers to “That Fellow George” with no idea that the fellow is really a notorious woman.
Anne Rice’s erotic novel Cry to Heaven is about a castrato who plays women’s roles in opera (it is set in 18th century Italy). He makes a very convincing woman onstage and occasionally offstage, with special corsets creating the illusion of breasts. He has lovers of both sexes and eventually finds his HEA with a female artist.
I also enjoyed the chick-in-pants elements of “Impromptu” — there’s an amusing bit where one of the men at a shooting party refers to “That Fellow George” with no idea that the fellow is really a notorious woman.
Anne Rice’s erotic novel Cry to Heaven is about a castrato who plays women’s roles in opera (it is set in 18th century Italy). He makes a very convincing woman onstage and occasionally offstage, with special corsets creating the illusion of breasts. He has lovers of both sexes and eventually finds his HEA with a female artist.
I will kinda secretly add that I’m going to do this trope again … soon.
I will kinda secretly add that I’m going to do this trope again … soon.
I will kinda secretly add that I’m going to do this trope again … soon.
I will kinda secretly add that I’m going to do this trope again … soon.
I will kinda secretly add that I’m going to do this trope again … soon.
Mrs Doubtfire. I loved Robin Williams in that movie.
Mrs Doubtfire. I loved Robin Williams in that movie.
Mrs Doubtfire. I loved Robin Williams in that movie.
Mrs Doubtfire. I loved Robin Williams in that movie.
Mrs Doubtfire. I loved Robin Williams in that movie.
I enjoyed the movie “Victor, Victoria”, with Julie Andrews and James Garner. It’s got a double twist, because she is a woman masquerading as a man who is a female impersonator. It’s a big relief to the hero when he realizes she really is a woman, since his attraction to her made him very uncomfortable about his sexuality.
I enjoyed the movie “Victor, Victoria”, with Julie Andrews and James Garner. It’s got a double twist, because she is a woman masquerading as a man who is a female impersonator. It’s a big relief to the hero when he realizes she really is a woman, since his attraction to her made him very uncomfortable about his sexuality.
I enjoyed the movie “Victor, Victoria”, with Julie Andrews and James Garner. It’s got a double twist, because she is a woman masquerading as a man who is a female impersonator. It’s a big relief to the hero when he realizes she really is a woman, since his attraction to her made him very uncomfortable about his sexuality.
I enjoyed the movie “Victor, Victoria”, with Julie Andrews and James Garner. It’s got a double twist, because she is a woman masquerading as a man who is a female impersonator. It’s a big relief to the hero when he realizes she really is a woman, since his attraction to her made him very uncomfortable about his sexuality.
I enjoyed the movie “Victor, Victoria”, with Julie Andrews and James Garner. It’s got a double twist, because she is a woman masquerading as a man who is a female impersonator. It’s a big relief to the hero when he realizes she really is a woman, since his attraction to her made him very uncomfortable about his sexuality.
Great post yet again, Anne! I can’t say I find any of the mentioned movies where men dress as women terribly convincing (though Dustin Hoffman wasn’t bad in the one whose name I can’t remember), but the theater has always been about suspended disbelief for the sake of a good story, and in books we have more power over our illusions. *G*
Great post yet again, Anne! I can’t say I find any of the mentioned movies where men dress as women terribly convincing (though Dustin Hoffman wasn’t bad in the one whose name I can’t remember), but the theater has always been about suspended disbelief for the sake of a good story, and in books we have more power over our illusions. *G*
Great post yet again, Anne! I can’t say I find any of the mentioned movies where men dress as women terribly convincing (though Dustin Hoffman wasn’t bad in the one whose name I can’t remember), but the theater has always been about suspended disbelief for the sake of a good story, and in books we have more power over our illusions. *G*
Great post yet again, Anne! I can’t say I find any of the mentioned movies where men dress as women terribly convincing (though Dustin Hoffman wasn’t bad in the one whose name I can’t remember), but the theater has always been about suspended disbelief for the sake of a good story, and in books we have more power over our illusions. *G*
Great post yet again, Anne! I can’t say I find any of the mentioned movies where men dress as women terribly convincing (though Dustin Hoffman wasn’t bad in the one whose name I can’t remember), but the theater has always been about suspended disbelief for the sake of a good story, and in books we have more power over our illusions. *G*
I love this trope. Paisley Smith’s Beguiled is a great example of FF chick in pants.
I love this trope. Paisley Smith’s Beguiled is a great example of FF chick in pants.
I love this trope. Paisley Smith’s Beguiled is a great example of FF chick in pants.
I love this trope. Paisley Smith’s Beguiled is a great example of FF chick in pants.
I love this trope. Paisley Smith’s Beguiled is a great example of FF chick in pants.
Girls in men’s clothes doesn’t seem as difficult as men in women’s clothes: do not forget Bonnie Prince Charlie. And if I remember my history, there are other royal personages who wore women’s clothing (if only in private).
Girls in men’s clothes doesn’t seem as difficult as men in women’s clothes: do not forget Bonnie Prince Charlie. And if I remember my history, there are other royal personages who wore women’s clothing (if only in private).
Girls in men’s clothes doesn’t seem as difficult as men in women’s clothes: do not forget Bonnie Prince Charlie. And if I remember my history, there are other royal personages who wore women’s clothing (if only in private).
Girls in men’s clothes doesn’t seem as difficult as men in women’s clothes: do not forget Bonnie Prince Charlie. And if I remember my history, there are other royal personages who wore women’s clothing (if only in private).
Girls in men’s clothes doesn’t seem as difficult as men in women’s clothes: do not forget Bonnie Prince Charlie. And if I remember my history, there are other royal personages who wore women’s clothing (if only in private).
This is a great topic! I only ever did one chick-in-trousers scene, when a heroine slipped away to join a foxhunt. But the hero and everyone else knew her gender and just played along.
As a plot point, I really appreciate when it’s done well, as in Jo’s book–and Jo’s book–and Mary Jo’s book (is it something to do with having the name Jo? Oh, wait, there’s Anne’s book….)
This is a great topic! I only ever did one chick-in-trousers scene, when a heroine slipped away to join a foxhunt. But the hero and everyone else knew her gender and just played along.
As a plot point, I really appreciate when it’s done well, as in Jo’s book–and Jo’s book–and Mary Jo’s book (is it something to do with having the name Jo? Oh, wait, there’s Anne’s book….)
This is a great topic! I only ever did one chick-in-trousers scene, when a heroine slipped away to join a foxhunt. But the hero and everyone else knew her gender and just played along.
As a plot point, I really appreciate when it’s done well, as in Jo’s book–and Jo’s book–and Mary Jo’s book (is it something to do with having the name Jo? Oh, wait, there’s Anne’s book….)
This is a great topic! I only ever did one chick-in-trousers scene, when a heroine slipped away to join a foxhunt. But the hero and everyone else knew her gender and just played along.
As a plot point, I really appreciate when it’s done well, as in Jo’s book–and Jo’s book–and Mary Jo’s book (is it something to do with having the name Jo? Oh, wait, there’s Anne’s book….)
This is a great topic! I only ever did one chick-in-trousers scene, when a heroine slipped away to join a foxhunt. But the hero and everyone else knew her gender and just played along.
As a plot point, I really appreciate when it’s done well, as in Jo’s book–and Jo’s book–and Mary Jo’s book (is it something to do with having the name Jo? Oh, wait, there’s Anne’s book….)
Well, there is Tootsie, which Dustin Hoffman insists is not a comedy. He supposedly tested his disguise by walking the streets of New York in costume to see if he could pass as a woman rather than a guy in drag. Around the same time, a young Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari were disguising themselves as women on the TV show Bosom Buddies. Hoffman’s emotional response to what he learned from playing Dorothy Michaels is interesting. He admits he would not have given a woman who looked like his character a second glance.
And may I boast that I have read all the Wench books mentioned? In fact, I reread Angel Rogue on my Kindle just last week. And I look forward to Jo’s new chick-in-pants story.
Well, there is Tootsie, which Dustin Hoffman insists is not a comedy. He supposedly tested his disguise by walking the streets of New York in costume to see if he could pass as a woman rather than a guy in drag. Around the same time, a young Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari were disguising themselves as women on the TV show Bosom Buddies. Hoffman’s emotional response to what he learned from playing Dorothy Michaels is interesting. He admits he would not have given a woman who looked like his character a second glance.
And may I boast that I have read all the Wench books mentioned? In fact, I reread Angel Rogue on my Kindle just last week. And I look forward to Jo’s new chick-in-pants story.
Well, there is Tootsie, which Dustin Hoffman insists is not a comedy. He supposedly tested his disguise by walking the streets of New York in costume to see if he could pass as a woman rather than a guy in drag. Around the same time, a young Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari were disguising themselves as women on the TV show Bosom Buddies. Hoffman’s emotional response to what he learned from playing Dorothy Michaels is interesting. He admits he would not have given a woman who looked like his character a second glance.
And may I boast that I have read all the Wench books mentioned? In fact, I reread Angel Rogue on my Kindle just last week. And I look forward to Jo’s new chick-in-pants story.
Well, there is Tootsie, which Dustin Hoffman insists is not a comedy. He supposedly tested his disguise by walking the streets of New York in costume to see if he could pass as a woman rather than a guy in drag. Around the same time, a young Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari were disguising themselves as women on the TV show Bosom Buddies. Hoffman’s emotional response to what he learned from playing Dorothy Michaels is interesting. He admits he would not have given a woman who looked like his character a second glance.
And may I boast that I have read all the Wench books mentioned? In fact, I reread Angel Rogue on my Kindle just last week. And I look forward to Jo’s new chick-in-pants story.
Well, there is Tootsie, which Dustin Hoffman insists is not a comedy. He supposedly tested his disguise by walking the streets of New York in costume to see if he could pass as a woman rather than a guy in drag. Around the same time, a young Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari were disguising themselves as women on the TV show Bosom Buddies. Hoffman’s emotional response to what he learned from playing Dorothy Michaels is interesting. He admits he would not have given a woman who looked like his character a second glance.
And may I boast that I have read all the Wench books mentioned? In fact, I reread Angel Rogue on my Kindle just last week. And I look forward to Jo’s new chick-in-pants story.
HUZZAH! I LOVE this trope, have done it myself, and long to do another. It is, dare I say it, LIBERATING!
Can’t wait for you to (secretly) write this! Cheers, EE
HUZZAH! I LOVE this trope, have done it myself, and long to do another. It is, dare I say it, LIBERATING!
Can’t wait for you to (secretly) write this! Cheers, EE
HUZZAH! I LOVE this trope, have done it myself, and long to do another. It is, dare I say it, LIBERATING!
Can’t wait for you to (secretly) write this! Cheers, EE
HUZZAH! I LOVE this trope, have done it myself, and long to do another. It is, dare I say it, LIBERATING!
Can’t wait for you to (secretly) write this! Cheers, EE
HUZZAH! I LOVE this trope, have done it myself, and long to do another. It is, dare I say it, LIBERATING!
Can’t wait for you to (secretly) write this! Cheers, EE
Oh, how could I forget Jaye Davidson in The Crying Game? He made a very convincing woman.
Oh, how could I forget Jaye Davidson in The Crying Game? He made a very convincing woman.
Oh, how could I forget Jaye Davidson in The Crying Game? He made a very convincing woman.
Oh, how could I forget Jaye Davidson in The Crying Game? He made a very convincing woman.
Oh, how could I forget Jaye Davidson in The Crying Game? He made a very convincing woman.
I love the women that wear pants!! Shows they have the strength not to follow society
I love the women that wear pants!! Shows they have the strength not to follow society
I love the women that wear pants!! Shows they have the strength not to follow society
I love the women that wear pants!! Shows they have the strength not to follow society
I love the women that wear pants!! Shows they have the strength not to follow society
Happy birthday, Cate — I've just been making jelly-cakes for a birthday party I'm off to tonight. I did enjoy Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as not-very-convincing women — though Tony was certainly made a pretty woman, and I don't know the other film you mentioned, so might have to search that one out. Thanks.
Happy birthday, Cate — I've just been making jelly-cakes for a birthday party I'm off to tonight. I did enjoy Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as not-very-convincing women — though Tony was certainly made a pretty woman, and I don't know the other film you mentioned, so might have to search that one out. Thanks.
Happy birthday, Cate — I've just been making jelly-cakes for a birthday party I'm off to tonight. I did enjoy Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as not-very-convincing women — though Tony was certainly made a pretty woman, and I don't know the other film you mentioned, so might have to search that one out. Thanks.
Happy birthday, Cate — I've just been making jelly-cakes for a birthday party I'm off to tonight. I did enjoy Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as not-very-convincing women — though Tony was certainly made a pretty woman, and I don't know the other film you mentioned, so might have to search that one out. Thanks.
Happy birthday, Cate — I've just been making jelly-cakes for a birthday party I'm off to tonight. I did enjoy Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as not-very-convincing women — though Tony was certainly made a pretty woman, and I don't know the other film you mentioned, so might have to search that one out. Thanks.
Impromptu is obviously another one I shall have to chase up — it sounds like fun. And the castrato character in Anne Rice sounds fascinating — what a sacrifice to make for your art. Thanks for joining in the conversation, Elinor.
Impromptu is obviously another one I shall have to chase up — it sounds like fun. And the castrato character in Anne Rice sounds fascinating — what a sacrifice to make for your art. Thanks for joining in the conversation, Elinor.
Impromptu is obviously another one I shall have to chase up — it sounds like fun. And the castrato character in Anne Rice sounds fascinating — what a sacrifice to make for your art. Thanks for joining in the conversation, Elinor.
Impromptu is obviously another one I shall have to chase up — it sounds like fun. And the castrato character in Anne Rice sounds fascinating — what a sacrifice to make for your art. Thanks for joining in the conversation, Elinor.
Impromptu is obviously another one I shall have to chase up — it sounds like fun. And the castrato character in Anne Rice sounds fascinating — what a sacrifice to make for your art. Thanks for joining in the conversation, Elinor.
Oooh, lovely, Joanna, I can't wait!
Oooh, lovely, Joanna, I can't wait!
Oooh, lovely, Joanna, I can't wait!
Oooh, lovely, Joanna, I can't wait!
Oooh, lovely, Joanna, I can't wait!
Thanks, Linda. It was a fun movie, but I *never* was convinced he was a woman.
Thanks, Linda. It was a fun movie, but I *never* was convinced he was a woman.
Thanks, Linda. It was a fun movie, but I *never* was convinced he was a woman.
Thanks, Linda. It was a fun movie, but I *never* was convinced he was a woman.
Thanks, Linda. It was a fun movie, but I *never* was convinced he was a woman.
Yes, Karin that was clever, wasn't it — that extra twist made it very believable. And that hero discomfort with the attraction was exactly the thing that reader Davida was referring to when she began this whole discussion with her original question last week.
Yes, Karin that was clever, wasn't it — that extra twist made it very believable. And that hero discomfort with the attraction was exactly the thing that reader Davida was referring to when she began this whole discussion with her original question last week.
Yes, Karin that was clever, wasn't it — that extra twist made it very believable. And that hero discomfort with the attraction was exactly the thing that reader Davida was referring to when she began this whole discussion with her original question last week.
Yes, Karin that was clever, wasn't it — that extra twist made it very believable. And that hero discomfort with the attraction was exactly the thing that reader Davida was referring to when she began this whole discussion with her original question last week.
Yes, Karin that was clever, wasn't it — that extra twist made it very believable. And that hero discomfort with the attraction was exactly the thing that reader Davida was referring to when she began this whole discussion with her original question last week.
Tootsie, Mary Jo? Yes, I did find that one a bit hard to swallow, but it was an interesting exploration of the idea.
Tootsie, Mary Jo? Yes, I did find that one a bit hard to swallow, but it was an interesting exploration of the idea.
Tootsie, Mary Jo? Yes, I did find that one a bit hard to swallow, but it was an interesting exploration of the idea.
Tootsie, Mary Jo? Yes, I did find that one a bit hard to swallow, but it was an interesting exploration of the idea.
Tootsie, Mary Jo? Yes, I did find that one a bit hard to swallow, but it was an interesting exploration of the idea.
Thanks, Debra — I don't know Paisley Smith's Beguiled.
Thanks, Debra — I don't know Paisley Smith's Beguiled.
Thanks, Debra — I don't know Paisley Smith's Beguiled.
Thanks, Debra — I don't know Paisley Smith's Beguiled.
Thanks, Debra — I don't know Paisley Smith's Beguiled.
Oh, yes, Elinore — wasn't The Crying Game brilliant? I think the big revelation at the end took everyone by shock. Thanks — I'd forgotten about it, too.
Oh, yes, Elinore — wasn't The Crying Game brilliant? I think the big revelation at the end took everyone by shock. Thanks — I'd forgotten about it, too.
Oh, yes, Elinore — wasn't The Crying Game brilliant? I think the big revelation at the end took everyone by shock. Thanks — I'd forgotten about it, too.
Oh, yes, Elinore — wasn't The Crying Game brilliant? I think the big revelation at the end took everyone by shock. Thanks — I'd forgotten about it, too.
Oh, yes, Elinore — wasn't The Crying Game brilliant? I think the big revelation at the end took everyone by shock. Thanks — I'd forgotten about it, too.
"Can't wait for you to (secretly) write this! " Heh heh — you and thousands of others, Elizabeth. 🙂
"Can't wait for you to (secretly) write this! " Heh heh — you and thousands of others, Elizabeth. 🙂
"Can't wait for you to (secretly) write this! " Heh heh — you and thousands of others, Elizabeth. 🙂
"Can't wait for you to (secretly) write this! " Heh heh — you and thousands of others, Elizabeth. 🙂
"Can't wait for you to (secretly) write this! " Heh heh — you and thousands of others, Elizabeth. 🙂
From a distance, we do still see what we expect to see, and that’s why chicks in pants/guys in skirts can be believable — but only for a short time, in poor lighting or from a distance, and when that’s when the viewer is expecting to see.
Too, that sort of disguise would likely require someone else in the know, someone who would aid in the masquerade in covering for odd absences or actions, helping with clothes, lending credence. To do all that on one’s own over a long period of time would be awfully difficult if not impossible.
Up close, for long periods, in intimate contact, without help — I still say no way, even back then. Sooner or later a slip will be made. Even in a war there are long periods of inactivity when there’s time to notice things that are strange. I would find such tales more believable if some man found out and blackmailed the woman into having sex in return for his silence (there’s a villain for you).
As for movies – I have never found a man posing as a woman credible in any movie. They just don’t look real. If nothing else, they need so much makeup to maintain the masquerade that characters should be wondering why they’re made up and dressed like that. I didn’t believe Tootsie or Mrs Doubtfire whatsoever, then or now.
From a distance, we do still see what we expect to see, and that’s why chicks in pants/guys in skirts can be believable — but only for a short time, in poor lighting or from a distance, and when that’s when the viewer is expecting to see.
Too, that sort of disguise would likely require someone else in the know, someone who would aid in the masquerade in covering for odd absences or actions, helping with clothes, lending credence. To do all that on one’s own over a long period of time would be awfully difficult if not impossible.
Up close, for long periods, in intimate contact, without help — I still say no way, even back then. Sooner or later a slip will be made. Even in a war there are long periods of inactivity when there’s time to notice things that are strange. I would find such tales more believable if some man found out and blackmailed the woman into having sex in return for his silence (there’s a villain for you).
As for movies – I have never found a man posing as a woman credible in any movie. They just don’t look real. If nothing else, they need so much makeup to maintain the masquerade that characters should be wondering why they’re made up and dressed like that. I didn’t believe Tootsie or Mrs Doubtfire whatsoever, then or now.
From a distance, we do still see what we expect to see, and that’s why chicks in pants/guys in skirts can be believable — but only for a short time, in poor lighting or from a distance, and when that’s when the viewer is expecting to see.
Too, that sort of disguise would likely require someone else in the know, someone who would aid in the masquerade in covering for odd absences or actions, helping with clothes, lending credence. To do all that on one’s own over a long period of time would be awfully difficult if not impossible.
Up close, for long periods, in intimate contact, without help — I still say no way, even back then. Sooner or later a slip will be made. Even in a war there are long periods of inactivity when there’s time to notice things that are strange. I would find such tales more believable if some man found out and blackmailed the woman into having sex in return for his silence (there’s a villain for you).
As for movies – I have never found a man posing as a woman credible in any movie. They just don’t look real. If nothing else, they need so much makeup to maintain the masquerade that characters should be wondering why they’re made up and dressed like that. I didn’t believe Tootsie or Mrs Doubtfire whatsoever, then or now.
From a distance, we do still see what we expect to see, and that’s why chicks in pants/guys in skirts can be believable — but only for a short time, in poor lighting or from a distance, and when that’s when the viewer is expecting to see.
Too, that sort of disguise would likely require someone else in the know, someone who would aid in the masquerade in covering for odd absences or actions, helping with clothes, lending credence. To do all that on one’s own over a long period of time would be awfully difficult if not impossible.
Up close, for long periods, in intimate contact, without help — I still say no way, even back then. Sooner or later a slip will be made. Even in a war there are long periods of inactivity when there’s time to notice things that are strange. I would find such tales more believable if some man found out and blackmailed the woman into having sex in return for his silence (there’s a villain for you).
As for movies – I have never found a man posing as a woman credible in any movie. They just don’t look real. If nothing else, they need so much makeup to maintain the masquerade that characters should be wondering why they’re made up and dressed like that. I didn’t believe Tootsie or Mrs Doubtfire whatsoever, then or now.
From a distance, we do still see what we expect to see, and that’s why chicks in pants/guys in skirts can be believable — but only for a short time, in poor lighting or from a distance, and when that’s when the viewer is expecting to see.
Too, that sort of disguise would likely require someone else in the know, someone who would aid in the masquerade in covering for odd absences or actions, helping with clothes, lending credence. To do all that on one’s own over a long period of time would be awfully difficult if not impossible.
Up close, for long periods, in intimate contact, without help — I still say no way, even back then. Sooner or later a slip will be made. Even in a war there are long periods of inactivity when there’s time to notice things that are strange. I would find such tales more believable if some man found out and blackmailed the woman into having sex in return for his silence (there’s a villain for you).
As for movies – I have never found a man posing as a woman credible in any movie. They just don’t look real. If nothing else, they need so much makeup to maintain the masquerade that characters should be wondering why they’re made up and dressed like that. I didn’t believe Tootsie or Mrs Doubtfire whatsoever, then or now.
Yes, Beverly, they made their own rules and took the risks that went with that.
Yes, Beverly, they made their own rules and took the risks that went with that.
Yes, Beverly, they made their own rules and took the risks that went with that.
Yes, Beverly, they made their own rules and took the risks that went with that.
Yes, Beverly, they made their own rules and took the risks that went with that.
I still enjoy re-reading Heyer’s The Masqueraders, which was my first introduction to a chicks in pants tale – well, other than some classic S&S tales, that is! Thanks for the tantalizing excepts as well as the enjoyable commentaries!
I still enjoy re-reading Heyer’s The Masqueraders, which was my first introduction to a chicks in pants tale – well, other than some classic S&S tales, that is! Thanks for the tantalizing excepts as well as the enjoyable commentaries!
I still enjoy re-reading Heyer’s The Masqueraders, which was my first introduction to a chicks in pants tale – well, other than some classic S&S tales, that is! Thanks for the tantalizing excepts as well as the enjoyable commentaries!
I still enjoy re-reading Heyer’s The Masqueraders, which was my first introduction to a chicks in pants tale – well, other than some classic S&S tales, that is! Thanks for the tantalizing excepts as well as the enjoyable commentaries!
I still enjoy re-reading Heyer’s The Masqueraders, which was my first introduction to a chicks in pants tale – well, other than some classic S&S tales, that is! Thanks for the tantalizing excepts as well as the enjoyable commentaries!
Yes, Janice, as Mary Jo said, we do tend to suspend our disbelief in movies. But there are still those real historical women who managed to remain undiscovered for years… I think it's to with it being simply unimaginable for a woman to do that, to risk herself and fight etc. And in the case of Dr James Barry, she lived her entire adult life as a man, even fought duels and was never suspected — or at least never investigated. The scandal broke after she was dead, and her body was found to be that of a woman. You can listen to a simple little story about her here — the site of my little books for adult literacy. http://pageturners.prace.vic.edu.au/book-6-4-doctor-secret.php
Yes, Janice, as Mary Jo said, we do tend to suspend our disbelief in movies. But there are still those real historical women who managed to remain undiscovered for years… I think it's to with it being simply unimaginable for a woman to do that, to risk herself and fight etc. And in the case of Dr James Barry, she lived her entire adult life as a man, even fought duels and was never suspected — or at least never investigated. The scandal broke after she was dead, and her body was found to be that of a woman. You can listen to a simple little story about her here — the site of my little books for adult literacy. http://pageturners.prace.vic.edu.au/book-6-4-doctor-secret.php
Yes, Janice, as Mary Jo said, we do tend to suspend our disbelief in movies. But there are still those real historical women who managed to remain undiscovered for years… I think it's to with it being simply unimaginable for a woman to do that, to risk herself and fight etc. And in the case of Dr James Barry, she lived her entire adult life as a man, even fought duels and was never suspected — or at least never investigated. The scandal broke after she was dead, and her body was found to be that of a woman. You can listen to a simple little story about her here — the site of my little books for adult literacy. http://pageturners.prace.vic.edu.au/book-6-4-doctor-secret.php
Yes, Janice, as Mary Jo said, we do tend to suspend our disbelief in movies. But there are still those real historical women who managed to remain undiscovered for years… I think it's to with it being simply unimaginable for a woman to do that, to risk herself and fight etc. And in the case of Dr James Barry, she lived her entire adult life as a man, even fought duels and was never suspected — or at least never investigated. The scandal broke after she was dead, and her body was found to be that of a woman. You can listen to a simple little story about her here — the site of my little books for adult literacy. http://pageturners.prace.vic.edu.au/book-6-4-doctor-secret.php
Yes, Janice, as Mary Jo said, we do tend to suspend our disbelief in movies. But there are still those real historical women who managed to remain undiscovered for years… I think it's to with it being simply unimaginable for a woman to do that, to risk herself and fight etc. And in the case of Dr James Barry, she lived her entire adult life as a man, even fought duels and was never suspected — or at least never investigated. The scandal broke after she was dead, and her body was found to be that of a woman. You can listen to a simple little story about her here — the site of my little books for adult literacy. http://pageturners.prace.vic.edu.au/book-6-4-doctor-secret.php
Kit, I do too, even though each time Prudence tips her wine down her sleeve, I still can't um. . . swallow it. I find Prudence more convincing than her brother, though, but as he was small and slight, I suppose it *might* work. But I do love the romance between Prue and her mountain.
Kit, I do too, even though each time Prudence tips her wine down her sleeve, I still can't um. . . swallow it. I find Prudence more convincing than her brother, though, but as he was small and slight, I suppose it *might* work. But I do love the romance between Prue and her mountain.
Kit, I do too, even though each time Prudence tips her wine down her sleeve, I still can't um. . . swallow it. I find Prudence more convincing than her brother, though, but as he was small and slight, I suppose it *might* work. But I do love the romance between Prue and her mountain.
Kit, I do too, even though each time Prudence tips her wine down her sleeve, I still can't um. . . swallow it. I find Prudence more convincing than her brother, though, but as he was small and slight, I suppose it *might* work. But I do love the romance between Prue and her mountain.
Kit, I do too, even though each time Prudence tips her wine down her sleeve, I still can't um. . . swallow it. I find Prudence more convincing than her brother, though, but as he was small and slight, I suppose it *might* work. But I do love the romance between Prue and her mountain.
Thanks, Anne. Yes, Bonnie Prince Charlie dressed in women's clothes — as someone's maid, I think — after the disaster than was Culloden, when he was escaping from Scotland with a price on his head. I suspect the fact that he was to act the maid would also help hide him, as to many people servants are so uninteresting as to be invisible. A bit of an ignominious exit, wasn't it?
I haven't heard about the other royal cross-dressers you mentioned.
Thanks, Anne. Yes, Bonnie Prince Charlie dressed in women's clothes — as someone's maid, I think — after the disaster than was Culloden, when he was escaping from Scotland with a price on his head. I suspect the fact that he was to act the maid would also help hide him, as to many people servants are so uninteresting as to be invisible. A bit of an ignominious exit, wasn't it?
I haven't heard about the other royal cross-dressers you mentioned.
Thanks, Anne. Yes, Bonnie Prince Charlie dressed in women's clothes — as someone's maid, I think — after the disaster than was Culloden, when he was escaping from Scotland with a price on his head. I suspect the fact that he was to act the maid would also help hide him, as to many people servants are so uninteresting as to be invisible. A bit of an ignominious exit, wasn't it?
I haven't heard about the other royal cross-dressers you mentioned.
Thanks, Anne. Yes, Bonnie Prince Charlie dressed in women's clothes — as someone's maid, I think — after the disaster than was Culloden, when he was escaping from Scotland with a price on his head. I suspect the fact that he was to act the maid would also help hide him, as to many people servants are so uninteresting as to be invisible. A bit of an ignominious exit, wasn't it?
I haven't heard about the other royal cross-dressers you mentioned.
Thanks, Anne. Yes, Bonnie Prince Charlie dressed in women's clothes — as someone's maid, I think — after the disaster than was Culloden, when he was escaping from Scotland with a price on his head. I suspect the fact that he was to act the maid would also help hide him, as to many people servants are so uninteresting as to be invisible. A bit of an ignominious exit, wasn't it?
I haven't heard about the other royal cross-dressers you mentioned.
Thanks, Margaret — I haven't read that book, so it sounds like that's a Margaret Evans Porter book I have to chase up.
Thanks, Margaret — I haven't read that book, so it sounds like that's a Margaret Evans Porter book I have to chase up.
Thanks, Margaret — I haven't read that book, so it sounds like that's a Margaret Evans Porter book I have to chase up.
Thanks, Margaret — I haven't read that book, so it sounds like that's a Margaret Evans Porter book I have to chase up.
Thanks, Margaret — I haven't read that book, so it sounds like that's a Margaret Evans Porter book I have to chase up.
Thanks, Janga. I thought Tootsie was comedic, but with more depth than most man-in-drag movies. Dustin Hoffman's research is always interesting to hear about — I love learning about the behind-the-scenes stuff of acting. And I've never seen or even heard of that Tom Hanks Bosom Buddies show — a lot of US TV never makes it to Australia.
I'm not surprised you've read all the books mentioned — you're an extremely well-read person!
Thanks, Janga. I thought Tootsie was comedic, but with more depth than most man-in-drag movies. Dustin Hoffman's research is always interesting to hear about — I love learning about the behind-the-scenes stuff of acting. And I've never seen or even heard of that Tom Hanks Bosom Buddies show — a lot of US TV never makes it to Australia.
I'm not surprised you've read all the books mentioned — you're an extremely well-read person!
Thanks, Janga. I thought Tootsie was comedic, but with more depth than most man-in-drag movies. Dustin Hoffman's research is always interesting to hear about — I love learning about the behind-the-scenes stuff of acting. And I've never seen or even heard of that Tom Hanks Bosom Buddies show — a lot of US TV never makes it to Australia.
I'm not surprised you've read all the books mentioned — you're an extremely well-read person!
Thanks, Janga. I thought Tootsie was comedic, but with more depth than most man-in-drag movies. Dustin Hoffman's research is always interesting to hear about — I love learning about the behind-the-scenes stuff of acting. And I've never seen or even heard of that Tom Hanks Bosom Buddies show — a lot of US TV never makes it to Australia.
I'm not surprised you've read all the books mentioned — you're an extremely well-read person!
Thanks, Janga. I thought Tootsie was comedic, but with more depth than most man-in-drag movies. Dustin Hoffman's research is always interesting to hear about — I love learning about the behind-the-scenes stuff of acting. And I've never seen or even heard of that Tom Hanks Bosom Buddies show — a lot of US TV never makes it to Australia.
I'm not surprised you've read all the books mentioned — you're an extremely well-read person!
There’s a pre-1848 case:
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/23291/pg23291.txt
Search the text for the words HATTON GARDEN.
EXTRAORDINARY CASE–A MAN-WOMAN. A creature in the garb of a man, who at the station-house had given the name of Bill Chapman, was placed at the bar with one Isabella Watson, and complained of for being a common cheat and impostor, and creating a disturbance.
Oakley, inspector of the E division, stated that although the thing before them, that called itself Bill Chapman, was attired in man’s apparel, he had ascertained that it was a woman.
Mr. Bennett, who was very much surprised, looked steadfastly at the prisoner and asked her name.
Prisoner (speaking in a rough manner.) “It is Mary Chapman.”
Mr. Bennett. “I never saw a figure more like a man, and the voice is manly.”
Oakley. “I have known her at least ten years, and she always appeared in a dress similar to the one she now wears, namely, a hat, smock-frock, trousers, or knee-breeches, and until last night I always supposed her to be a man. She is known all over England as a ballad-singer and a crier of ‘The last dying speeches,’ &c.”
Mr. Bennett. “She may be a disorderly and disreputable character, which, in fact, her dressing as a man clearly shows, but I know of no law to punish her for wearing male attire.”
There’s a pre-1848 case:
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/23291/pg23291.txt
Search the text for the words HATTON GARDEN.
EXTRAORDINARY CASE–A MAN-WOMAN. A creature in the garb of a man, who at the station-house had given the name of Bill Chapman, was placed at the bar with one Isabella Watson, and complained of for being a common cheat and impostor, and creating a disturbance.
Oakley, inspector of the E division, stated that although the thing before them, that called itself Bill Chapman, was attired in man’s apparel, he had ascertained that it was a woman.
Mr. Bennett, who was very much surprised, looked steadfastly at the prisoner and asked her name.
Prisoner (speaking in a rough manner.) “It is Mary Chapman.”
Mr. Bennett. “I never saw a figure more like a man, and the voice is manly.”
Oakley. “I have known her at least ten years, and she always appeared in a dress similar to the one she now wears, namely, a hat, smock-frock, trousers, or knee-breeches, and until last night I always supposed her to be a man. She is known all over England as a ballad-singer and a crier of ‘The last dying speeches,’ &c.”
Mr. Bennett. “She may be a disorderly and disreputable character, which, in fact, her dressing as a man clearly shows, but I know of no law to punish her for wearing male attire.”
There’s a pre-1848 case:
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/23291/pg23291.txt
Search the text for the words HATTON GARDEN.
EXTRAORDINARY CASE–A MAN-WOMAN. A creature in the garb of a man, who at the station-house had given the name of Bill Chapman, was placed at the bar with one Isabella Watson, and complained of for being a common cheat and impostor, and creating a disturbance.
Oakley, inspector of the E division, stated that although the thing before them, that called itself Bill Chapman, was attired in man’s apparel, he had ascertained that it was a woman.
Mr. Bennett, who was very much surprised, looked steadfastly at the prisoner and asked her name.
Prisoner (speaking in a rough manner.) “It is Mary Chapman.”
Mr. Bennett. “I never saw a figure more like a man, and the voice is manly.”
Oakley. “I have known her at least ten years, and she always appeared in a dress similar to the one she now wears, namely, a hat, smock-frock, trousers, or knee-breeches, and until last night I always supposed her to be a man. She is known all over England as a ballad-singer and a crier of ‘The last dying speeches,’ &c.”
Mr. Bennett. “She may be a disorderly and disreputable character, which, in fact, her dressing as a man clearly shows, but I know of no law to punish her for wearing male attire.”
There’s a pre-1848 case:
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/23291/pg23291.txt
Search the text for the words HATTON GARDEN.
EXTRAORDINARY CASE–A MAN-WOMAN. A creature in the garb of a man, who at the station-house had given the name of Bill Chapman, was placed at the bar with one Isabella Watson, and complained of for being a common cheat and impostor, and creating a disturbance.
Oakley, inspector of the E division, stated that although the thing before them, that called itself Bill Chapman, was attired in man’s apparel, he had ascertained that it was a woman.
Mr. Bennett, who was very much surprised, looked steadfastly at the prisoner and asked her name.
Prisoner (speaking in a rough manner.) “It is Mary Chapman.”
Mr. Bennett. “I never saw a figure more like a man, and the voice is manly.”
Oakley. “I have known her at least ten years, and she always appeared in a dress similar to the one she now wears, namely, a hat, smock-frock, trousers, or knee-breeches, and until last night I always supposed her to be a man. She is known all over England as a ballad-singer and a crier of ‘The last dying speeches,’ &c.”
Mr. Bennett. “She may be a disorderly and disreputable character, which, in fact, her dressing as a man clearly shows, but I know of no law to punish her for wearing male attire.”
There’s a pre-1848 case:
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/23291/pg23291.txt
Search the text for the words HATTON GARDEN.
EXTRAORDINARY CASE–A MAN-WOMAN. A creature in the garb of a man, who at the station-house had given the name of Bill Chapman, was placed at the bar with one Isabella Watson, and complained of for being a common cheat and impostor, and creating a disturbance.
Oakley, inspector of the E division, stated that although the thing before them, that called itself Bill Chapman, was attired in man’s apparel, he had ascertained that it was a woman.
Mr. Bennett, who was very much surprised, looked steadfastly at the prisoner and asked her name.
Prisoner (speaking in a rough manner.) “It is Mary Chapman.”
Mr. Bennett. “I never saw a figure more like a man, and the voice is manly.”
Oakley. “I have known her at least ten years, and she always appeared in a dress similar to the one she now wears, namely, a hat, smock-frock, trousers, or knee-breeches, and until last night I always supposed her to be a man. She is known all over England as a ballad-singer and a crier of ‘The last dying speeches,’ &c.”
Mr. Bennett. “She may be a disorderly and disreputable character, which, in fact, her dressing as a man clearly shows, but I know of no law to punish her for wearing male attire.”
Fascinating, Joanna. Thanks so much for sharing that tale.
Fascinating, Joanna. Thanks so much for sharing that tale.
Fascinating, Joanna. Thanks so much for sharing that tale.
Fascinating, Joanna. Thanks so much for sharing that tale.
Fascinating, Joanna. Thanks so much for sharing that tale.
I enjoyed “These Old Shades” as previous commenters have mentioned, but I know that the Duke knew Leonie was a girl, and let her dress as a boy because it amused him & he wanted to use her to drive his enemies crazy. And maybe a bit, he didn’t care, or he sympathized with her “boyish” passions (swordfighting etc). That he let her be a boy for awhile was endearing, I thought. I also loved Robin in “The Masqueraders.” I thought he made a better woman than Pru did a man, and then when Heyer put him back into pants, he was all man again 😛 I like that fluidity. It’s not often you can find a man who is so attuned to women that he can be a confidante and best friend, but then turn around and rock a swordfight.
I enjoyed “These Old Shades” as previous commenters have mentioned, but I know that the Duke knew Leonie was a girl, and let her dress as a boy because it amused him & he wanted to use her to drive his enemies crazy. And maybe a bit, he didn’t care, or he sympathized with her “boyish” passions (swordfighting etc). That he let her be a boy for awhile was endearing, I thought. I also loved Robin in “The Masqueraders.” I thought he made a better woman than Pru did a man, and then when Heyer put him back into pants, he was all man again 😛 I like that fluidity. It’s not often you can find a man who is so attuned to women that he can be a confidante and best friend, but then turn around and rock a swordfight.
I enjoyed “These Old Shades” as previous commenters have mentioned, but I know that the Duke knew Leonie was a girl, and let her dress as a boy because it amused him & he wanted to use her to drive his enemies crazy. And maybe a bit, he didn’t care, or he sympathized with her “boyish” passions (swordfighting etc). That he let her be a boy for awhile was endearing, I thought. I also loved Robin in “The Masqueraders.” I thought he made a better woman than Pru did a man, and then when Heyer put him back into pants, he was all man again 😛 I like that fluidity. It’s not often you can find a man who is so attuned to women that he can be a confidante and best friend, but then turn around and rock a swordfight.
I enjoyed “These Old Shades” as previous commenters have mentioned, but I know that the Duke knew Leonie was a girl, and let her dress as a boy because it amused him & he wanted to use her to drive his enemies crazy. And maybe a bit, he didn’t care, or he sympathized with her “boyish” passions (swordfighting etc). That he let her be a boy for awhile was endearing, I thought. I also loved Robin in “The Masqueraders.” I thought he made a better woman than Pru did a man, and then when Heyer put him back into pants, he was all man again 😛 I like that fluidity. It’s not often you can find a man who is so attuned to women that he can be a confidante and best friend, but then turn around and rock a swordfight.
I enjoyed “These Old Shades” as previous commenters have mentioned, but I know that the Duke knew Leonie was a girl, and let her dress as a boy because it amused him & he wanted to use her to drive his enemies crazy. And maybe a bit, he didn’t care, or he sympathized with her “boyish” passions (swordfighting etc). That he let her be a boy for awhile was endearing, I thought. I also loved Robin in “The Masqueraders.” I thought he made a better woman than Pru did a man, and then when Heyer put him back into pants, he was all man again 😛 I like that fluidity. It’s not often you can find a man who is so attuned to women that he can be a confidante and best friend, but then turn around and rock a swordfight.
I’ve enjoyed a lot of chicks in pants over the years. Interestingly, I think my first one was a Zane Grey novel!
I’ve enjoyed a lot of chicks in pants over the years. Interestingly, I think my first one was a Zane Grey novel!
I’ve enjoyed a lot of chicks in pants over the years. Interestingly, I think my first one was a Zane Grey novel!
I’ve enjoyed a lot of chicks in pants over the years. Interestingly, I think my first one was a Zane Grey novel!
I’ve enjoyed a lot of chicks in pants over the years. Interestingly, I think my first one was a Zane Grey novel!
Am I remembering right that the Chevalier d’Eon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevalier_d'Eon)makes an appearance in Jo Beverley’s “Devilish”? He seems to have been a fascinating character who lived/dressed as both a man and a woman in the Georgian period.
I love Heyer’s “Masqueraders” so much that I think I could rattle off whole scenes by heart. “There is no Borgia blood in my veins, Peter Merriot.” “I had not supposed it, sir.” I particularly love the scene where Sir Anthony tells Prudence he knows she’s a woman and that he’s in love with her, and then DOESN’T kiss or embrace her. Imagine, a hero who controls himself because he loves the heroine! I do think sometimes it’s much more romantic when the hero and heroine restrain themselves and don’t fall right into bed.
Am I remembering right that the Chevalier d’Eon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevalier_d'Eon)makes an appearance in Jo Beverley’s “Devilish”? He seems to have been a fascinating character who lived/dressed as both a man and a woman in the Georgian period.
I love Heyer’s “Masqueraders” so much that I think I could rattle off whole scenes by heart. “There is no Borgia blood in my veins, Peter Merriot.” “I had not supposed it, sir.” I particularly love the scene where Sir Anthony tells Prudence he knows she’s a woman and that he’s in love with her, and then DOESN’T kiss or embrace her. Imagine, a hero who controls himself because he loves the heroine! I do think sometimes it’s much more romantic when the hero and heroine restrain themselves and don’t fall right into bed.
Am I remembering right that the Chevalier d’Eon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevalier_d'Eon)makes an appearance in Jo Beverley’s “Devilish”? He seems to have been a fascinating character who lived/dressed as both a man and a woman in the Georgian period.
I love Heyer’s “Masqueraders” so much that I think I could rattle off whole scenes by heart. “There is no Borgia blood in my veins, Peter Merriot.” “I had not supposed it, sir.” I particularly love the scene where Sir Anthony tells Prudence he knows she’s a woman and that he’s in love with her, and then DOESN’T kiss or embrace her. Imagine, a hero who controls himself because he loves the heroine! I do think sometimes it’s much more romantic when the hero and heroine restrain themselves and don’t fall right into bed.
Am I remembering right that the Chevalier d’Eon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevalier_d'Eon)makes an appearance in Jo Beverley’s “Devilish”? He seems to have been a fascinating character who lived/dressed as both a man and a woman in the Georgian period.
I love Heyer’s “Masqueraders” so much that I think I could rattle off whole scenes by heart. “There is no Borgia blood in my veins, Peter Merriot.” “I had not supposed it, sir.” I particularly love the scene where Sir Anthony tells Prudence he knows she’s a woman and that he’s in love with her, and then DOESN’T kiss or embrace her. Imagine, a hero who controls himself because he loves the heroine! I do think sometimes it’s much more romantic when the hero and heroine restrain themselves and don’t fall right into bed.
Am I remembering right that the Chevalier d’Eon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevalier_d'Eon)makes an appearance in Jo Beverley’s “Devilish”? He seems to have been a fascinating character who lived/dressed as both a man and a woman in the Georgian period.
I love Heyer’s “Masqueraders” so much that I think I could rattle off whole scenes by heart. “There is no Borgia blood in my veins, Peter Merriot.” “I had not supposed it, sir.” I particularly love the scene where Sir Anthony tells Prudence he knows she’s a woman and that he’s in love with her, and then DOESN’T kiss or embrace her. Imagine, a hero who controls himself because he loves the heroine! I do think sometimes it’s much more romantic when the hero and heroine restrain themselves and don’t fall right into bed.
I am aware of that case and others, and I agree, it was mostly if not all due to the expectations of others. There is an old TV movie teasing at my memory, based on a true account, about a pretty young frontier girl who was viciously raped; she resolved never to be in a situation where a man might do that to her again, so she cut a scar on her face to destroy her looks and take the focus away from her pretty features, donned men’s clothes and ran away further west. But she didn’t maintain the disguise forever in intimate circumstances; one man, also an outcast, found out and they became lovers. She also was found to be female when she died. At one point a woman in a store tells her “It’s agin the law to dress contrary to your sex”. People expected to see a man so that’s what they saw. She did not live in town, she lived on a homestead, and she did not see people often. I can see one or two individuals getting away with it under limited circumstances like that; what I cannot see is this type of imposture being in any way plausible in a romance of the sort written today. These are mostly wallbangers for me due to their lack of verisimilitude. The few recent ones I’ve sampled were way too much on the fantasy sex side for me to believe and I have wound up with questions about the purpose of the book: does the author have an agenda? Cause I don’t want to read polemics or somebody’s personal psychodrama (as in the case of 50 Shades). It’s just TMI.
I understand that people may not see it the way I do and are able to read these books for simple park your brains and go with it entertainment, and maybe I’ve just read too much on that particular trope to appreciate it anymore. I can still reread The Masqueraders, but now I wonder how Robin got away with it and why only The Mountain caught onto Prue.
I am aware of that case and others, and I agree, it was mostly if not all due to the expectations of others. There is an old TV movie teasing at my memory, based on a true account, about a pretty young frontier girl who was viciously raped; she resolved never to be in a situation where a man might do that to her again, so she cut a scar on her face to destroy her looks and take the focus away from her pretty features, donned men’s clothes and ran away further west. But she didn’t maintain the disguise forever in intimate circumstances; one man, also an outcast, found out and they became lovers. She also was found to be female when she died. At one point a woman in a store tells her “It’s agin the law to dress contrary to your sex”. People expected to see a man so that’s what they saw. She did not live in town, she lived on a homestead, and she did not see people often. I can see one or two individuals getting away with it under limited circumstances like that; what I cannot see is this type of imposture being in any way plausible in a romance of the sort written today. These are mostly wallbangers for me due to their lack of verisimilitude. The few recent ones I’ve sampled were way too much on the fantasy sex side for me to believe and I have wound up with questions about the purpose of the book: does the author have an agenda? Cause I don’t want to read polemics or somebody’s personal psychodrama (as in the case of 50 Shades). It’s just TMI.
I understand that people may not see it the way I do and are able to read these books for simple park your brains and go with it entertainment, and maybe I’ve just read too much on that particular trope to appreciate it anymore. I can still reread The Masqueraders, but now I wonder how Robin got away with it and why only The Mountain caught onto Prue.
I am aware of that case and others, and I agree, it was mostly if not all due to the expectations of others. There is an old TV movie teasing at my memory, based on a true account, about a pretty young frontier girl who was viciously raped; she resolved never to be in a situation where a man might do that to her again, so she cut a scar on her face to destroy her looks and take the focus away from her pretty features, donned men’s clothes and ran away further west. But she didn’t maintain the disguise forever in intimate circumstances; one man, also an outcast, found out and they became lovers. She also was found to be female when she died. At one point a woman in a store tells her “It’s agin the law to dress contrary to your sex”. People expected to see a man so that’s what they saw. She did not live in town, she lived on a homestead, and she did not see people often. I can see one or two individuals getting away with it under limited circumstances like that; what I cannot see is this type of imposture being in any way plausible in a romance of the sort written today. These are mostly wallbangers for me due to their lack of verisimilitude. The few recent ones I’ve sampled were way too much on the fantasy sex side for me to believe and I have wound up with questions about the purpose of the book: does the author have an agenda? Cause I don’t want to read polemics or somebody’s personal psychodrama (as in the case of 50 Shades). It’s just TMI.
I understand that people may not see it the way I do and are able to read these books for simple park your brains and go with it entertainment, and maybe I’ve just read too much on that particular trope to appreciate it anymore. I can still reread The Masqueraders, but now I wonder how Robin got away with it and why only The Mountain caught onto Prue.
I am aware of that case and others, and I agree, it was mostly if not all due to the expectations of others. There is an old TV movie teasing at my memory, based on a true account, about a pretty young frontier girl who was viciously raped; she resolved never to be in a situation where a man might do that to her again, so she cut a scar on her face to destroy her looks and take the focus away from her pretty features, donned men’s clothes and ran away further west. But she didn’t maintain the disguise forever in intimate circumstances; one man, also an outcast, found out and they became lovers. She also was found to be female when she died. At one point a woman in a store tells her “It’s agin the law to dress contrary to your sex”. People expected to see a man so that’s what they saw. She did not live in town, she lived on a homestead, and she did not see people often. I can see one or two individuals getting away with it under limited circumstances like that; what I cannot see is this type of imposture being in any way plausible in a romance of the sort written today. These are mostly wallbangers for me due to their lack of verisimilitude. The few recent ones I’ve sampled were way too much on the fantasy sex side for me to believe and I have wound up with questions about the purpose of the book: does the author have an agenda? Cause I don’t want to read polemics or somebody’s personal psychodrama (as in the case of 50 Shades). It’s just TMI.
I understand that people may not see it the way I do and are able to read these books for simple park your brains and go with it entertainment, and maybe I’ve just read too much on that particular trope to appreciate it anymore. I can still reread The Masqueraders, but now I wonder how Robin got away with it and why only The Mountain caught onto Prue.
I am aware of that case and others, and I agree, it was mostly if not all due to the expectations of others. There is an old TV movie teasing at my memory, based on a true account, about a pretty young frontier girl who was viciously raped; she resolved never to be in a situation where a man might do that to her again, so she cut a scar on her face to destroy her looks and take the focus away from her pretty features, donned men’s clothes and ran away further west. But she didn’t maintain the disguise forever in intimate circumstances; one man, also an outcast, found out and they became lovers. She also was found to be female when she died. At one point a woman in a store tells her “It’s agin the law to dress contrary to your sex”. People expected to see a man so that’s what they saw. She did not live in town, she lived on a homestead, and she did not see people often. I can see one or two individuals getting away with it under limited circumstances like that; what I cannot see is this type of imposture being in any way plausible in a romance of the sort written today. These are mostly wallbangers for me due to their lack of verisimilitude. The few recent ones I’ve sampled were way too much on the fantasy sex side for me to believe and I have wound up with questions about the purpose of the book: does the author have an agenda? Cause I don’t want to read polemics or somebody’s personal psychodrama (as in the case of 50 Shades). It’s just TMI.
I understand that people may not see it the way I do and are able to read these books for simple park your brains and go with it entertainment, and maybe I’ve just read too much on that particular trope to appreciate it anymore. I can still reread The Masqueraders, but now I wonder how Robin got away with it and why only The Mountain caught onto Prue.
I enjoy the chick-in-pants discussion a lot. As to how it would work, I do have to suspend disbelief in most cases where it’s extended for any length of time.
That said, there’s a custom in Afghanistan of raising a girl as a boy. This is especially the custom if there is not a son. She’s dressed as boy, given boys toys, taken to meeting as a son, goes to boys schools. This comes to an end with menarche as a general rule. Afghan scholars tell me that the women raised as boys tend to be much better educated and more assertive. Of course the opposite is true. Dancing boys pretty much dress as women. They age out of that as soon as they begin to shave. (Sex segregation produces some odd social constructs.)
I enjoy the chick-in-pants discussion a lot. As to how it would work, I do have to suspend disbelief in most cases where it’s extended for any length of time.
That said, there’s a custom in Afghanistan of raising a girl as a boy. This is especially the custom if there is not a son. She’s dressed as boy, given boys toys, taken to meeting as a son, goes to boys schools. This comes to an end with menarche as a general rule. Afghan scholars tell me that the women raised as boys tend to be much better educated and more assertive. Of course the opposite is true. Dancing boys pretty much dress as women. They age out of that as soon as they begin to shave. (Sex segregation produces some odd social constructs.)
I enjoy the chick-in-pants discussion a lot. As to how it would work, I do have to suspend disbelief in most cases where it’s extended for any length of time.
That said, there’s a custom in Afghanistan of raising a girl as a boy. This is especially the custom if there is not a son. She’s dressed as boy, given boys toys, taken to meeting as a son, goes to boys schools. This comes to an end with menarche as a general rule. Afghan scholars tell me that the women raised as boys tend to be much better educated and more assertive. Of course the opposite is true. Dancing boys pretty much dress as women. They age out of that as soon as they begin to shave. (Sex segregation produces some odd social constructs.)
I enjoy the chick-in-pants discussion a lot. As to how it would work, I do have to suspend disbelief in most cases where it’s extended for any length of time.
That said, there’s a custom in Afghanistan of raising a girl as a boy. This is especially the custom if there is not a son. She’s dressed as boy, given boys toys, taken to meeting as a son, goes to boys schools. This comes to an end with menarche as a general rule. Afghan scholars tell me that the women raised as boys tend to be much better educated and more assertive. Of course the opposite is true. Dancing boys pretty much dress as women. They age out of that as soon as they begin to shave. (Sex segregation produces some odd social constructs.)
I enjoy the chick-in-pants discussion a lot. As to how it would work, I do have to suspend disbelief in most cases where it’s extended for any length of time.
That said, there’s a custom in Afghanistan of raising a girl as a boy. This is especially the custom if there is not a son. She’s dressed as boy, given boys toys, taken to meeting as a son, goes to boys schools. This comes to an end with menarche as a general rule. Afghan scholars tell me that the women raised as boys tend to be much better educated and more assertive. Of course the opposite is true. Dancing boys pretty much dress as women. They age out of that as soon as they begin to shave. (Sex segregation produces some odd social constructs.)
White Christmas is my favorite “guy-in-dress” movie. Watching Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play the Haynes sisters is hilarious!
White Christmas is my favorite “guy-in-dress” movie. Watching Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play the Haynes sisters is hilarious!
White Christmas is my favorite “guy-in-dress” movie. Watching Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play the Haynes sisters is hilarious!
White Christmas is my favorite “guy-in-dress” movie. Watching Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play the Haynes sisters is hilarious!
White Christmas is my favorite “guy-in-dress” movie. Watching Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play the Haynes sisters is hilarious!
Mary Jo didn’t mention my all-time favorite heroine/chick in pants: Juliet Cameron in Silk and Secrets, and I think she wore pants longer than Maxie, almost the entire story. She dressed as a desert warrior, a Tuareg, so lose clothing, and her face was covered. Plus, the important part, she chose to reveal herself to her estranged husband almost immediately.
That and Phoenix Falling are my top keepers of my vast collection of MJP novels. The vast collection, of course, includes everything written by JB, and the other JB, and SK, and LC, and, and, and….) You Wenches add so much zing to my life and my fantasies, thank you.
Mary Jo didn’t mention my all-time favorite heroine/chick in pants: Juliet Cameron in Silk and Secrets, and I think she wore pants longer than Maxie, almost the entire story. She dressed as a desert warrior, a Tuareg, so lose clothing, and her face was covered. Plus, the important part, she chose to reveal herself to her estranged husband almost immediately.
That and Phoenix Falling are my top keepers of my vast collection of MJP novels. The vast collection, of course, includes everything written by JB, and the other JB, and SK, and LC, and, and, and….) You Wenches add so much zing to my life and my fantasies, thank you.
Mary Jo didn’t mention my all-time favorite heroine/chick in pants: Juliet Cameron in Silk and Secrets, and I think she wore pants longer than Maxie, almost the entire story. She dressed as a desert warrior, a Tuareg, so lose clothing, and her face was covered. Plus, the important part, she chose to reveal herself to her estranged husband almost immediately.
That and Phoenix Falling are my top keepers of my vast collection of MJP novels. The vast collection, of course, includes everything written by JB, and the other JB, and SK, and LC, and, and, and….) You Wenches add so much zing to my life and my fantasies, thank you.
Mary Jo didn’t mention my all-time favorite heroine/chick in pants: Juliet Cameron in Silk and Secrets, and I think she wore pants longer than Maxie, almost the entire story. She dressed as a desert warrior, a Tuareg, so lose clothing, and her face was covered. Plus, the important part, she chose to reveal herself to her estranged husband almost immediately.
That and Phoenix Falling are my top keepers of my vast collection of MJP novels. The vast collection, of course, includes everything written by JB, and the other JB, and SK, and LC, and, and, and….) You Wenches add so much zing to my life and my fantasies, thank you.
Mary Jo didn’t mention my all-time favorite heroine/chick in pants: Juliet Cameron in Silk and Secrets, and I think she wore pants longer than Maxie, almost the entire story. She dressed as a desert warrior, a Tuareg, so lose clothing, and her face was covered. Plus, the important part, she chose to reveal herself to her estranged husband almost immediately.
That and Phoenix Falling are my top keepers of my vast collection of MJP novels. The vast collection, of course, includes everything written by JB, and the other JB, and SK, and LC, and, and, and….) You Wenches add so much zing to my life and my fantasies, thank you.
Yet there are real life examples of women who served in the army and navy as men and even a few who married women. I have to think that the co workers and those who lived in close proximity to the woman had to have known but preferred not to mention it– a conspiracy of silence. Somehow I find it hard to believe that all these women learned how to urinate like a man.
I do suspend disbelief in stories because usually the hero knows the truth soon. It also helps if the masquerade is only for a short time. If a man never needs to shave or a woman has to shave too often I think someone would become suspicious. I have begun looking at people on public transportation and wondering if they could pretend to be the other sex. There are more than I thought who could likely pass for a short time and especially in one wasn’t intimate.
Yet there are real life examples of women who served in the army and navy as men and even a few who married women. I have to think that the co workers and those who lived in close proximity to the woman had to have known but preferred not to mention it– a conspiracy of silence. Somehow I find it hard to believe that all these women learned how to urinate like a man.
I do suspend disbelief in stories because usually the hero knows the truth soon. It also helps if the masquerade is only for a short time. If a man never needs to shave or a woman has to shave too often I think someone would become suspicious. I have begun looking at people on public transportation and wondering if they could pretend to be the other sex. There are more than I thought who could likely pass for a short time and especially in one wasn’t intimate.
Yet there are real life examples of women who served in the army and navy as men and even a few who married women. I have to think that the co workers and those who lived in close proximity to the woman had to have known but preferred not to mention it– a conspiracy of silence. Somehow I find it hard to believe that all these women learned how to urinate like a man.
I do suspend disbelief in stories because usually the hero knows the truth soon. It also helps if the masquerade is only for a short time. If a man never needs to shave or a woman has to shave too often I think someone would become suspicious. I have begun looking at people on public transportation and wondering if they could pretend to be the other sex. There are more than I thought who could likely pass for a short time and especially in one wasn’t intimate.
Yet there are real life examples of women who served in the army and navy as men and even a few who married women. I have to think that the co workers and those who lived in close proximity to the woman had to have known but preferred not to mention it– a conspiracy of silence. Somehow I find it hard to believe that all these women learned how to urinate like a man.
I do suspend disbelief in stories because usually the hero knows the truth soon. It also helps if the masquerade is only for a short time. If a man never needs to shave or a woman has to shave too often I think someone would become suspicious. I have begun looking at people on public transportation and wondering if they could pretend to be the other sex. There are more than I thought who could likely pass for a short time and especially in one wasn’t intimate.
Yet there are real life examples of women who served in the army and navy as men and even a few who married women. I have to think that the co workers and those who lived in close proximity to the woman had to have known but preferred not to mention it– a conspiracy of silence. Somehow I find it hard to believe that all these women learned how to urinate like a man.
I do suspend disbelief in stories because usually the hero knows the truth soon. It also helps if the masquerade is only for a short time. If a man never needs to shave or a woman has to shave too often I think someone would become suspicious. I have begun looking at people on public transportation and wondering if they could pretend to be the other sex. There are more than I thought who could likely pass for a short time and especially in one wasn’t intimate.
I guess I wasn’t the only one who thought of Some Like It Hot!
I guess I wasn’t the only one who thought of Some Like It Hot!
I guess I wasn’t the only one who thought of Some Like It Hot!
I guess I wasn’t the only one who thought of Some Like It Hot!
I guess I wasn’t the only one who thought of Some Like It Hot!
I just added a bunch of books from this blog article to my wish list. I have only been reading ‘The Wenches’ now, for a couple of years and have a wonderful back-log to work my way through. Sometimes having such a wealth of riches available makes it difficult to know where to begin! Having little glimpses of these stories helps make a decision where to go next.
I recently read Mary Jo Putney’s ‘Angel Rogue,’ and loved it. Especially, the way the h & H slowly heal each other over course of the story. Of course in reality the challenge of passing as a man, albeit a young man, can’t last long as in most stories I’ve read have the hero discovering the secret early on, either playing along for awhile that suits his purposes, or revealing his discovery to the heroine…also suiting his purpose. 🙂
I would like to suggest a book that won’t find favor with some of your readers, but that I found to be quite memorable enough that I have read it now twice. That is ‘I Think of You,’ by Maria Elena Fuentes-Montero. The first time I read it I found a lot of fault with the editing, but on a second reading (after a year plus gap) I decided that a lot of the things I found fault with initially I believe were due to the author’s native language getting in the way, and forgave much just wanting to read the story again. That was reason number 1. It is a Jane Austen fan fiction variation, reason number 2 for some of Wench’s readers. It is also not as polished as most of the Wench’s treasure trove. I believe this was Maria’s first attempt, reason number 3. But oh my, the story, the story THE STORY. I honestly just loved it. Her Elizabeth going through such hardship to protect her family, her desire to study at Oxford, her physical courage. And our hero Darcy, whew. Searching for her thinking she was abducted, finding and helping her. When they finally decide to abandon her current very dangerous position in a man’s world, and travel back to Pemberly now as man and wife the adventure and danger are not over by a long shot. If you read about the author, I think her education and research is evident in the writing and I hope she keeps writing.
I just added a bunch of books from this blog article to my wish list. I have only been reading ‘The Wenches’ now, for a couple of years and have a wonderful back-log to work my way through. Sometimes having such a wealth of riches available makes it difficult to know where to begin! Having little glimpses of these stories helps make a decision where to go next.
I recently read Mary Jo Putney’s ‘Angel Rogue,’ and loved it. Especially, the way the h & H slowly heal each other over course of the story. Of course in reality the challenge of passing as a man, albeit a young man, can’t last long as in most stories I’ve read have the hero discovering the secret early on, either playing along for awhile that suits his purposes, or revealing his discovery to the heroine…also suiting his purpose. 🙂
I would like to suggest a book that won’t find favor with some of your readers, but that I found to be quite memorable enough that I have read it now twice. That is ‘I Think of You,’ by Maria Elena Fuentes-Montero. The first time I read it I found a lot of fault with the editing, but on a second reading (after a year plus gap) I decided that a lot of the things I found fault with initially I believe were due to the author’s native language getting in the way, and forgave much just wanting to read the story again. That was reason number 1. It is a Jane Austen fan fiction variation, reason number 2 for some of Wench’s readers. It is also not as polished as most of the Wench’s treasure trove. I believe this was Maria’s first attempt, reason number 3. But oh my, the story, the story THE STORY. I honestly just loved it. Her Elizabeth going through such hardship to protect her family, her desire to study at Oxford, her physical courage. And our hero Darcy, whew. Searching for her thinking she was abducted, finding and helping her. When they finally decide to abandon her current very dangerous position in a man’s world, and travel back to Pemberly now as man and wife the adventure and danger are not over by a long shot. If you read about the author, I think her education and research is evident in the writing and I hope she keeps writing.
I just added a bunch of books from this blog article to my wish list. I have only been reading ‘The Wenches’ now, for a couple of years and have a wonderful back-log to work my way through. Sometimes having such a wealth of riches available makes it difficult to know where to begin! Having little glimpses of these stories helps make a decision where to go next.
I recently read Mary Jo Putney’s ‘Angel Rogue,’ and loved it. Especially, the way the h & H slowly heal each other over course of the story. Of course in reality the challenge of passing as a man, albeit a young man, can’t last long as in most stories I’ve read have the hero discovering the secret early on, either playing along for awhile that suits his purposes, or revealing his discovery to the heroine…also suiting his purpose. 🙂
I would like to suggest a book that won’t find favor with some of your readers, but that I found to be quite memorable enough that I have read it now twice. That is ‘I Think of You,’ by Maria Elena Fuentes-Montero. The first time I read it I found a lot of fault with the editing, but on a second reading (after a year plus gap) I decided that a lot of the things I found fault with initially I believe were due to the author’s native language getting in the way, and forgave much just wanting to read the story again. That was reason number 1. It is a Jane Austen fan fiction variation, reason number 2 for some of Wench’s readers. It is also not as polished as most of the Wench’s treasure trove. I believe this was Maria’s first attempt, reason number 3. But oh my, the story, the story THE STORY. I honestly just loved it. Her Elizabeth going through such hardship to protect her family, her desire to study at Oxford, her physical courage. And our hero Darcy, whew. Searching for her thinking she was abducted, finding and helping her. When they finally decide to abandon her current very dangerous position in a man’s world, and travel back to Pemberly now as man and wife the adventure and danger are not over by a long shot. If you read about the author, I think her education and research is evident in the writing and I hope she keeps writing.
I just added a bunch of books from this blog article to my wish list. I have only been reading ‘The Wenches’ now, for a couple of years and have a wonderful back-log to work my way through. Sometimes having such a wealth of riches available makes it difficult to know where to begin! Having little glimpses of these stories helps make a decision where to go next.
I recently read Mary Jo Putney’s ‘Angel Rogue,’ and loved it. Especially, the way the h & H slowly heal each other over course of the story. Of course in reality the challenge of passing as a man, albeit a young man, can’t last long as in most stories I’ve read have the hero discovering the secret early on, either playing along for awhile that suits his purposes, or revealing his discovery to the heroine…also suiting his purpose. 🙂
I would like to suggest a book that won’t find favor with some of your readers, but that I found to be quite memorable enough that I have read it now twice. That is ‘I Think of You,’ by Maria Elena Fuentes-Montero. The first time I read it I found a lot of fault with the editing, but on a second reading (after a year plus gap) I decided that a lot of the things I found fault with initially I believe were due to the author’s native language getting in the way, and forgave much just wanting to read the story again. That was reason number 1. It is a Jane Austen fan fiction variation, reason number 2 for some of Wench’s readers. It is also not as polished as most of the Wench’s treasure trove. I believe this was Maria’s first attempt, reason number 3. But oh my, the story, the story THE STORY. I honestly just loved it. Her Elizabeth going through such hardship to protect her family, her desire to study at Oxford, her physical courage. And our hero Darcy, whew. Searching for her thinking she was abducted, finding and helping her. When they finally decide to abandon her current very dangerous position in a man’s world, and travel back to Pemberly now as man and wife the adventure and danger are not over by a long shot. If you read about the author, I think her education and research is evident in the writing and I hope she keeps writing.
I just added a bunch of books from this blog article to my wish list. I have only been reading ‘The Wenches’ now, for a couple of years and have a wonderful back-log to work my way through. Sometimes having such a wealth of riches available makes it difficult to know where to begin! Having little glimpses of these stories helps make a decision where to go next.
I recently read Mary Jo Putney’s ‘Angel Rogue,’ and loved it. Especially, the way the h & H slowly heal each other over course of the story. Of course in reality the challenge of passing as a man, albeit a young man, can’t last long as in most stories I’ve read have the hero discovering the secret early on, either playing along for awhile that suits his purposes, or revealing his discovery to the heroine…also suiting his purpose. 🙂
I would like to suggest a book that won’t find favor with some of your readers, but that I found to be quite memorable enough that I have read it now twice. That is ‘I Think of You,’ by Maria Elena Fuentes-Montero. The first time I read it I found a lot of fault with the editing, but on a second reading (after a year plus gap) I decided that a lot of the things I found fault with initially I believe were due to the author’s native language getting in the way, and forgave much just wanting to read the story again. That was reason number 1. It is a Jane Austen fan fiction variation, reason number 2 for some of Wench’s readers. It is also not as polished as most of the Wench’s treasure trove. I believe this was Maria’s first attempt, reason number 3. But oh my, the story, the story THE STORY. I honestly just loved it. Her Elizabeth going through such hardship to protect her family, her desire to study at Oxford, her physical courage. And our hero Darcy, whew. Searching for her thinking she was abducted, finding and helping her. When they finally decide to abandon her current very dangerous position in a man’s world, and travel back to Pemberly now as man and wife the adventure and danger are not over by a long shot. If you read about the author, I think her education and research is evident in the writing and I hope she keeps writing.
Thanks, Lil Miss Molly — I might have to watch that movie again.
Thanks, Lil Miss Molly — I might have to watch that movie again.
Thanks, Lil Miss Molly — I might have to watch that movie again.
Thanks, Lil Miss Molly — I might have to watch that movie again.
Thanks, Lil Miss Molly — I might have to watch that movie again.
Faith, I love MJP's silk trilogy, but now I'm wondering whether I've read Phoenix Falling. A new MJP book to read? Bliss.
Faith, I love MJP's silk trilogy, but now I'm wondering whether I've read Phoenix Falling. A new MJP book to read? Bliss.
Faith, I love MJP's silk trilogy, but now I'm wondering whether I've read Phoenix Falling. A new MJP book to read? Bliss.
Faith, I love MJP's silk trilogy, but now I'm wondering whether I've read Phoenix Falling. A new MJP book to read? Bliss.
Faith, I love MJP's silk trilogy, but now I'm wondering whether I've read Phoenix Falling. A new MJP book to read? Bliss.
Nancy, I think people simply divide into those who do or don't find it plausible. I do, because while I think people might find someone "odd" I doubt very much if they could know he was a she. People aren't good at keeping secrets, and it would be regarded as so scandalous they would be outed.
Nancy, I think people simply divide into those who do or don't find it plausible. I do, because while I think people might find someone "odd" I doubt very much if they could know he was a she. People aren't good at keeping secrets, and it would be regarded as so scandalous they would be outed.
Nancy, I think people simply divide into those who do or don't find it plausible. I do, because while I think people might find someone "odd" I doubt very much if they could know he was a she. People aren't good at keeping secrets, and it would be regarded as so scandalous they would be outed.
Nancy, I think people simply divide into those who do or don't find it plausible. I do, because while I think people might find someone "odd" I doubt very much if they could know he was a she. People aren't good at keeping secrets, and it would be regarded as so scandalous they would be outed.
Nancy, I think people simply divide into those who do or don't find it plausible. I do, because while I think people might find someone "odd" I doubt very much if they could know he was a she. People aren't good at keeping secrets, and it would be regarded as so scandalous they would be outed.
No, Minna and it was a fun movie.
No, Minna and it was a fun movie.
No, Minna and it was a fun movie.
No, Minna and it was a fun movie.
No, Minna and it was a fun movie.
Thanks Michelle. I know a lot of our wenchly readers are always on the lookout for new reads and will give someone new a try. I think we're all readers at heart. On our private loop, we've been collecting pieces for our upcoming monthly "What we're reading" and as various authors posted their piece, the rest of us bought their recommendations.
Thanks Michelle. I know a lot of our wenchly readers are always on the lookout for new reads and will give someone new a try. I think we're all readers at heart. On our private loop, we've been collecting pieces for our upcoming monthly "What we're reading" and as various authors posted their piece, the rest of us bought their recommendations.
Thanks Michelle. I know a lot of our wenchly readers are always on the lookout for new reads and will give someone new a try. I think we're all readers at heart. On our private loop, we've been collecting pieces for our upcoming monthly "What we're reading" and as various authors posted their piece, the rest of us bought their recommendations.
Thanks Michelle. I know a lot of our wenchly readers are always on the lookout for new reads and will give someone new a try. I think we're all readers at heart. On our private loop, we've been collecting pieces for our upcoming monthly "What we're reading" and as various authors posted their piece, the rest of us bought their recommendations.
Thanks Michelle. I know a lot of our wenchly readers are always on the lookout for new reads and will give someone new a try. I think we're all readers at heart. On our private loop, we've been collecting pieces for our upcoming monthly "What we're reading" and as various authors posted their piece, the rest of us bought their recommendations.
Faith, I wasn’t sure if I should mention Juliet because her loose robes and Tuareg headdress made it relatively easy for her to pass as male. But I love her and Ross as a couple.
PHOENIX FALLING is my favorite of my three contemporaries. I’m glad it speaks to you so strongly. And glad that you have the superb good taste to enjoy so many Wench books!
Faith, I wasn’t sure if I should mention Juliet because her loose robes and Tuareg headdress made it relatively easy for her to pass as male. But I love her and Ross as a couple.
PHOENIX FALLING is my favorite of my three contemporaries. I’m glad it speaks to you so strongly. And glad that you have the superb good taste to enjoy so many Wench books!
Faith, I wasn’t sure if I should mention Juliet because her loose robes and Tuareg headdress made it relatively easy for her to pass as male. But I love her and Ross as a couple.
PHOENIX FALLING is my favorite of my three contemporaries. I’m glad it speaks to you so strongly. And glad that you have the superb good taste to enjoy so many Wench books!
Faith, I wasn’t sure if I should mention Juliet because her loose robes and Tuareg headdress made it relatively easy for her to pass as male. But I love her and Ross as a couple.
PHOENIX FALLING is my favorite of my three contemporaries. I’m glad it speaks to you so strongly. And glad that you have the superb good taste to enjoy so many Wench books!
Faith, I wasn’t sure if I should mention Juliet because her loose robes and Tuareg headdress made it relatively easy for her to pass as male. But I love her and Ross as a couple.
PHOENIX FALLING is my favorite of my three contemporaries. I’m glad it speaks to you so strongly. And glad that you have the superb good taste to enjoy so many Wench books!
Anne, PHOENIX FALLING was my second contemporary and originally published under the title THE SPIRAL PATH. The protagonists are an estranged pair of Hollywood actors who must work together because she needs his marquee value to get financing for the movie she’s wants to make. THe three books were renamed and relaunched to position them as more women’s fiction. Same books, though.
Anne, PHOENIX FALLING was my second contemporary and originally published under the title THE SPIRAL PATH. The protagonists are an estranged pair of Hollywood actors who must work together because she needs his marquee value to get financing for the movie she’s wants to make. THe three books were renamed and relaunched to position them as more women’s fiction. Same books, though.
Anne, PHOENIX FALLING was my second contemporary and originally published under the title THE SPIRAL PATH. The protagonists are an estranged pair of Hollywood actors who must work together because she needs his marquee value to get financing for the movie she’s wants to make. THe three books were renamed and relaunched to position them as more women’s fiction. Same books, though.
Anne, PHOENIX FALLING was my second contemporary and originally published under the title THE SPIRAL PATH. The protagonists are an estranged pair of Hollywood actors who must work together because she needs his marquee value to get financing for the movie she’s wants to make. THe three books were renamed and relaunched to position them as more women’s fiction. Same books, though.
Anne, PHOENIX FALLING was my second contemporary and originally published under the title THE SPIRAL PATH. The protagonists are an estranged pair of Hollywood actors who must work together because she needs his marquee value to get financing for the movie she’s wants to make. THe three books were renamed and relaunched to position them as more women’s fiction. Same books, though.
OK, that's why I didn't recognize the name — I LOVED Spiral Path — as I think I've told you before, Mary Jo. Possibly many times. It started my passion for labyrinths.
OK, that's why I didn't recognize the name — I LOVED Spiral Path — as I think I've told you before, Mary Jo. Possibly many times. It started my passion for labyrinths.
OK, that's why I didn't recognize the name — I LOVED Spiral Path — as I think I've told you before, Mary Jo. Possibly many times. It started my passion for labyrinths.
OK, that's why I didn't recognize the name — I LOVED Spiral Path — as I think I've told you before, Mary Jo. Possibly many times. It started my passion for labyrinths.
OK, that's why I didn't recognize the name — I LOVED Spiral Path — as I think I've told you before, Mary Jo. Possibly many times. It started my passion for labyrinths.
Yes, Melinda, e’Eon is in Devilish. He/she may have been an hermaphrodite.
I can easily believe women passing as men. The problem in novels is that we usually want them to be young, attractive women and the ones who could convince best have a more masculine bone structure and body shape which is not usually attractive on a woman.
The same thing for men. Some men have features and built that is more womanly. Quite likely they have less testosterone than average and the manly women have more.
Yes, Melinda, e’Eon is in Devilish. He/she may have been an hermaphrodite.
I can easily believe women passing as men. The problem in novels is that we usually want them to be young, attractive women and the ones who could convince best have a more masculine bone structure and body shape which is not usually attractive on a woman.
The same thing for men. Some men have features and built that is more womanly. Quite likely they have less testosterone than average and the manly women have more.
Yes, Melinda, e’Eon is in Devilish. He/she may have been an hermaphrodite.
I can easily believe women passing as men. The problem in novels is that we usually want them to be young, attractive women and the ones who could convince best have a more masculine bone structure and body shape which is not usually attractive on a woman.
The same thing for men. Some men have features and built that is more womanly. Quite likely they have less testosterone than average and the manly women have more.
Yes, Melinda, e’Eon is in Devilish. He/she may have been an hermaphrodite.
I can easily believe women passing as men. The problem in novels is that we usually want them to be young, attractive women and the ones who could convince best have a more masculine bone structure and body shape which is not usually attractive on a woman.
The same thing for men. Some men have features and built that is more womanly. Quite likely they have less testosterone than average and the manly women have more.
Yes, Melinda, e’Eon is in Devilish. He/she may have been an hermaphrodite.
I can easily believe women passing as men. The problem in novels is that we usually want them to be young, attractive women and the ones who could convince best have a more masculine bone structure and body shape which is not usually attractive on a woman.
The same thing for men. Some men have features and built that is more womanly. Quite likely they have less testosterone than average and the manly women have more.
can be interesting; no fav
can be interesting; no fav
can be interesting; no fav
can be interesting; no fav
can be interesting; no fav
Every time I start a book that opens with the girl borrowing “the boot boy’s best” and chopping off her hair to run away, I just groan. And I always did wonder about the wine down the sleeve trick. Was there no convenient potted plant? Even Laurie King’s excellent Mary Russell kept her long blond braid intact but hidden all through O Jerusalem and other adventures until The Game, when she had to disguise herself as her own brother, cut her braid off, and used the hair to create a mustache!
Every time I start a book that opens with the girl borrowing “the boot boy’s best” and chopping off her hair to run away, I just groan. And I always did wonder about the wine down the sleeve trick. Was there no convenient potted plant? Even Laurie King’s excellent Mary Russell kept her long blond braid intact but hidden all through O Jerusalem and other adventures until The Game, when she had to disguise herself as her own brother, cut her braid off, and used the hair to create a mustache!
Every time I start a book that opens with the girl borrowing “the boot boy’s best” and chopping off her hair to run away, I just groan. And I always did wonder about the wine down the sleeve trick. Was there no convenient potted plant? Even Laurie King’s excellent Mary Russell kept her long blond braid intact but hidden all through O Jerusalem and other adventures until The Game, when she had to disguise herself as her own brother, cut her braid off, and used the hair to create a mustache!
Every time I start a book that opens with the girl borrowing “the boot boy’s best” and chopping off her hair to run away, I just groan. And I always did wonder about the wine down the sleeve trick. Was there no convenient potted plant? Even Laurie King’s excellent Mary Russell kept her long blond braid intact but hidden all through O Jerusalem and other adventures until The Game, when she had to disguise herself as her own brother, cut her braid off, and used the hair to create a mustache!
Every time I start a book that opens with the girl borrowing “the boot boy’s best” and chopping off her hair to run away, I just groan. And I always did wonder about the wine down the sleeve trick. Was there no convenient potted plant? Even Laurie King’s excellent Mary Russell kept her long blond braid intact but hidden all through O Jerusalem and other adventures until The Game, when she had to disguise herself as her own brother, cut her braid off, and used the hair to create a mustache!
That painting of Banestre Tarleton was used as a cover picture for one of my favourite “Chicks-in-Pants” novels, Die schottische Affäre by Barbara Hundt (no english translation available of that book). I still like stories with heroines in men’s clothes, mainly because this usually means more adventure.
As to Heyer’s Masqueraders, I think the masquerade might work because of the fashions of that period (about 1745). Prudence wore jackets with wide, stiffened skirts which disguised her better, and woman’s dresses were also stiffened and padded, plus corsets. This story would have been less believable if it was set in a later period with different fashions.
That painting of Banestre Tarleton was used as a cover picture for one of my favourite “Chicks-in-Pants” novels, Die schottische Affäre by Barbara Hundt (no english translation available of that book). I still like stories with heroines in men’s clothes, mainly because this usually means more adventure.
As to Heyer’s Masqueraders, I think the masquerade might work because of the fashions of that period (about 1745). Prudence wore jackets with wide, stiffened skirts which disguised her better, and woman’s dresses were also stiffened and padded, plus corsets. This story would have been less believable if it was set in a later period with different fashions.
That painting of Banestre Tarleton was used as a cover picture for one of my favourite “Chicks-in-Pants” novels, Die schottische Affäre by Barbara Hundt (no english translation available of that book). I still like stories with heroines in men’s clothes, mainly because this usually means more adventure.
As to Heyer’s Masqueraders, I think the masquerade might work because of the fashions of that period (about 1745). Prudence wore jackets with wide, stiffened skirts which disguised her better, and woman’s dresses were also stiffened and padded, plus corsets. This story would have been less believable if it was set in a later period with different fashions.
That painting of Banestre Tarleton was used as a cover picture for one of my favourite “Chicks-in-Pants” novels, Die schottische Affäre by Barbara Hundt (no english translation available of that book). I still like stories with heroines in men’s clothes, mainly because this usually means more adventure.
As to Heyer’s Masqueraders, I think the masquerade might work because of the fashions of that period (about 1745). Prudence wore jackets with wide, stiffened skirts which disguised her better, and woman’s dresses were also stiffened and padded, plus corsets. This story would have been less believable if it was set in a later period with different fashions.
That painting of Banestre Tarleton was used as a cover picture for one of my favourite “Chicks-in-Pants” novels, Die schottische Affäre by Barbara Hundt (no english translation available of that book). I still like stories with heroines in men’s clothes, mainly because this usually means more adventure.
As to Heyer’s Masqueraders, I think the masquerade might work because of the fashions of that period (about 1745). Prudence wore jackets with wide, stiffened skirts which disguised her better, and woman’s dresses were also stiffened and padded, plus corsets. This story would have been less believable if it was set in a later period with different fashions.