Dear Miss Lawrence,

Miss Pickworth is pleased to provide suggestions to any woman seeking to find herself encompassed within the arms of matrimonial bliss. Society’s rules are much different during the Regency than they are in your century. Yet, happily, many proposals cross the barriers of both time and culture.

Any woman would be wise to garb herself in clothing that is modest and appropriately unpretentious yet may accentuate the most pleasing aspects of her figure. During the Regency, as in your time, the revelation of too much bare skin is highly inappropriate for a respectable young lady. She may, nevertheless, be successful in attracting the eye of a handsome man by donning clothing that fits her form well and is of a color that heightens her beauty.

Hair should be styled in a similarly becoming fashion. While cosmetics may be acceptable at a certain age, they must be used only to enhance a young lady’s natural attributes. Any attempt to forcibly draw attention by rimming the eyes in harsh lines, painting the cheeks in garish pinks, or staining the lips or nails in shocking colors is to be avoided at all cost. Remember, dearest, that a woman wants to be noticed for who she is and not for what she may be wearing on her face, head, or figure.

Finally, yet most important, Miss Pickworth speaks to the subject of comportment. This, above all, will lead a woman to triumphant success or dismal failure in attracting a worthy gentleman’s attention. In one’s attitude, project confidence without pride, joy without silliness, and kindness without pity. Head up, shoulders back, and lips shaped into a pleasing smile, greet one and all with pleasure. To the gentleman especially favored, a young lady may cast shy but friendly glances on a very regular basis. She must never ogle, but she should reward him with much attention and consideration.

Men find it especially pleasant to discuss subjects of interest to themselves (as do most people, in fact). This means that a wise young lady will inquire about such topics as sporting events, entertainments, and vehicles of transportation. She will avoid chattering on and on about her friends, the latest fashions, current rumors, or other such trivialities. Instead, she will focus the gentleman’s attention on themes that illustrate how well she knows him, how highly she thinks of him, and how very intelligent she is.

All of these suggestions will assist the young lady in attracting a man worthy of her affections. And, of course, a proper woman will set her focus only upon such a man, avoiding rakes, cads, roués, and libertines – who can do nothing but bring her misery. Take heart, dear reader, for fine young gentlemen truly do exist. Miss Pickworth knows several of them herself.