Madame Chier sat side by side her daughter as she dipped her fountain pen lightly into the inkwell…
The composed list started with Auguste’s bed sheets. Madame gave the last letter an extra long swirl, "…An elegant way to make the bed…" she thought smiling to herself.
"Maman, maybe it would be prudent to commence with my blouses rather than the bed linens?"
Madame Chier took no notice of her daughter’s blushed cheeks and continued to write;
6 Towels.
6 Wash clothes.
9 White shirts and 3 colored.
2 Nightshirts…and again giving the last letter a sensuous swirl!
"Maman, you have purposefully given special treatment to two of my most personal items, please can you tally my trousseau without drawing attention!"
Madame Chier re-dipped her pen while casting a playful glance at her daughter, she noted;
10 handkerchiefs.
9 pair of stockings, 5 in wool and 4 in cotton.
1 Robe.
4 Blouses.
1 Box spring for the Bed.
MAMAN!! What have you in your head? Look how you wrote BED!!! My future Mother-in-law will certainly think you ill-mannered!
Without a doubt of that she went on penning the list,
3 pantaloons for everyday.
2 Underwear.
Mademoiselle knew this was coming though she squirmed in her chair nevertheless, and bite down on her lip for safe measure.
1 Hat
1 Wool beret
Dear reader, if you had any doubt that Madame Chier was a rebel in her time, you will note that in the exact middle of her daughter’s trousseau she wrote:
1 iron bed with a winter mattress in wool and a summer mattress in horse hair.
The clever playfulness of such a wise Mother! Madame Chier knew how to ruffle the petticoats of the Victorians…her duty wasn’t seen as drudgery, with such a delightful dish of humor! Surely, her daughter fainted on the spot. The list continues, faithfully adding each and every item of her daughter’s gathered belongings.
At last the signature of approval was dated the 1st of October 1890.
Photo: 19th century French list, photo and lace.
ps: reposted this post, that is why some of the comments have older dates.
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