One of the best things about writing Rose Through Time and William Through Time is researching the Regency era. Every detail and every setting I use to bring my world to life, I want to make sure is historically accurate. Of course, using creative license I may or may not use it. What did people wear? How do I get my heroinne or hero out of a difficult situation? Even something as simple as fire comes with its own difficulties. In one scene in William Through Time, which I'm currently writing, William has to escape a snow storm and start a fire in an empty room. Back then there weren't lighters like we do right now, so what could I use to make lighting fires portable? Reading up on the era I discovered that wealthy men and women would carry small flint boxes. They were metal cases that held charcloth, firesteel, and sulfur-tipped matches. Perfect for William to have on his person.
Another part that was very important to my settings was the food. Rose and William have to sit through many afternoon teas, dinner parties, balls, and masquerades. Each of them served with plenty of drinks and food. What food was common during the Regency era? And which dishes were served during which season? Logistically, foods that would spoil faster would only really be popular during cold months, which is why fish was often only eaten during the months that ended in R. Foods also weren't shipped from all over the world which meant people were bound to what was in season. During the winter months this meant mostly root vegetables, or for the people that had their own hothouse, they could also add a variety of leafy greens to their table. The book Modern Cookery by Eliza Scanton was invaluable to give me an idea of recipes used during the time period.
If you'd like to check out Modern Cookery for yourself, it is available to read on Archive.org or you can click on this link https://bit.ly/3fH0Iz6
Interested in reading Rose Through Time?