Madame Chier and her daughter sat side by side, 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 blouses and 3 colored.
2 Nightgowns…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.
1 Box spring for the Bed.
"MAMAN!! What have you in your head? Regard how you wrote the word BED! My future Mother-in-law will certainly think you ill-mannered!"
Without a doubt of that, she smiled to herself and went on penning the list,
3 pantaloons for everyday.
2 pairs of panties.
Mademoiselle knew this was coming, (PANTIES) 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 strong enough for two, 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 a 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, click to enlarge.
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