My character has recently become the guardian of his 15-year-old niece. She is new to the United States (British), and he doesn't want to be bothered with leaving her behind constantly - not when she is well-behaved and it's far easier for him to take her along to social events. Is a coming-out party necessary for her to act within adult circles? They are extremely rich.
Nice for them!
Also, being super rich and high society, would it in any way be conceivable for him to work with antiques outside of a museum? I'm hesitant to give him an antique shop because I know at least in Regency times owning a shop was a big class red flag. Was that different in 1901 New York City? I would love any information about *this* time period.
Thank you!
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50,628 / 50,000
Feb 5, 2008 - 14 05
i wouldnt say REQUIRED, but probably expected. and she'll probably want one, no? lots of attention and fun and a pretty new dress...
if he just became her guardian, i'm assuming its because of a death. if you want to at least push off, if not cancel, her coming-out, maybe you can make a big deal about being in mourning, so a big bash is not appropriate. Then let her just slide into the lifestyle unobtrusively.
and if they're really rich, he'll have plenty of servants and other people he can leave at home with her, if he doesn't want her to come. i'm not absolutely sure, but i think 15 would be old enough for parties and night life anyway, though.
he could just be an antiques collector. or maybe he's like lord carnarvon, who discovered king tut's tomb, and likes to spend his money on adventures and research. but the other richies will probably think he's weird for bothering.
0 / 50,000
Feb 5, 2008 - 21 43
Thanks for your input!
31,684 / 50,000
Mrt 31, 2008 - 15 09
A coming out party is pretty much a more formal version of the 'sweet 16' bash girls get nowadays. It meant a girl was formally entering society and could be courted. It also meant that girls could wear their hair up (instead of down or in braids only) and wear more adult clothing as opposed to more child-like wear. Children, unless it was a family outing or a party for children, were never brought to parties or dinner until they had their coming out party and the children of the hosts were kept in the nursery during the parties so the adults wouldn't be disturbed.
The girl's uncle could start taking her where ever he goes, but for everyone who meets them they'll probably assume that she's already been brought into society by her now dead parents (if she dresses like an adult) or that her Uncle is socially inept (if she still dressed like a child.)
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2007: Miss. Marin
30,000 / 50,000
Jun 5, 2008 - 13 18
Nice for them!
Also, being super rich and high society, would it in any way be conceivable for him to work with antiques outside of a museum? I'm hesitant to give him an antique shop because I know at least in Regency times owning a shop was a big class red flag. Was that different in 1901 New York City? I would love any information about *this* time period.
If she were 15, she would have a governess, so there would be no need for him to need to drag her along after him. Or, she'd be attending a fancy day school in New England, if he were so inclined to send her away to be taught. And if she's British, she would be accustomed to being treated like a second class citizen (aka, men not really paying attention to her) and more sheltered than her American counterparts. Not to mention that unless the uncle has absolutely no other relations at all (if not the girl's side of the family), it'd be pretty strange for a bachelor (I'm assuming he is one), to be granted sole guardianship of a young woman.
Regarding antiques. Most wealthy Americans collected antiques and art, so why would he be working at a store? He would most likely be a professional and well-respected collector to whom art and antique dealers would give first dibs on the best stuff, and he would probably be on the board of the Met, and lend collections to the museum.
To write in Gilded Age NY, not only do you have to ignore everything you are familiar with in the Regency period, but Britain itself. America was completely different at this time.
I recommend books on the Gilded Age, J.P. Morgan, New York City, etc. PM me for specific titles.