My MC is a New Yorker but goes to Florence, Italy to visit her family during the summer of 1903. They're very wealthy and live in a sprawling old villa, have many servants, etc. She finds herself promised to J, the son of her family friends, and (against her will) planning a wedding in Italy. I've only really found one good reference book on the period to date (called Florence 1900). There seems to be a wealth of info on London and the US at the time, but very little about Italy specifically. Any idea of some other good references?
I'm especially looking for info on courtship guidelines. For example, how I have it at the moment: MC attends a ball at the home of J's family. The parents have already discussed the match, and J is planning on proposing that evening, but MC feigns sickness and leaves. The next day she is having tea with her mother, aunt and cousin when J calls on them and asks MC to go for a walk in the gardens. Her aunt escorts them, and he proposes formally. Does this seem totally off the mark?
Thanks!
I'm especially looking for info on courtship guidelines. For example, how I have it at the moment: MC attends a ball at the home of J's family. The parents have already discussed the match, and J is planning on proposing that evening, but MC feigns sickness and leaves. The next day she is having tea with her mother, aunt and cousin when J calls on them and asks MC to go for a walk in the gardens. Her aunt escorts them, and he proposes formally. Does this seem totally off the mark?
Thanks!
