A Single Girl's Guide to Regency England
Written by Bridget Boyle
Pride & Prejudice took Queensland by storm in 2025, and not just metaphorically. The sell-out season drew rave reviews, standing ovations and ticket waitlists a mile long. Then Tropical Cyclone Alfred blew in, forcing cancellations and leaving thousands of would-be audience members heartbroken. So we’re back. If you love your romance big, your comedy bigger and your Darcys perfectly brooding, this one’s for you.
It’s Eighteen-something or other. England. The Regent is on the throne and Napoleon is causing a ruckus over on the Continent. For a single girl with big dreams, it’s tough out there – for every Mr Darcy in a wet shirt, there’s a Mr Collins with a smarmy smile. Girl, we’ve got you.
REGENCY ROMANCE RULE #1
Blame it on the boogie
Always remember, dancing is a certain step towards falling in love. Whether it be a simple country dance, a classy quadrille or a steamy waltz (with his hand on your back to guide you as you twirl about the room, this is as lit as Regency parties get), more hearts are won on the dance floor than any other place. Let’s face it, the opportunities for meet-cutes in Regency England are … limited. It’s not like you can go in for a drunken snog at the work Xmas party. So, get yourself invited to as many balls, romps and informal hops as possible. Sooner or later, you’ll meet someone who dances to the beat of the same drum as you do. Or at least is independently wealthy and doesn’t mind that your own estate is entailed.
REGENCY ROMANCE RULE #2
Ain’t no hollaback girl
Just because you don’t have the right to vote or own property after you marry, doesn’t mean you have to be a meek, pick-me girl. Answer him back. Call him on his nonsense. Have fun with it. One cannot always be laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty. Chances are, he’ll relish not being fawned over, be intrigued by your intelligent banter and fall for you. If not, you’ll at least get some sparkling dialogue out of it and something to laugh about with your sisters.
Which leads us nicely to…
REGENCY ROMANCE RULE #3
Sisters are doing it for themselves
Your sisters are your ultimate wingwomen – cherish them. You’ll need them to run interference when Regency Red-Flags approach, as a shoulder to cry on when he calls you “tolerable” and, most importantly, someone to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all with. Also, you might marry two guys who are best friends and get to live happily ever after on neighbouring estates!
And finally, really, most important of all…
REGENCY ROMANCE RULE #4
All the women, independent
Ignore the other rules.
You don’t actually have to do the romance thing if it’s not your thing. Stay single. Live in that attic with your bestie. Become the village witch. Punish your enemies. Don’t die in childbirth.
Who knows, with all that extra time you get from not being in a relationship, you might write a novel that, hundreds of years later, people are still reading and making theatre shows about.
REGENCY RED FLAGS
And as a bonus extra, here are our top four Regency Red Flags. If you encounter ANY of these, IMMEDIATELY scrub him from your dance card, no matter how good he looks in those high pants and shiny boots.
REGENCY RED FLAG #1
Beware the RPM (Regency Performative Male)
If he seems too good to be true, he probably is. First appearances can be deceiving, so check whether he really likes the same authors you do, or if he’s just trying to get under your bonnet because he thinks your daddy’s rich.
REGENCY RED FLAG #2
Lady Catherine de Bleurgh
He’s only asking you to marry him because his wealthy patroness says he should.
And he’s your cousin.
And he’s really, really, really annoying.
Run away!
REGENCY RED FLAG #3
Women beware women
Look, not all sisters are, like, good sisters. When they’re HIS sisters, and they have big dreams for him that don’t include you, tread very, very carefully. They will act friendly but they are NOT to be trusted. Smile politely and don’t believe anything they say. Don’t worry, if he’s really into you, he’ll ignore them when it comes to matters of the heart.
And finally:
REGENCY RED FLAG #4
This one is literal, not metaphorical
Ok, we’re not going to lie, this one is hard. It will go against every instinct you have. You will question this as your heart flutters and your head swoons as you see this particular brand of Regency player on the dance floor. DON’T FALL FOR A RED COAT. We know, we know, they look hot in those scarlet suits with the shiny buttons. But they are as fickle as the summer breeze that scatters the
rose petals in Pemberley.
Fasten your bonnets, girls. And happy hunting!
Fasten your bonnets, girls. And happy hunting!