What Would Georgie Do? Shortages of Salons

I love 18th century history, absolutely everything. I spend days searching the internet, I love historical movies, and for the books... don't even mention it!!! I don't know much about Georgiana, my speciality is Marie-antoinette and her relations, and that is why I'm following your blog - to know more about Georgiana.

Anyway, this is what is happening. People just don't approve my passion. By this, I mean several things. Sometimes they mock me. Sometimes, they say I read to many non-fiction historical books. Sometimes they roll their eyes when I talk about it. Sometimes they're horrified when they learn that I want to have History in University, and go around screaming "Are you mad, don't you see there is just NO jobs in History?" (let's say that I live in Portugal, and there is basically no job anywhere, but that's another thing!).

The worst is that there are almost no historical reenactments here. I love to talk about History, but not if I'm just the one who's talking and the other's listening. You know, who doesn't like to share interests with someone who is fascinated by History too? But I never met anyone like that. Some people just like to listen to me talk about Marie-Antoinette... Sometimes it's absolutely desperating, I feel alone. Your blog's a blessing, really. So, what would you (or what would Georgiana do?!) in such a case?

Júlia

Well, one of the things that I have always admired in Georgiana is that she dared to go against the grain and do things different. Luckily for her, she had good taste and her risks usually resulted in others following her lead. When Georgiana was in exile on the continent she began to explore geology and other sciences, a hobby that she would have for the rest of her life. It was also a hobby that not many women were even interested in, especially her old friends. So how was she able to cultivate this hobby? She networked, and found others who shared her love. She held scientific discussion groups at her house and attended lectures.

This task is even easier for us in this fantastic age of the internet. We can connect with those who have a similar interest from all over the world; as you have discovered! If Georgiana was here today would she have a blog or twitter? Absolutely! I think you are doing the right thing by finding an internet community. If you want to participating in discussions on Marie Antoinette rather than giving them I would recommend joining a Forum. If you google 'Marie Antoinette Forum,' you shall find plenty! That way, you are in more a salon setting than a classroom.

Never underestimate the power of becoming a member of a museum or signing up for their newsletters. Many museums and colleges have open lectures you can go to and also network in. I've never paid a cent to hear a lecture and I've seen (and learned) from some amazing people.

The most important thing you can learn from Georgiana is that it is okay to try something different, even if you are criticized by others. The worst that can happen is you fail, and then you just have to get up on your feet again. It happened many times to her and it just made her all the more interesting of a personality!

What Would Georgie Do? Dilemmas with Debt

Recently, I have decided that enough is enough regarding my credit card debts! I'm sick to death of getting telephone offers to help me consolidate my debts and I'm sicker still knowing that the four foot peacock feathers I bought last year on my Visa have accumulated so much interest one might bankrupt the crown to pay it off! What's more I know how much this stresses out my boyfriend. What would dr, dr Georgiana do?

Duke of Declined

How odious credit card bills are! They always stand in the way of fun. Perhaps Georgiana wouldn't be the best person to ask for credit advice, considering her debts amounted to about £3 million in today's terms. Actually, I believe she would ask her mother, who was overflowing with well-meant advice. "Pray take care if you play to carry money in your pocket as much as you care to lose and never go beyond it," meaning you should stick to debit cards as much as you possibly can. Perhaps your dear mother could help you a bit with that Visa bill until you're back on your feet again; after all, mothers don't charge interest: "I would pay Townshend instantly for you if I had the money..." As to those annoying consolidation calls: "I pray to God that it may stop here and that neither you nor I may suffer any more from it."

Oh and whatever you do, don't tell your boyfriend! Even if Lady Spencer might beg to differ, "I hoped the Duke knew the whole of what you had lost and that it was all settled[!]"


I'm no advice columnist, and I know Georgiana can't be channeled through me, but if you have a fun question you'd like to submit to What Would Georgie Do? please email it to GeorgianaGossip@gmail.com with "What Would Georgie Do?" in the subject line. Or if you have a question better intended for the Queen of France, email MarieAntoinetteGossip@gmail.com

What Would Georgie Do?

I just moved into a new apartment this semester and it was instantly a perfect excuse to invite my friends over and have a good time. I brought it up with my best friend (since elementary school!) and she acted like it was a fun idea. Now, however I found out that she is also throwing a party the same day! We both have different circles of friends nowadays but still, I am a bit put off that she would snub me that way. So I want to stay classy about it all and was just wondering how Georgiana would handle this type of situation. Sincerely, Rattled in Raleigh


This sort of thing was not an unusual problem for Georgiana. In fact the Duchess of Gordon would sometimes purposely hold parties or balls to compete with a party Georgiana was throwing, just to be the vindictive tart that we know she is. Of course, being the popular Duchess that she was, sometimes even friends' parties would overlap the ones Georgiana would throw. Doing it on purpose though, now that's a Lady Jersey move! Georgiana herself was non-confrontational, and in this case nothing good will come from a confrontation.
You should remember the task at hand: being a fabulous hostess. Make some fun and delicious finger foods, start decorating, and rearrange your apartment so there is good chi in the room. In the end, you fabulous hostess skills will say more than sharp words will!

I'm no advice columnist, and I know Georgiana can't be channeled through me, but if you have a fun question you'd like to submit to What Would Georgie Do? please email it to GeorgianaGossip@gmail.com with "What Would Georgie Do?" in the subject line. Or if you have a question better intended for the Queen of France, email MarieAntoinetteGossip@gmail.com