Welcome

[BettyO]

In the Victorian era, there were "different" standards as to beauty; feminine and otherwise.

The standards proclaimed beauty was a well-groomed look (remember, NO makeup - period!) with a "well scrubbed face and every hair in place!"

Women were also supposed to be plump; thin was NOT in - there were corsets to remedy (somewhat!) that particular situation. A plump lady was looked upon as having enough to eat and being a somewhat, "lady of leisure"; i.e. she had enough to eat and having servants to attend her. A thin lady was viewed as usually having to work hard, fend for herself (no servants) and not having enough to eat in some circumstances. Plump was in.... as long as a lady was quiet, unassuming, meek and proper, she was considered a proper "lady" and therefore, "beautiful."

Laurie is more or less right. "Plump" Lucy was vivacious and outgoing and Fanny was somewhat shy and retiring - and very intelligent and bookish to boot. Victorian gentlemen seemed to value an outgoing personality rather than brains and a "shy and shrinking violet...."