This is another find from the remainders table of the local bookstore. It tells the story of five women spanning the years from the 18th trough the 20th century. These women were all very different personalities with differing reasons for falling into the life of being kept by rich men, but all needed money. All lived before the era when females could be self-sufficient. One of the few ways open for them to retain some independence was the world of the demi-monde. None of these women were common prostitutes. Each was unique enough to attract the notice of rich and powerful men. These men were themselves locked in loveless arranged marriages. The book is an interesting look into Georgian, Regency and Victorian society. In the early days of the demi-monde, these women achieved a cult status of popularity that would rival pop stars and actresses of today. They were shown off as arm candy by their gentlemen lovers. Their names were universally recognized, and people fought for a sight of these glittering and richly clad creatures. By Victorian times, their status had changed, and they lived a more secret life, hidden away, often masquerading as married or widowed women.
The most interesting life of the five belonged to Elizabeth Armistead (1750-1842). She began her career as a courtesan in her youth. She was intelligent and dignified. Eventually she caught the eye of Charles James Fox the brilliant politician in the court of George III. They fell truly in love, had a great romance and ended their life married, very happily as all accounts would have it. She was greatly loved by the aristocratic members of the Fox family and honored by their descendants. The book is an interesting study of social mores and attitudes spanning the years of these women's lives.
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