Oh, and… Happy Valentine’s Day, too.
So, Valentine’s Day was A Thing in the Regency era, which was fun to find out. Alfred, Duke of Lowell, dismisses the entire undertaking as the work of printers looking to sell cards… hmmm, he’s not far wrong.
As a wolf though, he should know better: Lupercalia was an ancient Roman celebration than ran from the 13th-15th February, and celebrated fruitfulness and multiplying, accompanied by some goats sadly starring as sacrifices. It was the precursor to today’s fete, and revamped by Christianity.
Saint Valentine was martyred for marrying couples in churches in direct contravention of emperor Claudias’ edict at the time, and FUN FACT The heart of Saint Valentine is a relic housed in Whitefriars Church, Aungier Stree, Dublin!
But February 14th is also Felicity’s birthday! And I can assure you that not goats will be harmed in the celebrations…
Why not check out an excerpt from A Wolf in Duke’s Clothing?
***
Susanna Allen | Writer 
Leave a comment