3 ms·

Thanks for this perspective. I obviously need to deal with one of the most important questions raised by this essay: what is a “pert and saucy“ servant in the g

by tomcam 3y ago

Thanks for this perspective. I obviously need to deal with one of the most important questions raised by this essay: what is a “pert and saucy“ servant in the good parson’s context? I’m pretty sure my mental image of Kate Beckinsale playing the part in an appropriate outfit isn’t the same as yours ;)

cbfrench 3y ago
Lol, I would doubt Parson Woodforde’s maid resembled Kate Beckinsale—either in an appropriate or an inappropriate outfit. ;) My guess is he probably meant she was a little mouthy and stubborn for his standard of a servant. Both of those terms generally meant someone who was impudent, although “saucy” at the time did have connotations of lasciviousness. So, although he was a bachelor and a priest, it’s not to say that his use of the term would have been entirely angelic, haha.
- tomcam 3y ago
  Nice to know there might have been some ambiguity! I was sure you’d be describing my grammar school teacher Mrs Hedgecock. I shall continue envisioning Kate in this role.