Yet Another Romantic Tag || Valentine's Day Period Drama Blog Party

Happy day after Valentine's day! I'm a little late, but here are my answers to Heidi's Valentine's Day Period Drama Blog Party Tag!

1.) Your current three (or up to five!) favorite period dramas?

Emma (2009), Pride and Prejudice (1995), Downton Abbey, Anne of Green Gables, and Enola Holmes.

2.) What would you recommend to someone who’s never seen a period drama as a starter?

Probably Emma (2009) because it's so happy and pretty. It's quite long, but that matters not. (If you want to get into the period drama world, then you better get used to looooong movies.)

3.) A favorite couple that wouldn’t be included in answer #1 (cause I’m figuring those are already top favorites ;)) and/or a favorite secondary character romance? 

PERCY BLAKENEY AND MARGAURITE!! 

I recently read the Scarlet Pimpernel and I LOVE THESE TWO. They are both such strong characters who are really meant for each other (even though SOMEBODY is quite pigheaded for awhile! *throws a snuff box at Percy*)

4.) What do you consider foundational qualities for a healthy romance? 

Probably trust, patience, and good communication.

5.) Worst villain/antagonist?

Probably Rigaud from Little Dorrit. That man is straight up terrifying. 

(He doesn't get a picture, because no one wants to look at him.)

6.) A favorite proposal scene?

Aaaaaaaaalways Emma (2009). Nothing beats "If I loved you less I might be able to talk about it more."

I also really love Laurie's proposal to Amy in the book! It was so sweet and simple, and I am quite put out that all the movie versions saw fit to cut it!

7.) Favorite period drama characters based on a real life couple?

Katherine and James from Hidden Figures. They are so cute! (it's also an excellent movie!)

8.) Any classic b/w period dramas you like?

Hmmm, none are coming to mind. 

9.) Most mature romance in a period drama? (mature as in age and/or characters who are consciously and wisely ripened by life experience, etc.)

Janet and Alec from Road to Avonlea. It's a much lesser known period drama show, but it's lovely, and Alec and Janet are lovely. They have a firmly built relationship, and even though we see them go through marital struggles throughout the show, they always come back around. They are always there to love and support the other. 

10.) Most excruciatingly long, slow burn romance in a period drama?

Amy and Arthur from Little Dorrit. Like COME. OOOONNNNN. I love you Arthur, but OPEN YOUR EYES!!!

11.) A story that has multiple film adaptations where you love more than one of them?

I'm usually more of a One Film Adaptation Only kind of girl, but I recently saw the Sense and Sensibility miniseries (2008) and I loved it!! But I will still always love the 1995 version.

12.) A book you think needs to be made into a film (or a new adaptation)?

Sooooo many. But right now The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery and Rilla of Ingleside also by L.M. Montgomery are at the top of my list. Their both so good and so deserving of a well done film!

Thank you so much for hosting Heidi!! I do love any chance to rave about period drama couples ;) 

Yours Truly,

Miss Woodhouse

Period Drama Romances that Ironically Deserve More Love || Valentine's Period Drama Blog Party

We interrupt this program to bring you a second blog party, namely the Valentine's Day Period Drama Blog Party, hosted by Heidi! 

I'm starting off this second party with a little nod to a few of my favorite period drama couples! I decided to go with some lesser known couples who really deserve more love, although I couldn't resist throwing in some more popular ones, because sometimes they're just too cute!

Minnie and Alfie || Larkrise to Candleford

"See Minnie, you make me laugh."

These two are just cinnamon rolls. Yes, Minnie is a little silly. But that's who she is. I really appreciate that the writers didn't feel the need to change her character when she and Alf became a couple. Alf is just a sweetheart who's got the weight of the world on his shoulders, and Minnie helps him carry that weight. She is the one who makes him smile.

Enola and Tewkesberry || Enola Holmes

"At least we have each other."

I have already talked about my love for these two, but all the more chance to fangirl talk about them. Theirs is a relationship built on trust, which coincidentally started with Enola asking, "Do you trust me?" to which Tewkesberry emphatically replied, "No!" 

Their relationship never gets further off the ground than a strong friendship (although sparks flew HARD) but they know that they have each others backs. And I have high hopes for a sequel in which they fall in love ;)

Emma and Mr. Knightley || Emma (2009)

"If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more."

Yes, they are a very popular couple, but they are so worth the hype. Emma is a flawed heroine, and Mr. Knightley is the ultimate gentleman. Their lifelong friendship is something that endears them as a couple. Emma teases, Mr. Knightley scolds, and together they have a bond that makes them such a beautifully functional couple.  

Peggy and William || Return to Cranford

"We have always been equals. Love makes people so."

Even though they are a lesser known couple, these two are REAL cute. REAL CUTE.

Peggy is a dear girl, who (because she is an ANGEL) takes care of her mother (who is horrible to her) and her brother (who is Trouble with a capitol T). 

She stumbles upon a young man named William (also a sweetheart) (played by Tom Hiddleston, himself)

 (of course that's not why I love him so much) (what a notion) 

William takes it upon himself to rescue her from her horrible family, and the rest is history. There may or may not be an angsty, dramatic scene where he rescues her from a train wreck *swoons* and a perfectly darling waltz to bring everything to a close.

Mary and Matthew || Downton Abbey

"I won't be happy with anyone else, as long as you walk the earth."

Another more popular couple, but I can't help it. Mary Crawley is a handful. She can be bitter, frosty, judgmental, and just plain mean. Until she meets Matthew. Matthew sees through the layers of prickliness to Mary's soft side, and she falls hard for his gentle yet determined manner. Theirs is a bumpy road to romance, but they are a couple who bring out the best in each other.

Juliet and Dawsey || The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

"Do you think it's possible to belong to someone before you've even met them?"

This is one of those soft, quiet relationships. The reassuring handholds,  the heartfelt letters, the kind encouragement. Dawsey and Juliet just have such a sweet connection from the very beginning. Their love of books and writing, and their strength to stand up for what they believe in makes them such a lovely couple.

Are any of these couples your favorites? Were there some that I didn't mention that you love? I've got sooooo many posts planed between both romantic blog parties, so I will be back very soon ;)

Yours Truly,

Miss Woodhouse

Lovely Blog Party 2019 // Branson & Sybil

WAIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!

I'M HERE!!! FEBRUARY ISN'T OVER YET!!! 

So sorry for how ridiculously late this is, but work and school have just been eating my time up and writing has been sadly shoved aside. But I am determined to not let Cordy's Lovely Blog Party pass without writing up the post I've been dying to write! Now if you aren't already participating (or have no idea what this party is of which I speak (what a ridiculous notion!)) then head to Cordy's blog to find out what to do is about!

So, because this is a party all about couples, and love, and adorableness, I immediately realized a post devoted to our adorable Sybil Crawley and the ever amazing Tom Branson was the only way to go. Now I will do my utmost to make it through this post without fangirling like crazy, but I make no promises... 

These. Two. 

(help i can already feel the fangirl fuzzies coming on)

So if you have watched Downton Abbey, you know all about these two. For the benefit of those who have not seen it, I will give you a quick rundown.

Sybil is the youngest daughter of the Earl of Grantham. As such, she is expected to marry well, and live out the life of a fine lady moving in the best social circles. And Branson? He's a chauffeur from Ireland, and a revolutionary chauffeur at that! He is hired by Sybils's father, and you can imagine how things go from there...

I don't think I can even put into words how crazy much I love these two. I mean, from the beginning, Branson falls like a ton of bricks for Sybil. He sees what a kind, and caring and beautiful person she is, and and falls so in love with her. *squeeeeee!!!*

It takes Sybil a little longer, because after all, marrying Branson would mean leaving her entire life behind. But slowly, Sybil begins to realize that she is falling in love with Branson (and who could blame her, pray?). And of course... the news must be broken to Sybil's parents...

  
And then. THEN.

HORRORS!! SHE CANNOT MARRY THE CHAUFFEUR, OF ALL PEOPLE! THE SCANDAL! THE ABSURDITY! SYBIL WILL BE DISGRACED, TURNED AWAY FROM THE BEST SOCIAL CIRCLES!! THE WORLD CRUMBLES!!

And yet, Sybil is unmoved. But then!

Then comes Lord Grantham's worst threat...

"There will be no money."

Sybil simply smiles and replies with what could possibly be her best best line in the show...

"Well... Bully for that!"

The devotion that Sybil and Branson show for each other is probably one of the things that stands out the most to me. Despite the possibility of being disowned, and possibly never seeing her family again, Sybil stands steadfastly by Branson's side. And we all know that Branson could care less about the riches and all such rot, but he's never shy about standing up to Lord Grantham, something that most working class men would be terrified of. 

Even though we don't get to see much of the two while they are married there are the few scenes where we get to see just how crazy much these two love each other.

Like, this one... (cutest scene evah, evah, evah!!!!)

Sybil is always fast to support and defend Branson against the attacks of her family. And Branson? That dear darling boy has nothing in his heart to give but so much love. The way those two care for and love each other is just soooooooooo adorable and I just loves my wittle babies so much!!!! 

*squinches up face and squeals* 

  THIS. SCENE. 

DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED

I. CAN'T. EVEN.

*SOBS*

They would go to the ends of the earth for each other and that is why I love Branson and Sybil. Their love and devotion for each other is so strong and they will forever and always be one of my most favoritest ships. Branson and Sybil forever, please and thanks!!!

So I suppose that brings us to the end! Again, So sorry that this is ridiculously late, and that I practically didn't participate at all, but life has been crazy. Do hop over and check out all the lovely posts everyone has contributed to Cordy's party!! TTFN, ta ta for now!!

Yours Truly,

Miss Woodhouse