I have read most of Jane Austen’s works and derive enjoyment from each and every one.  My attraction to her work is simple “I am an incurable romantic”.

I own quite a few movies of her works and when I’m in the mood I will watch with delightful abandon immersing myself in a time and place far beyond my daily reality.  I prepare a pot of tea to enhance the experience languidly lavishing the enjoyment of my treat to myself.

Ah! there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.

Emma (1815)

Recently there was a notice posted on the MATBA’s, Mid Atlantic Tea Business Association of which I am a member, Facebook page indicating one of our tea members needed volunteers for an upcoming event. This event was being held in Brooklyn, NY so I took the opportunity to help.

The event was part of an organization I was not familiar with and honestly never new existed. Yes, I am aware of book clubs and the sort, though this is much more than a book club. JASNA is an organization dedicated to the appreciation and discussion of Jane Austen’s works. There are 65 regional chapters in the United States and Canada. The events are done on a grand scale and many of the members dress for the occasion in period attire.

As you entered the check in area there was a placard announcing the topic for discussion.

The concept of this focus is one that would never enter my mind when considering Jane’s work, as I do not see the need to analyze her great work to such extent though it might be interesting point to ponder.

It was also interesting to hear so many quotes from lines and verse of the work, memorized by Austen aficionados. It was apparent that there were favorite characters from the texts that people adored. I was certainly out of place in this venue because although these works hold a special place in my heart, if you ask me who my favorite character is, I would say all of them, as they are all entwined in the mastery of Jane.

Each character plays a part in the story and without one the plot and line would be incomplete.

Tea drinking during the period of 1715-1817, the years Jane Austen lived was a special treat. In the 19^th Century tea was served at breakfast and evening, Jane references this in one of her letters stating they took tea at half after six.  In one report it states that Jane herself served tea to her family, tea so precious it was kept under lock and key.

Reference to tea, and suggested nuances proper culture and privilege the action of serving tea displayed, are throughout her works.

Emma- Volume 1: Chapter 3 “Mrs. Bates, the widow of a former vicar of Highbury, was a very old lady, almost past every thing but tea and quadrille”.

Mansfield Park– Chapter 3 “Fanny suspected what was going on. They sat so much longer than usual in the dining parlour, that she was sure they must be talking of her; and when tea at last brought them away, and she was to be seen by Edmund again, she felt dreadfully guilty. He came to her, sat down by her, took her hand, and pressed it kindly; and at that moment she thought that, but for the occupation and the scene which the tea-things afforded, she must have betrayed her emotion in some unpardonable excess.”

Let’s talk about the Jane Austen Collection of tea by Bingley’s Tea. A novel (excuse the pun) idea created by Julia Bingley.  An expansive selection of tea named after the characters from the Austen works. The notes of each tea type, blended or pure, are reflections of the characters personalities which are described on the packaging front.

Willoughby, the one I selected, is a “black tea with bergamot sonnets, smoldering with youthful passion and carrying traces of a pine smoked cottage chimney”

In Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen created Willoughby as a protagonist driven by the need for his own pleasure, whether that is through amusing himself with whatever woman crossed his path, or via marrying in order to obtain wealth to fuel his profligate ways. He does not value emotional connection and is willing to give up his true love for more worldly objects.

My choice was not so much for character but for the luscious rich smoky flavor the tea possessed.  Just right for a rainy day alone with Jane Austen.

Oh, by the way it was a toss up between Willoughby and Mr. Darcy who is represented by Dà Hóng Páo Oolong. The vision of Mr. Darcy sitting in a Big Red Robe is on target.

If you enjoy fine quality tea and have a fondness for Jane Austen, Julia’s selections are a perfect choice.