[MR] Queen's Corner

[Terri Morgan]

Shae wrote:
> > Men are always taught to never let a Lady walk into court unescorted.

And Donal responded:
> You should add, unless that is their express desire.
> There are some ladies who prefer to go it alone.

That is certainly one of my bugaboos. I *hate* seeing a woman walking up the
aisle, who may well have a beloved Gentleman sitting in the audience
_respecting her wishes_ only to have one or two eager Defenders of Honour
come rushing down the aisle to grab her arm and escort her the last couple
of steps... comic relief for some of the watchers but disappointing to the
lady and her beloved.

Of course, to avoid that would mean to avoid ever offering an arm to an
unescorted lady AND to know every lady and her wishes in advance - a tall
order. I mind the past Royals who have stationed a member of their retinue
at the back of the aisle as Honour Guards who also had the duty to ask a
lady quietly "would you care for an escort?". Over in a second and no
embarrassment in any way.

And for those who do escort ladies - when they are standing back up after
their ceremony, it would be a kind thing to step forward and offer an arm
for them to hold onto as they rise. It takes a little practise to be able to
judge when it is appropriate to rise and come into the Royal Presence to do
so but I've never seen a lady express unhappiness about being given a
stabilizing hand when they are trying to stand again.

Hrothny
--
Dame Hróðny Rognvaldsdottir, OP, OL
Great Dark Horde, Barony of Marinus
"Nobility depends not on parentage or place of birth, but on breadth of
compassion and depth of loving kindness. If we would be noble, let us be
greathearted."    online2much at cox.net