Easter Finery on Parade

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Gossip Column #6

 Spring has sprung at Discovery Lane! The weather is warm, the trees are in full bloom and Easter is just around the corner. And in keeping with the times preparations for Easter are in full swing.

 Probably no one at Discovery Lane loves Easter as much as Beth - owner of Beth's Fine Millinery. Before the big day, everyone in town heads to Beth's in order to purchase the fanciest, most extravagant Easter hat they can afford. As The Illustrated American noted in 1886, "The Easter bonnet has long been recognized as woman's particular weakness."
Beth's Fine Millinery offers an elegant array of eye-catching Easter bonnets

Now, what is the point of having a spectacular Easter bonnet if one cannot show it off? That's what Easter parades are for! Most of the Discovery Lane inhabitants go to church on Easter morning, but they take to the streets as soon as church lets out. Sometimes the ladies will gather in an organized fashion and parade the streets led by a priest or pastor; other times they will simply stroll along, enjoying the weather and ensuring that all and sundry see their finery.

 The Easter parade is extra special for young ladies. Gentleman sometimes present their sweethearts with a springtime gift of gloves. This gift is considered to be an unspoken proposal. If the young lady in question wears the gloves in the parade, it means she has accepted the proposal. I imagine there will be many anxious young men lining the Cotswolds' streets this Easter!

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