Since I write Victorian-era stories for the Love Inspired Historical line, my characters make good use of those classic fabric squares.
The women in my stories might carry a handkerchief in their reticules. When a female character doesn't have her handbag with her, I'll have a her tuck a handkerchief up her sleeve.
Ladies' handkerchiefs were often decorative as well as useful. Floral fabrics, embroidery or lace edges were common.
Heroes in my stories carry handkerchiefs, too. A hero's handkerchief is a usually a freshly laundered white version, though, that he has on hand to present to a heroine who is overcome and needs to dab at her tears.
Although few people carry handkerchiefs today, I remember a time when they were still in use. My Grandma Pat always had a hankie in her purse. I went through a phase as a girl when I was emulating her and had a pretty pink-flowered handkerchief in my purse.
When I was going through my in-laws things while clearing out their house a number of years ago, I came across an assortment of handkerchiefs that belonged to my mother-in-love. They're the ones shown in the photograph above. Aren't they pretty?
Questions for You
Have you ever carried a handkerchief?
Do you remember any relatives who did?
Have you ever carried a handkerchief?
Do you remember any relatives who did?
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