Bingley’s Teas, Ltd. Introduces the Jane Austen Tea Series

Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet sipping tea in Pride and Prejudice 1995

We drank tea again yesterday with the Tilsons, & met the Smiths. – I find all these little parties very pleasant. —Letter from Jane Austen to her sister Cassandra 1811

Tea in Jane Austen’s society was not just a beverage, but a social ritual. Her novels and letters brim with references to her characters, herself and her family buying, preparing, serving, and drinking tea. It is mentioned no less than twenty times in her novel Mansfield Park.

Bingley's Teas at the Jane Austen Society of North America AGM Portland 2010

While attending the Jane Austen Society of North America’s conference in Portland this past October, one of the booths at the Milsom Street Emporium was Bingley’s Teas, Ltd. They were introducing a brand new line of teas the – Jane Austen Tea Series – beautifully packaged and aptly named after many of Austen’s famous characters:

Marianne’s Wild Abandon

A blend of lively green and black teas with colorful flowers and passionate fruits that throw themselves together for a passionate combination! Candied fruits along with the vibrant flowers in this blend will entice you to run free and seek your heart’s desire.

Compassion for Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves

At last there is compassion for what poor Mrs. Bennet suffers with her nerves!

A tisane of chamomile, peppermint, passion flower, rosehips, and lavender, sooth the most agitated of moments in a delicious cup. We recommend a touch of honey for added bliss!

Wicked Wickham

Dashing tart flavor with a candy like after taste in a humble white tea. A tea with so much charm it may lead you into temptation! The naturally withered, Pai Mu Tan White Tea and Pomegranate are both reported to have many anti-oxidant health benefits. Wicked Wickham, how bad could he be?

Bingley's Teas, Ltd. Jane Austen Tea Series packaging

Bingley’s Teas, Ltd.’s President Julia Matson has combined her passion for Jane Austen and fine teas and created the Jane Austen Tea Series, a line blended to match the personalities of the characters developed by the much loved author, Jane Austen to characteristics of fine teas. With a passion for studying tea and the works of this timeless author, Julia has striven to select the finest teas and presented them in gift quality packaging. “For me, through Bingley’s Teas, Jane Austen’s inspiration manifested itself via one of her favorite things, a quality cup of tea.” She is a member of the Specialty Tea Institute, training as a tea sommelier, and member of JASNA, with studies in English literature, languages and biology and healing arts.

Bingley's Teas Ltd. Jane Austen Tea Series Grand Gift Basket

Grand Gift Basket Giveaway

Enter a chance to win this beautiful Grand Gift Basket from Bingley’s Teas, Ltd., $75.00 value, which includes: one box each of Mr. Darcy, Miss Elizabeth, Longborn Wedding Tea, Compassion for Mrs. Bennett’s Nerves- Herbal Tisane, the novel Pemberley Manor, by Kathryn Nelson and a beautiful China Tea cup. Just leave a comment stating which of the tea pairings of Austen character personalities to teas appeals to you, or which of your favorite characters you would like included in the series by 11:59 PT, Monday, January 3, 2011. Winner to be announced on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. Shipment to US or Canadian addresses only. Good luck to all participants!

Bingley's Teas, Ltd. Logo

© 2007-2010 Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose

123 thoughts on “Bingley’s Teas, Ltd. Introduces the Jane Austen Tea Series

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  1. What a wonderful idea! I’d love to try Wickham’s blend but would probably benefit at the moment with a cup of “Compassion”. If that tea can calm Mrs. Bennet’s nerves, I’m sure it could work for me!
    Thanks for letting us know about the teas Laurel Ann!

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  2. Mrs. Bennett’s Nerves sounds particularly soothing! I wonder what blending of ingredients would meet the exacting standards of Lady Catherine…?

    Cheers,
    Lesley

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  3. What a lovely idea to have special teas for so many of Jane Austen’s characters. I think Miss Elizabeth’s tea sounds just like her tart and full of surprises. The tea I would most like to drink, I think it would be Miss Jane’s tea. Although, I would love to try some of the other teas for special occasions. The Longbourn Wedding Tea sounds so elegant. The Patience of Miss Price sounds like a lovely tea to have at the end of the day, perhaps relaxing with your favorite novel….

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  4. Don’t count me in as I am overseas. Having said that, coming from Sri Lanka producer of teas and me being in the tea export business itself I am intrigued by this selection of teas!

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  5. I like the idea of Mr. Knightley’s Reserve, a lovely Earl Grey, smooth, steady, dependable…and yet oh so yummy.
    Although I was tempted by Treasures from the Colonel, with it’s Indian spices.
    I think I’ll put the kettle on now…

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  6. Oh, I’d love to win this basket for my 19th cent Brit Lit bookclub to sample at our annual Jane Austen tea party! And then I’d log our tasting notes on http://www.steepster.com (A great site for reviewing and discovering new teas!) I’ve already added these teas to the Steepster database. The packaging and photos are so lovely. How wonderful that the owner is a real Janeite who has put such thought into these blends and how to pair them with the novels & characters. Thanks for this generous giveaway Laurel Ann!

    ps – steepster page for these teas is here – no reviews yet :(
    http://steepster.com/teas/bingleys-tea

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  7. Mr. Darcy’s tea sounds wonderful. I’m a fan of oolong to begin with, and a blend modeled on everyone’s favorite hero seems too good to pass up!

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  8. I had to laugh when I saw that someone has finally had compassion on Mrs. Bennet’s poor nerves!

    Teas are a weakness of mine, and spice-infused ones most of all, so Treasures from the Colonel is the one that would tempt me.

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    1. Carol,

      There is a Mr. Tilney and Miss Morland. They have yet to be added to the website, but they are available.
      Mr. TIlney is a second flush, Estate born, Darjeeling. Team Tilney then?

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  9. What a very clever idea. I read lots of historical fiction, and someone is always preparing a tisane for someone’s nerves. I would love to try some chamomile for myself. Lovely giveaway! Thanks.

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  10. Okay, I absolutely LOVE THIS!!! BRILLIANT!!! I am quite a tea drinker and oh goodness, I want to try them all! They all sound delicious, but I’ve got to say Compassion for Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves and Mr. Darcy intrigue me the most. The former because the name cracks me up and I love to “unwind” with a cup of tea, the latter because, well – I think that needs no explanation. ;)

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  11. Fantastic!! As a lover of tea, it is the only beverage I drink outside of water, pairing it with JA is perfect. I will be ordering from them today to give to my tea obsessed sister who is also an Austen Addict.

    I think the Sweet Jane sounds delicious. I had something similar in China and it seems like it will be just a beautiful quiet and fragrant tea. It perfectly describes Jane, a subtle green and that amazing vanilla with the black sounds like her.

    What I would like is something like Lady Bertram’s Lounging Tea, a tea that inspires you to do nothing but laze on the couch letting others take care of you all day. It will have a hint of Valerian to make you just a little bit sleepy while you are drinking it. Great for rainy Sunday’s when all you want to do is take a nap.

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  12. I would love to try them all. I love tea! But I think the first one I would steep would be Wicked Wickham. The title has me intrigued.

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  13. As the mother of 5 girls I think “Compassion for Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves” would be appropriate for me. What a great idea for a line of teas! Very fun!

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  14. What an adorable idea! They all sound fabulous, but I admit I’m torn between the Captain’s bracing brew and the Sweet Jane. I think I would love any of them!

    As for a new character…I think Mrs. Jennings would make a spicy tea flavor. Or something fortified for Mr. Woodhouse. :-)

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  15. Oh how sweet! My favorite Jane Austen character is Emma, and her tea sounds lovely, flavored with Mr Knightley’s excellent strawberries. Thank you for this giveaway and for your excellent blog.

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  16. I had the pleasure of meeting Julia at the JASNA AGM this past October and I purchased several of her lovely teas. The Longbourn Wedding tea is one of my favorites-it’s a white tea with hints of champagne and raspberries-so delightful! I had just walked into the Emporium from the chilly and wet Portland weather and Julia handed me a sample of Longbourn wedding and I was immediately smitten with it.

    If you are a tea lover, you won’t be disappointed with these teas! Not only is the concept of Jane Austen-inspired teas a clever one, the teas themselves really do fit with the characters and situations that inspired their names.

    Since Elinor Dashwood is probably my most favorite Austen heroine, I’d love to see a tea inspired by her. Hope you’re reading this, Julia!

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    1. Beth,
      Got your note. I have been working on Elinor having since just re-read it and then included a reading of the S&S Screenplay with Emma Thompson’s filming diary (hilarious btw). Sorting out her ( Elinor’s) psychology with the tea. Thank you for your lovely comments and so glad you are enjoying them!

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  17. I love the Compassion for Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves tea! I usually drink tea to relax so this blend sounds absolutely heavenly! Wonderful giveaway.

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  18. The Patience of Miss Price sounds delightful to me though they all sound so good. I always drink tea at night as a treat before bed – I have to try some of these!

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  19. I have to admit that “Wicked Wickham” sounds fun and appealing! “Sweet Jane” also sounds delightful, as I love desserts! Thank you for sharing this lovely tea news.

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  20. I think I would like to entertain the Captain with his tea. Sounds strong enough for plenty of milk and sugar – just the way I like it!
    I can’t wait to try others, too.
    Thank you for introducing this delightful new product.

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  21. The boxes are so beautiful! I’d love to have the whole collection being the Jane fan that I am. I think Miss Elizabeth’s tea and Wicked Wickam would probably end up my favorites.

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  22. I’m a huge fan of Earl Grey teas, and I imagine I’d like the flavor of Mr. Knightley’s Reserve best. However, Treasures from the Colonel looks really good. I can almost smell that one! I would love to try them all. They are so pretty!

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  23. I have to say that Mr. Collins pu ehr is about the most perfectly named tea I have ever encountered! However, I was really hoping for a Sir Thomas Bertram tea. I picture him drinking something very boring and proper, like a straight Assam, but enjoying it very much for it’s true, honest qualities. Fanny would, of course, also enjoy it because she would think that she did not warrant a better green tea — but also because she likes it. Of all the current selections, I think I would most enjoy Bingley’s Blend. Fingers crossed!

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  24. This is definitely an idea whose time has come. Personally,I’d like to see a Lady Bertram “I was not sleeping” Sleepytime blend and perhaps a trio of teas dedicated to the Marys-a Crafty Miss Crawford,Moping Mary Musgrove (with a touch of echinaca ,for her health)and a Musical Mary Bennet(something to soothe her throat after exhibiting herself there!)

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  25. Love the idea of Sweet Jane and Marianne’s Wild Abandon!!! How about Catherine’s Gothic Tea(highly caffeined)? Admiral Croft’s Good Cheer Tea. Anne’s Romance Tea! Jane Fairfax’s Secret Tea.

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  26. I think the Compassion for Mrs. Bennett’s Nerves sounds like a good one. And maybe they should make one for the Bennett sisters – love to see what that one would be like!

    Margay

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  27. I am thrilled to see so many people so enthusiastic about the Jane Austen tea series from Bingley’s. I have to admit I am not a Jane Austen fan per se, but I am (thanks in large part to my friend Julia, the aforementioned president of Bingley’s) a tea fan, and I have to say Marianne’s Wild Abandon is some of the yummiest tea I have ever sipped, not to mention one of the prettiest to steep. It is a must-try for any tea lover.

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  28. So happy to see that at last someone realizes what the poor woman has suffered and has Compassion for Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves. Chamomile, rose hips and lavender sound lovely.

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  29. What a great idea! I am a tea fanatic and have actually purchased tea that was based on the teas available in Jane Austen’s day, though I’m not sure the company is still in business. It was a local tea shop.

    No question. The best-named tea in the group is Compassion for Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves. I love it.

    Jennifer
    http://www.jenniferbecton.com

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  30. All these teas sound scrumptious. Especially the ‘Compassion’, or Marianne’s. I would be intrigued by a tea for Cpt. Wentworth from Persuasion…yum. :)

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  31. Oh… The “Compassion for Mrs. Bennett’s Nerves” is hysterical though I certainly like to settle down for a cup of Mr. Darcy on a cold winter’s eve. I do think you could do an “Imperious Lady Catherine Blend” with a superior, “unpolluted” leaf and noble, ancient notes :).

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  32. Three cheers for Bingley Teas!! If I had to choose, I would go with Mrs Bennet’s tea first. Would love to see a Mary Bennets “detox” tea (?) or Lizzy Spicy Tea (?).

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  33. The “Compassion for Mrs. Bennett’s Nerves” is hilarious! What a splendid idea! I’m sure that Mr. Bennet would be very grateful for such a tea :)

    “The Patience of Miss Price” sounds good to me… I love the scent and flavour of vanilla. Fanny certainly had a love for exotic, romantic, far away places…

    I think that Mr. Woodhouse could use a good tea—proscribed, of course, by Mr. Perry. Miss Bates would need a sturdy tea to chat with her friends over. And Lady Bertram—a nice, invigorating tea would be perfect. Catherine Morland would need a nice, sweet tea, and I’m sure that any tea that Henry Tilney inspired must be exciting!

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  34. As another Captain Wentworth fan, I would like an Lapsang Souchong tea blend. The pine smoke in it would fit him very well.

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  35. Which one to choose, they all sound divine! Knowing my tastes I’d probably enjoy Sweet Jane or Compassion for Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves. I do declare that chamomile is probably exactly what that lady needs. It would be interesting to see a tea with the strong personality of Lady Catherine.

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  36. Oh! They all sound so lovely (then again, I have yet to taste a tea I dislike so…)!
    I’d not pick Miss Elizabeth because it has cranberry (which I don’t like) but it certainly looks nice and the Mr. Collins, being a pu-erh, is something I’ve wanted to try for a while but haven’t been able to get a hold of.
    All in all, if I could only pick one for myself, I’d probably get Treasures form the Colonel. It sounds both delicious and like something I’d enjoy.

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  37. I would love to pair up Treasures from the Colonel & Marianne’s Wild Abandon. Why? I am real life hopeless romantic who found my own Colonel Brandon and gets to live happily ever after every day.

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  38. I love, love, love their teas! I work with 19 pre-schoolers so I probably need the Compassion for Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves :o)

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  39. While “Wicked Wickam” was my personal favorite (of those I sampled at the Portland AGM — benefits of having the table next to theirs), the floral bouquet of “Marianne’s Wild Abandon” so completely fits Marianne’s stated preference for wild flowers (over that from a hot house).

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  40. I can hardly choose which one sounds the best! I think, since I am forced to pick one, I would most like to try “The Patience of Miss Price.”

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  41. I was introduced to Bingley’s Teas this past summer at the Jane Austen Festival hosted by the Greater Louisville Chapter of JASNA. I was given a sample of Marianne’s Wild Abandon and loved it! Would love to try Mrs. Bennet’s tea, that sounds right up my alley! After the festival, I came back to the bookstore where I worked and started a Jane Austen Book Club that is growing every meeting. When we meet next month to discuss Mansfield Park I will remember to tell them all about Bingley’s Teas!

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  42. This really made me smile. I’m definitely attracted to “Emma’s Perfect Match” and “Mr. Knightley’s Reserve” as they both sound like something I’d love. The descriptions seem to fit the characters very well. I hope they expand to include more characters like Eleanor and the other Bennett sisters.

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  43. There’s now something combining my love for tea & Jane Austen?! I want a lifetime supply of it!

    Either Mr Darcy’s or Mr. Knightley’s Reserve looks quite marvelous! I love my tea dark, strong and mysterious!

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  44. They all sound delightful but I am particularly interested in Treasures from the Colonel. Of course, Compassion for Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves would also be very appropriate for after the crazy holiday season.

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  45. I agree with Mrs. Bennet, chamomile alway’s soothe’s my nerves! I would love to see a Catherine Morland tea, must be something gothic.

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  46. I would love to try Compassion for Mrs. Bennett’s Nerves because the name makes me laugh. Longbourn Wedding is appealing too. I am so excited to learn about these teas!

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  47. Compassion for Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves sounds delicious!!! And I may not know what the Mr. Darcy tea contains but I love him so dearly I want to try it anyway!! :)
    Mr. Woodhouse would be a good tea… Something healthy… And not too sweet. :D

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  48. Lovely gift idea. I’d love some Mrs. Bennet tea to calm my nerves. And give some wicked Wickham tea to Mr. Darcy and make his become naughtier.

    Also, I wish you and your readers a wonderful Christmas and New Year. May 2011 bring you calm, happiness and cheers!

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  49. Oh, Mr. Darcy, please!! ;)

    This is not only a clever idea, but an idea thought out to the smallest detail! The teas look to be top quality, and I love the pairing ideas too. I also respect that a percentage of the profits are going to such a worthwhile cause. I look forward to ordering soon, contest winner or no!

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  50. Marianne’s Wild Abandon sounds yummy!! I just love the different names for the teas! They should make one that is made up of very elegant flowers and tastes for Lady Catherine. Or something slightly bitter for Mr. Collins!

    ~Sara Strauss

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  51. Oh, how fun! Hm, I like the sound of the passionate Marianne and I wonder what Mr. Darcy would taste like. Hm, Miss Jane B. would probably make a smooth tea and what about Miss Emma- something that includes strawberries with a little mischief!
    I will definitely have to look these up!
    Through Christ,
    LH

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  52. How cool. What a smart idea, to pair Austen characters to lovely cups of tea! From the ones you listed, Wicked Wickham made me laugh a little.

    Honestly, I’d love to see one for Anne Eliot from Persuasion. That is by far one of my favorite Austen reads, and I think that Anne would be something sweet and subtle, possibly apple or hints of lemon or raspberry in the background? I saw The Captain, but I don’t know if that is from Persuasion or not?

    What a cool idea! Thanks for sharing this with us. What a great thing Laurel Ann!

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  53. Wow what a great idea!!! I think I appeal most to the Mr. Darcy blend (probably because I ardently admire and love him ;) lol) And the Mrs. Bennet tea is hilarious! I think it would be interesting to have a Caroline Bingley tea, something a bit bold. Or maybe a mild blend for Georgiana Darcy. Mild but sweet. :)

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  54. Compassion for Mr. Bennett’s nerves sounds like the perfect blend with which to sit by the window with your fave throw and book!!

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  55. What a great contest idea. :) I would love to try Mr. Darcy, because it would be lovely to bring some elegance and sophistication into my tea drinking routine.

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  56. these all sound perfect I wonder what one inspired by Northanger Abbey would be like! I think the Chamomile and everything else for Mrs. Bennet’s poor Nerves sounds perfect!

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  57. These teas sound lovely, especially the Patience of Miss Price. And I love that Emma’s Perfect Match has strawberries from Mr Knightley’s garden.

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  58. Greetings and Merry Christmas LA!

    What a lurvely give away! I would absolutely love to try Mr. Knightley’s Reserve – the name just makes me swoon! As for the next tea flavor name…. I’d lurve to see a coming of age tea called Morland-Tilney!

    Again, such a great give away! The tea cup alone is just beautiful!

    Blessings,
    Janeen

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  59. I love it! I must have some of “Compassion for Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves” with a toddler in the house and the holidays..it’s just what the Dr. ordered….that and a good dose of Austen! As for a new tea…how about…”Wild Willoughby” with some exotic ingredients.

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  60. This tea series is wonderful and totally perfect for any true lover of Period Dramas…what else is needed when you settle down with a hot cup of tea and blanket and Period drama?

    Compassion for Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves is brilliant!A new blend….Lady Catherine de Bourgh would have a pretty strong and pungent tea I think, something that you would have to turn your nose up at!

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  61. I think Wicked Wickham sounds tasty (although not particularly wicked).

    I’d love to see some teas for Persuasion, it is my favorite novel.

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  62. I’d like to see a tea based on the marriage of Edmund Bertram and Fanny Price, maybe something that’s steady, sweet and calming at the same time – maybe a rooibos with butterscotch or caramel – if that’s possible?

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  63. I would like to have Mrs. Bennet’s tea, I have 4 children and could really use some! Perhaps once my nerves are soothed, I’ll be able to handle some ‘Wicked Wickham’! Mrs. Bennet could probably have benefitted from a blending of lemon balm and linden leaves… I know I would.

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  64. These teas sound absolutely amazing! I’d love to taste a Catherine Morland tea – it would be a little sweet or fruity, but also have a bit of an Airy element, like a flower!
    Thanks for the great giveaway!
    Laura

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  65. Wicked Wickham is calling to me. A sweet tea is sure to please.

    Thank you for the chance at this wonderful prize.

    -missy-

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  66. I would love to try Ms. Elizabeth Bennett & Mr. Darcy. I love this idea and I’m so excited!! What a great idea for us Austen lovers!

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  67. Marianne’s Wild Abandon appeals to me. I guess I am a little laid back and calm under pressure. Would be good to run free and seek my heart’s desire. :)

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  68. I love the idea of Marianne’s Wild Abandon! Not only the idea, but the tea itself sounds addictive. What a charming idea for a line of teas!

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  69. While Mrs. Bennet’s tea for the nerves would provide a much needed source of relaxation , I am a high school English teacher, I must admit, Wicked Wickham’s brew sounds bewitching!
    Cheers!
    Cindi

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  70. I, too, love the sound of “Marianne’s Wild Abandon” as a tea favorite. I’m also glad that Mrs. Bennett has a tea for nerves — most appropriate.

    Although, with all the tea she served and all the tea she consumed, it would seem that Miss Bates ought to have her own tea, too. It would have to be high in caffeine to stay awake while listening to endless letters being read!

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  71. Such an enticing array of flavors that remind us of the delightful characters created by our beloved Jane. I am most interested in trying Lizzy’s Tea – it sounds like a delightful blend that would be yummy!

    I would love to see an Anne Elliot tea – that feels mature, stable, yet still has a sweetness for a late bloom ;-)

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  72. Oh, how fun. Miss Elizabeth’s tea sounds so appealing to me…she’s my favorite and I love cranberry black teas.

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  73. I bought Longbourn Wedding Tea for me and Mr. Darcy for my own Mr. Darcy at the AGM- both delicious! I did not notice “Compassion For Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves” or I would definitely have purchased that (not that another thing would have fit in my suitcase after buying books, yarn, fabric, etc!)

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  74. The Miss Elizabeth tea sounds lovely! This would be a PERFECT birthday gift for my dear friend’s upcoming 40th… she is a literary historian specializing in Austen!

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