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.

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.’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.

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!

© 2007-2010 Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose