: I’m an American writer of non-fiction, now living in SW France. Together with an American coauthor, next year I’d like to try my hand at a novel set on the Oxford Canal c. 1769. The facts will be easy enough for me but putting words that ring true into the mouth of my intelligent, headstrong heroine (Sophie Alton) may be more difficult. Any ideas on how I can get up to speed on educated English conversation c. 1769? H. Janin