Item, a Baron's Wife thirteen.
Item, a Viscount's [Wife] to wear eighteen.
Item, a Countess to wear twenty-four. And above that Estate the number convenient, at their pleasures.
Ex Bibl. Harl. No. 1776. fol. 31. b.
MOURNING.
The French Queens, before the Reign of Charles VIII. wore White upon the death of the King; and were called "Reines Blanches." It was changed to Black on the death of Charles VIII. 1498. [See P. Dan. Hist. iv. 590.]
In a Wardrobe account for half a year, to Lady-day 1684 (a MS. purchased by Mr. Brander at the sale of the Library of Geo. Scot, Esq. of Woolston-Hall, 1781), are the following entries for the King's Mourning.
"A Grey Coat lined with Murrey and White flowered Silk, with Gold Loops, and four Crape Hat-bands."
Again, "A Sad-coloured Silk Coat, lined with Gold-striped Lutestring, with Silver-and-Silk Buttons; and a Purple Crape Hatband."
Again, "A Purple Coat."