“Etiquette for ladies - Introductions and acquaintances
When ladies are formally introduced to each other, they merely bow, they do not say anything at the moment of a complimentary character, (such as “being glad to make your acquaintance,” &c ).
It is not usual for a lady to shake hands with a gentleman on the occasion of their introduction. The gentleman should always be introduced to the lady, and not the lady to the gentleman. The usual custom is, on the performance of such a ceremony, for the lady to simply bow to the gentleman, and not to extend her hand to him for a shake.”
(Bow Bells 1866)
(via fuckyeahvictorians)
