title: The Bluffer's Guide to Middle Age: The Bluffer's Guide Series (Bluffer's Guides - Oval Books)
author: Oval Books
description: <DIV>Be an instant expert on middle age and bluff your way with those who are only too familiar with the subject.<br>From "The forces of gravity" to "The time of your life", The Bluffer's Guide to Middle Age offers all that is needed to defy the decline and see the funny side.<br>Bluffer's Guides is a series of snappy little books containing facts, jargon, and all you need to know for instant expertise.<br></DIV>
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  ![](Images/image00106.jpeg)
  
  In memory of my grandmothers, who dared to push boundaries and fly against the
  wind!
  
  Betty Darling 1896–1982
  
  Irene Ratcliff 1908–1998
  
  ![](Images/image00104.jpeg)
  
  Chapter One
  
  * * *
  
   **An Unusual Beginning**
  
  Saturday, April 23, 1887, 10:01 p.m.
  
  THE NIGHT MABEL ARRIVED, NORA Ratcliff was getting ready for bed. She had just
  taken the pins out of her hair and given it a good brush when a soft knocking
  sounded on 