The Protestant Reformation began in 1517, with the German theologian, Martin Luther's, and his posting of the 95 Theses. According to him, all convents must be shut down, for a woman's true place is married and in the home with children. "Luther maintained that a woman who vows herself to virginity is 'blasphemes and despises God,' [...] the Reformers’ relegated women strictly to the home, where the husband or father did not have to share his authority with the confessor, the bishop, or the mother superior" (Charlotte Allen, The Holy Feminine).

These small subtleties and flirtatious hints were very popular, and at times, imperative to catch your fish. They were, however regimented and formulaic.

These buildings had prime real estate since they were located so close to Milsom Street, which "is the promenade of the gentlemen and the shopping of the ladies this latter circumstance gives it a splendid variety" (Edgar Pierce, Walks through Bath, 68)

"The action of formally or authoritatively declaring good or true; sanction" (OED).

Most likely in reference to one of the top ones; because it is worn by Catherine, which is indicative of youth. Whereas someone older like Mrs. Thorpe, or Mrs. Allen, would be seen wearing one of the bonnets towards the bottom, befitting their maturity.

"Fine rain or drizzle" (OED).

"A place to accommodate or hold something" (OED).

"Separation into parts or constituent elements" (OED).

The construction of Great Pulteney Street, in 1789, sparked the growth of Bath. It crosses River Avon, adding thousands of residential homes to the city of Bath. It was named, not after it's architect, Thomas Baldwin, but after it's commissioner, Sir William Pulteney.