I think it did exist, but it depends on the person. Not everyone has a romantic side. Back then things were different, maybe they overdo it here and there, but I am sure some of it is real.

I think woman have always wanted to be courted.  Today's romance novels focus too much on the physical and not enough on the mental aspect of romance.  How many of us have found a man attractive for what he stood for and his high morals?  I married my husband because he was a good person, someone I admired, not because of his looks. 

I'm sure there were some pretty kinky bastards way back in history.  The only difference was discretion was more prevalent during that time.  So there is not as much to reference it by today.