Since I write P&P variations, I recently thought about all those ‘accomplishments’ that seemed to be important at the time for ladies and gentlemen. Naturally that led me to think about what I can do, and I realised that I can do many of those things.

For the gentlemen, I always liked the scholar / warrior model, since it works for my personality. I always disliked the feminine accomplishments, which I was forced to learn when I was at school, but have avoided ever since.

If you are curious, here is the list that I came up with. If you think that I am bragging, keep in mind that I am in my sixties and have had decades to try different things.

Play piano - Very badly, but learning

Sing - I get most of the notes right

Paint - Walls and watercolour

Sew - Quite good, but hate it

Embroider - Quite good, but must be very bored and have a really good reason

Knit - Quite good, but must be very bored and have a really good reason

Calligraphy - Out of practice – I use a keyboard. I learnt both modern and old style script at school

German – Native Language

English – Second Language – I muddle through

French - Learnt for one year

Do accounts - Even got a PG degree in it (and one in IT, but that is irrelevant for the period)

Plan a menu - Love food (OK, I’m a good cook too, since I like to eat well)

Dancing – Ballroom plus what they call folkdancing in Austria – Viennese Waltz, Polka etc

Ride a horse - I can stay on but would rather not jump

Shoot - If I can see it, I can hit it

Fence - Natural

Martial Arts - Quite good

Widely read – Eclectic taste and interests. Including JA & Georgette Heyer ;)

Play chess - Used to be quite good

So, if you think that my characters are overachievers, they don’t do anything that I can’t do. Except make witty conversation in polite society. I am not that good at off the cuff scintillating repartee.