Dear Lynne,

Everything? Miss Pickworth is all astonishment at your inquiry. Indeed, she is in danger of a spell of high dudgeon. Of course ladies are not skilled at everything! What woman of good breeding would wish to know how to repair a carriage wheel or shoe a horse?

There, there. Miss Pickworth has fortified and calmed herself with a cup of tea in order to answer the question she supposes you mean: In which skilled occupations are Regency woman encouraged to participate?

To this, Miss Pickworth is happily disposed to relay an answer. A young lady of good breeding will occupy herself with writing letters in lovely penmanship, painting (not only landscapes and portraits but the embellishment of objects such as tables or urns), reading, and exercising (by walking, swimming, or other modest activities). Sewing and needlework (covering screens and netting purses) occupy much time, and these may be practised while engaging in light conversation or listening to a novel being read aloud.

The ability to play card games well is an advantage, though certainly no good woman will participate in “gaming” (better known to you as gambling). Miss Pickworth recommends such popular Regency card games as Vingt-un (Twenty-one; also known as Blackjack), Commerce, Loo, Picquet, Quadrille, Whist, and Fish.

An accomplished woman will have musical skills – both singing and the playing of various instruments, particularly the pianoforte. She will happily display her musical talents when called upon, but she readily relinquishes this attention that others may have ample opportunity to exhibit.

Because Regency women are not permitted to attend institutions of higher learning, we are unfamiliar with the Classical languages (Greek and Latin) and their literature. Most do speak French, German, and Italian, known to us as Modern languages. We know how to dance, select lovely bonnets, and conduct ourselves properly at all social functions.

Has Miss Pickworth responded adequately to your query, my dear? She hopes so. While she is aware that women of your century are able to do many things (and may, in fact, be said to be “skilled at everything”), she has observed a regrettable tendency toward exhaustion and stress a state with which the Regency woman is blissfully unfamiliar.

Perhaps ladies today would do well to emulate their ancestors and spend as much time as possible in such pleasant activities as strolling, sipping tea, and reading. Our beloved Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice allows Mr. Darcy to respond to a list of female accomplishments by commenting, “To all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.” And, as always, Jane knows best.