she should have been a great proficient; after all, there were few people in England, with a better natural taste! ;-)

I agree that it was a custom to have a pianoforte at a gentleman's home. Playing was one of the expected ladies' accomplishments, and it provided entertainment. Even if there was no one at the family who could play it, there could always have been a guest or neighbor who could do it.

Sir John was fond of giving parties and balls, and I assume that the pianoforte played and important part in them.