Posted by Jane Elizabeth on August 06, 1997 at 13:14:05:

In reply to day at an English country house 1785 posted by sherry on August 06, 1997 at 10:34:54

Thanks for this post. Is there more? I can't imagine what the men were discussing that so shocked de R. I always assumed it was the French who shocked the English!

I read recently that women left the table before the men so as to use the water closet discreetly. Certainly it was likely they did so, but, really, I think both sexes also needed to go off for a bit and dish the dirt!

Nowadays, the same gender split still occurs after a dinner gathering. Have you ever noticed how the men will wander off to watch sports or toss a ball around, while the women end up chatting in the kitchen? (AND doing the dishes...some things never change)

Follow Ups:

• a little more 1809 Sherry 15:33:46 8/06/97 (7)
  • EEEEE-WWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!! ;-( Miss Manners 18:44:12 8/06/97 (6)
    • Or worse... Ann 23:58:18 8/06/97 (5)
      • Or better ;-) Ann 01:22:10 8/08/97 (0)
      • I am most particular in these matters............ Caroline 07:43:59 8/07/97 (3)
        • Re: I am most particular in these matters............ AnneM 12:59:24 8/07/97 (2)
          • Air freshner Caroline 17:27:14 8/08/97 (1)
            • pate et al... AnneM 18:41:01 8/09/97 (0)

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