A Jordan is a what???????

PBS has gone and gotten my sister and me addicted to Regency House Party. In the summer of 2003, they gave six aspiring Mr. Darcys and six Miss Bennetts (and their chaperones) the chance to go back to the England of the early 1800's and live at the height of the age of romance. Romance meaning a lush setting in which one must look, not touch whilst contriving to marry a suitable match.
The Guests at Kentchurch Court in Herefordshire, as watched over by Host Mr. Gorell Barnes and Hostess Mrs. Rogers, were made to behave as their 'well-healed ancestors would have done.' Everything said and done 'subject to the strict social protocols that governed the lives of Jane Austen's heroes and heroines.' In a house, isolated from all 21st century conventions, the participants lived, breathed and bathed in an atmosphere designed to bring a suitable match for all by the end of the summer. Privacy was scarce, there was no electricity, light was eventually provided by open flamed gas lamps and there was no contact with the outside world allowed for the Guests beyond letter writing.

When told that marriage meant giving themselves mind, body and soul to husbands with the knowledge that one on three births ended in the death of the mother, some Ladies balked at the idea of marriage all together. Marriage was not a love match but an 'I don't despise this rich, titled enough gentleman' match. Ladies led a life of inactivity forced on them by protocol and some packed on the pounds forced on them by very rich diets.

Watching the Gentlemen vie for the Ladies attention, contriving any way possible to get attain their favor whilst being watched over by shrewd Chaperones was very amusing. Learning that there was one bath a week with the water fresh and hot for the highest born becoming increasingly cold and dirty as your rank sank was disgusting. An episode in which many of the Ladies menstruated was quite eye opening.

I never had and, with this confirmation, never will have any desire to live in a time except this one. I like showers. I like moving. I like electricity, freedom, plumbing and I'm terribly fond of my computer. But this was a completely enjoyable 'reality' television show.

Are you a Vulgarian? For me: Straight down the line. You're a regular kind of a chap or chappess, with a healthy affinity for bawdiness.

Are you a Regency Catch? For me: Everyone adores you! But you're the heroine's sister, not the star attraction. You're accomplished in all things, but not as accomplished as your sister. You're like Pride and Prejudice's loveable Jane Bennet.

Ah. Always the heroine's sister, never the heroine!

To find the answer to what a 'jordan' is, take the Vulgarian test...