Bachelors begin at thirty-six. Up till this age they are regarded as single men.

People who can write a book usually do.

Never drink black coffee at lunch; it will keep you awake all afternoon.

The aristocrat, when he wants to, has very good manners. The Scottish upper classes, in particular, have that shell-shocked look that probably comes from banging their heads on low beams leaping to their feet whenever a woman comes into the room. Aristocrats are also deeply male chauvinist, and ... on the whole they tend to be reactionary.

If you feel compelled to give a New Year's Eve party, don't invite people to arrive too early or they'll go off the boil before midnight.

Meetings ... are rather like cocktail parties. You don't want to go, but you're cross not to be asked.

I love the long grass coming up to meet the willows.