The large majority didn't. For instance, my grandparents were typical Victorian upper-middle class, and they didn't cook. They had servants and cooks. read more
In the mid-1870s, the woman of an upper-class household planned lunch and evening meals, but she had a cook to actually do the work for her. Because upper-class families were not doing hard physical labor during the day, their largest meal was served in the evening. When they entertained, they served twelve or thirteen course meals. read more