Our Christian hosts welcomed any lady of the church, their girlfriends and their female family members. Women sprouted from different generations sat in a historic alcove of the church. They munched on tea cakes and complemented one another on ancient hats, broaches and handbags.
Polite conversations, silent chewing and discussions surrounding due dates & weddings filled the air. Due compliments regarding wardrobe were dispersed and mental comparisons were made. I was a proud grandaughter as my grandmother was dressed to the nines. Her floral skirt was only the second most colorful item in the room, the first being her hat.
Dancy had called twice, with the ever-present "do not come for me but for yourself." I decided to go last minute, of course for her, and arrived late per usual. I entered in a Downton Abbey worthy, high necked plum dress, pearls and grey feminine combat boots. As I walked to her, she gave me a complete visual analysis. High eyebrows shot up with the notice of the boots. She was polite, complimented my dress, and then surprised me. My boots "added a touch of new generation spark" to my dress. Though I did not expect a chastisement of the shoe selection, I did not strike it from the list of possible reactions.
All in all, the tea was lovely! Politeness and elegance graced the atmosphere as Southern ladies accented British high tea.
