Come to Afternoon tea (Tall Stories from the Holyhill Estate)

Come to Afternoon tea

(Tall Stories from the Holyhill Estate)

By Patsy McCormick

We were playing one summers evening at the bottom of our street in the early 1950s when a large black car pulled up alongside us; the windows were also black and one slowly opened and a lady sat within. The lady spoke very politely and asked was our mamma in, to which we all answered at once, yes. Someone ran to get Mother; the lady introduced herself and her driver, Mr Crea Taylor who I think mum already knew.

Lady Sinclair went on to say that she had just returned from America after a holiday and while on the trip had met my mother’s brother Danny; she had promised she would call and tell his sister of his wellbeing. She brought a lovely silk scarf with scenes of America and other little gifts and when she was taking her leave she asked mother to come to afternoon tea.

Much thought went into the pending visit, advice was sought and Ena Rouse came up with the best solution – “go May and do everything she does”.  Finally, the Wednesday came around and Mum put on her best black suit with the cream silk blouse. She drove down Holy Hill and made her way to the door where a maid came to meet her and ushered her indoors. She was led to the drawing room where Lady Sinclair was awaiting her arrival; a little chat followed and tea arrived at 4 o’clock.

Mother was shown to the white linen and lace dressed afternoon table. Beautiful bite sized sandwiches were laid out with some sweet buns and fine patterned china with silver lay in wait. Besides each setting was a small finger bowl with a small finger towel alongside.

Lady Sinclair led the way with a sandwich first bite then fingers dipped in finger bowl and washed; this continued throughout the dining. Mother took a couple of sandwiches but did not wash her fingers.

The lady of the house lifted a large cream bun and when mum noticed how messy it was to handle she refused the niceties from the sweet tray.

Soon the afternoon tea was over; the lady was very hospitable and mum felt good about her visit. She was to make a return visit soon but change came shortly to the Sinclair household and the return visit was never made.

Published in GlenmornanMemories & Memorabilia by Annie May Harte (nee Devine) (2008)