For my beloved Helen, I hope she likes it...
*
All I could do was breathe when Michael said Simon had texted asking if I would go to tea with his Helen. Michael accepted instantly, knowing my dream of an authentic British high tea. Simon laughed and said that high tea was far more enjoyable in American movies than in his experience. 'Better start with just a brew first.'
So here I was, going through every piece of clothing I had brought, hating every stitch, wondering what demon of fashion faux pas had possessed me to buy any of it. Giving up, I went shopping.
Hour's long travel, nervous dread, anticipation from foot to the top of my blonde head. Outside Betty's in Harrogate, shivering in the summer heat. My new light gray skirt hung below my knocking knees, my silk blouse felt like chainmail over matching sexy sheer foundations, silk thigh-highs adorned with sensible heels.
Sweat should be streaming, but for a generous slathering of tangerine Lumi, still, my pits were soaked.
The room was much cooler, I dutifully followed the hostess, and suddenly there was she. The definition of ladylike poise at a secluded table, her back to a wall, with a street view. I noticed only her — all perfect and refined — sitting behind the table, all linen and finery. She moved to stand.