The next instalment.

I had been invited to a Hi Tea party some weeks ago by a trans friend. She had intended this to be her reception party after the wedding but the wedding fell through.
As she could not get a refund it was decided to carry on as before but without the ceremony.
Originally I would have gone on my own but since I have met Despie I asked if she would like to be my plus one. I had thought to wear a new outfit but the weather has turned cooler and it was just too thin. I would have been frozen.

It takes me about 30 minutes to get to her house and another hour or so to get to the venue.
This is an old style country manor with beautiful grounds well suited to hold wedding at.
For me the journey meant that I had her in the car with me for 2 hours of undivided attention.

At the manor house we were amongst the first to arrive so we wandered the gardens and found a warm spot in the sun. When we went back to the house many more guests had arrived along with our hosts.
Fortunately she is no wall flower and was able to chat with some of the less eccentric guests.
There was one gay guy who had come in a scarlet kimono with a white cats mask on the side of his/her head. I still get confused with some of the genders.

There were some straight people and the rest were mostly gay ladies who I get along with so well. I was fortunate enough to sit next to a couple who could have been sisters they looked so alike. They even dressed similarly. The fem half was in a dark blue skirt and waistcoat with a white feminine blouse whilst her partner wore the same colour blue but with pants and waistcoat and a white blouse. They were both really good with me and delightful company.
My friend sat on my other side and chatted to Charlie who was a country girl. She was well rounded with beautiful auburn hair and an easy manner. Never had a boy or girlfriend in all her 30 years and could care less. Some people have such a wonderful soul.

For someone who tells me they are gluten intolerant and pointed to everything on the cake stand as gluten it did not stop Her from trying everything on offer. I don't know where she put it all for such a tiny person. I do believe she ate more than I did.
The stand out for me was the lovely bone China tea cups. The tea they offered not so much. I tried one cup and it looked like grey dish water. I always have a few tea bags in my handbag so I deferred to those.

When it was time to leave I once again had my captive audience. An hour of bliss for me.
I had thought we would part company at her door but I was invited in so yes I went.
Four hours later it was time to go home.
Such a memorable day for meAttachment 346139Attachment 346138Attachment 346140

Sounds like a lovely day and a chance to get better acquainted with your friend.

A wonderful day was had by all!
Hugs Lana Mae

What a wonderful day you had. Nothing like a proper tea to remind us that civility in high end servive and setting is available to any of us who reach for it.

I especially like the idea of you carrying a few tea bags in case the offered tea tastes like someone has repurposed dishwater. I'll have to do that as I like certain teas, and many restaurants only offer a single popular brand teabag rather than a well planned selection of teas.

Did Despie enjoy the high tea experience? Sounds like she enjoyed all the other aspects of the day.

A very nice post. Photos nicely captured the high tea experience.

Best regards,
Rhonda

Sounds like a very nice day for you.

Beautiful venue!

Very nice. so glad you are feeling great.

Philipa Jane, Sounds like a beautiful day. I'm glad you had a plus one with you.

👍 👏👏👏 Great to hear. Thanks for sharing.

It sounds to me like you're hoping for something more than friendship with your new "friend", Philipa?:hugs:
If so, I hope that goes well.:)

Until I met a very unusual woman about 10 years ago I had a VERY difficult time not lusting after attractive female "friends" myself!:o

Great pictures