Written to the prompt D is for Date
Antonia’s Thank-You Letter
28 Richmond Gardens
Belgravia
7th August 1988
Dearest Sylvie,
Thank you so much for a splendid evening at your birthday party on Saturday. I can’t remember the last time I went to such a shindig. The birthday cake in the shape of Balmoral Castle was a triumph of the confectioners’ art, and it was such a shame that Steven’s mistimed swing of his bass guitar took out the Great Tower before you’d even had chance to lift the cake-knife. Still, all those who licked it off their clothing said it was delicious.
The bagpiper too was a fascinating nod to your Scottish heritage, and how old Mrs Beresford could have mistaken Flower of Scotland for someone torturing cats I do not know. Still, that nice young policeman was very understanding, and she won’t be facing charges of wasting police time. On the subject of the piper, I do hope he and his instrument dried out after Nigel accidentally knocked him into the swimming pool while exuberantly celebrating his ping-pong win. I must admit, I have no idea what chlorinated water can do to a kilt, let alone a bagpipe.
Your cousin Celeste is an absolute hoot, and I know she said she was circus-trained but all the same I felt it was a little risky when she started juggling with your plant pots. I suspect she initially thought they were plastic, not Italian terracotta, but she gamely ploughed on, nonetheless. Very unfortunate for the garden lights to fuse mid-juggle – we were all rather surprised at being plunged into darkness – and Celeste was jolly lucky to get away with just a few cuts and bruises, and looking on the bright side you now have plenty of crocking for the bottom of your bigger pots.
Simon’s fireworks were an unexpected surprise, and he is a darling, but seeing that he has been to university one would have thought he’d have known to buy indoor ones. Nevertheless, your sprinkler system worked a treat. Have you decided on a colour for the redecoration, yet?
Did you manage to save any of the fish after Caroline dropped her bubble solution in the tank? In my opinion she shouldn’t have been playing with it indoors but Jenny told me it was the only way to placate her after the trauma of being unable to get out of the understairs cupboard. Do let me know if you need the number of a good carpenter.
Speaking of which, do send us the bill for the garden fence. Gerald is mortified by the whole thing and puts it down to a lapse of concentration with the gear stick. And naturally we will replace any plants that he managed to crush when he panicked and accelerated further in reverse.
I must close now. Thank you once again for a marvellous evening, and we can’t wait for our next get-together, by which time, one hopes, Alistair will have found his trousers. What a mystery that was.
Your loving friend,
Antonia.
© Carol Carman 2025
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