In the early years after the
Second World War, the role models for little girls were the young princesses,
Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret.
It was time for afternoon tea,
as two little girls sat a children’s table, sipping iced-tea from miniature
teacups.
“Mommy says we have to learn
the etiquette of princesses.”
Eight-year old Lucy held her
teacup with her small pinkie out-stretched for balance, showing her little
sister how to drink tea graciously. Dressed in pretty cotton dresses,
white socks and patent leather shoes, and with matching bows in
their hair, they looked like princesses.
“Sit up straight at the table.
Hold your tea cup like this.” Graciousness seemed to
come naturally for Lucy, but it was not that easy for her six-year old
sister, Miranda, who was clumsy by nature.
“Grandma gave me this set
of dishes for my sixth birthday,” Miranda boasted. It was
a four-piece set of porcelain, miniature doll dishes, with
tiny red and white flowers. “I love it.”
“I know,” said Lucy. Inwardly, Lucy was jealous
because Miranda received more attention from her grandmother. “You said thank you?”
“Of course.” Miranda was always appreciative
of the gifts her grandmother gave her.
“You spilled it!” said Lucy, angrily.
“At least it’s only in the saucer. You have to learn how to do it right! Take
your spoon out of the teacup. Do not put your finger through the handle! Can’t
you ever do anything right?”
“I am sorry,” replied Miranda.
“You always do everything right!”
“Don’t stir your tea in a
circle. Just fold it back and forth with your teaspoon. Then, put it on the
right side of the teacup, not on the table. As you drink your tea, place the
cup back in the saucer, not on the table or on your lap.”
“How will I remember?” asked
Miranda. “I’m going to play baseball. That’s more fun!”
“There’ll only be one queen.
How will I ever make you into a princess?”
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