Chateau Regale

A few weeks before the holidays, Mrs. Regal hosted a Christmas brunch for the ladies of my parent's church. Like any pre-Christmas gathering of Southern Christian women, there were many attendants wearing sweaters like this one.There is something kind of funny and charming about these sparkly things. Mrs. Regal, of course, was very chic in black.

When Nonna, Mommy Lipstick, Pretty Girl, and I arrived, the kitchen was filled with smiling faces and the smell of apple cider. There was a dizzying variety of scrumptious food and no shortage of ladies to ooh and aah about how much Pretty Girl had grown. After everyone was finished eating, we played Dirty Santa with ornaments. Mommy Lipstick, Mrs. Regal, Pretty Girl, and I sat in the back corner of the room, and graciously encouraged everyone else to go first. A little strategery goes a long way during Dirty Santa. Soon the entire event was over, and only we, Mrs. Regal, and Mother Regal were left.

That's when the party really began. Mrs. Regal graciously gave us a home tour, closets and all. The Regal House is situated on a couple of hundred acres in the country. It is palatial, but not ostentatious; beautiful, formal, yet welcoming. The decor is exquisite, but perhaps most stunning is the beautiful countryside visible from every window and every alcove. I felt tranquil and privileged-the way you feel when you are entrusted with a secret. Here is a picture that is Regal-esqueand here is a picture that Mrs. Regal took of us.

I also took a picture of Mrs. Regal and Mother Regal. I don't think Mrs. Regal would like me to post it, because she is a rather private person, as most regal people are. That only makes the next thing even more remarkable. Mrs. Regal is an accomplished pianist. She has a baby grand piano in the parlour, and she played a few pieces that she had written. Mommy Lipstick, Pretty Girl, and I danced around, carefree and relaxed, enjoying the melodic treasure of her creativity. Mr. Regal's arrival and Pretty Girl's need of a nap marked the close of our private party.

It was a wonderful day and the memory of it makes me happy. I have admired Mrs. Regal's style and talent for many years, and spending the afternoon with her was just as cool as I had imagined.