Tuesday 24 January 2012

A Tuesday Tale - a cocktail party

A lot of years ago, whilst working in London, I wangled, obtained, received an invitation to a pre-Christmas cocktail party at Number 11 Downing Street. For overseas friends, this isn't the Prime Minister's London home, it's right next door to Number 10 though and is normally occupied by his 'mate' the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

I had no-one to take as an escort so I asked a work colleague (who I secretly liked, a LOT) if he would accompany me. We were both single at the time and whoop, whoop, he agreed - not in a huge rush of enthusiasm I should say. I think it was more because I was a bit like Cinderella who wanted so badly to go to the ball - or perhaps Bridget Jones who always lands in a pickle.

Our office was within easy walking distance and on the designated evening we worked late then I changed into a dark 'cocktail party suitable' dress and we left the office and wandered up to the venue - err, my escort strolled and I tottered (on impossibly high heels). Straight in through the gates to Downing Street and then into No. 11 - well, after almost being strip searched.

I do remember thinking they could do with a new stair carpet as we went up the stairs, the walls of which were lined with caricatures of past Chancellors. The reception room where the cocktail party was being held was very grand and, without giving any secrets away, I doubt if I'll ever stand right beside a Gainsborough again with a glass of I forget what in one hand and a sausage roll in the other! The nibbles were delicious and, not having had an evening meal I did feel a bit peckish - in between circulating and socialising  I managed to at least stop the tummy rumbling!

My escort had also been circulating but he arrived back at my side and said 'Can I have a quiet word' - ooer, I went all weak at the knees thinking that he was about to say something rather nice/how much he liked me/compliment my outfit or maybe even ask me on a date!! All ears, I coyly tilted my head to one side, he bent forward and whispered these magical words in my ear..........'I think you'd probably want to know this -  you've got flaky pastry crumbs all over your front'!!

Right there and then my glass coach turned back into a pumpkin :( But on hindsight it was probably better that I had the chance to brush the offending crumbs away - a bit like getting home after a dinner party, looking in the mirror and seeing a wedge of bright green spinach between your two front teeth!

Oh, I almost forgot to say - my escort from that evening is currently having his morning shave - yup, it was Len. So things did all turn romantic - eventually :))

Di
x

27 comments:

  1. Awww - I love a romantic tale first thing in the morning. You big old softie!

    xxx

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  2. You'd think he'd tell you about glittered noses too though wouldn't you????

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  3. I rather like a reliable sort of guy myself :-) ....it could have been worse, he could have brushed them off for you :-)
    So glad there was a happy ending to your tale.
    Hugs,
    A x

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  4. Just dabbing at my eyes with a tissue... I love happy endings! Vicky x

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  5. Lovely tale Di! Glad to see he ended up being your prince charming! Xx

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  6. Ahh! That's a great story this week Di. We've all been in similar situations, (though maybe not in that setting!), but it doesn't always have such a romantic ending. Kate x

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  7. Aww! That is such a heartwarming story - that is, pastry crumbs aside! Your wiles and machinations did work out well for you - Austen couldn't have dreamed up better :)) Elizabeth x

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  8. Oh well Di at least he didn't try to brush it off himself in front of everyone, so very gentlemanly! Not many of those about anymore hohum. hugs heid x

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  9. What an exciting life you have had AND married your prince charming too - great story. x Jo

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  10. Oh crumbs! well at least Prince Charming came to your rescue. I too love a happy ending.

    Lynn x

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  11. What a fab story Di & with a romantic ending too. Ahhhh.
    Sally x

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  12. Aww the old romantic!! What a great story Di and lucky you circulating in such places!!
    Hope your Tuesday is going well.
    Hugs Lisax

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  13. What a great story, a prince charming and no ugly sisters either!!! glad it all had a happy ever after ending.

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  14. Great story! What a happy ending!!!

    Hugs,
    Kay

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  15. wowsers!! such circles you move in...! lovely story x x

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  16. Awwww lovely story......am eagerly awaiting the book Di, you really should pen one, it would be HILARIOUS not to mention, a real page turner.....Get writing hon in all that spare time you DON'T have! tee hee...xxx

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  17. What did Len say next time he saw you at work....Oh crumbs, not you again!
    Another great story, It will be called Mrs Dales Diary soon lol.

    Kath x

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  18. Happy New Year by the way sorry I've nothad chance to message or blog much. Fancy you going to 11 Downing Street, how posh. Lovely story though. Glad you ended up with Len too. Hugs Jenny x

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  19. Another great story Di can't wait for the next one!:) Sandra H

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  20. Glad you liked the comment, your tale really made me laught too.
    We went out for lunch for my Birthday and guess what? there is a thing up here at the moment which seem to be very popular as a started 'A duo of soups' two small bowls of different types of soups, that day the soups were tomatoe and beetroot and the second one was leek and celerys so I thought I would go for that, as I had no problems with the leek and celery but I hate beetroot but I thought I could always leave it. When it came it was bright red and I thought, just go for it and do you know it was delicious.
    Am I getting adventurous or what?

    Kath x

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  21. Oh I love a good love story Di!!

    Love Jules xx

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  22. At least you didn't have the lickle squares off your sticky foam pads on you!! LOL!!

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  23. Your story had me smiling and so glad your coach wasn't a pumpkin for long! :-)

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  24. What a fantastic story...I laughed at the flaky crumbs...What a Cinderella story...

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  25. What a fairytale story! You obviously were more wonderful than you though Cinderella! :)

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