Le Quatorze Juillet
The Marseillaise is still ringing in my ears from last night. It wafted out across the gardens of Edinburgh, a sensuous French siren draped in a gossamer gown of red white and blue. I'm always impressed when people can sing more than the first verse of their national anthem, I belt out the first verse of God save The Queen and Flower of Scotland and then mime like a loose lipped sock puppet.
The Auld Alliance between Scotland and France, that bond of sharpened steel, which said if either was attacked the other would rush to their aid is over 700 years old. Last night we all kicked up our heels this time in celebration of Bastille Day.
"In every combat where for five centuries the destiny of France was at stake, there were always men of Scotland to fight side by side with men of France, and what Frenchmen feel is that no people has ever been more generous than yours with its friendship." Charles de Gaulle
It was a party of two halves. I spent most of my time upstairs in the drawing room, envying all of the sleek chic bobbed brunettes, I couldn't leave it for three reasons; the buffet table, a delightful trio of accordion players and well, silk shoes that wouldn't have lasted 5 minutes in wet grass, it was my Marie Antoinette moment.
Here's me taking a shifty pic in the morning room, ( yes, I am somewhat over punctual and that annoying type who will ring your doorbell whilst you still have your rollers in) where it dawned on me that tunic dresses, though incredibly comfy, do not suit my figure - wardrobe cull at the weekend. (GSL - 'the belt, the waist', yes yes, yes, over and out.)
I'm sure that many of you will recognise this famous painting by the Scottish Colourist, Cadell. It is called 30 Regent Terrace,
this is the exterior today, it was just a few doors down from the party. Regent Terrace is a street steeped in history, these stentorian front doors have seen the comings and goings of Queen Mary, the Duchesse du Berry, painters, our own titled aristocracy and Bletchley Park girl, Ann Mitchell.
Marie Therese of France, the daughter of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI lived here with her husband the Duke of Angouleme. Napoleon famously said of her, "She was the the only man in the house of Bourbon"
Bourbon and pearls indeed.
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