I suppose most of you already know that the invention of the tradition of afternoon tea is attributed to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford in the in the early 1840's.

Traditionally dinner was not served until 8:30 or 9:00 in the evening and it seems that the Duchess had a solid appetite and often became hungry, especially in the summer when dinner was served even later.

She took the habit to order a small meal of bread, butter, and other delicacies, such as cakes, tarts, and biscuits, to be brought secretly to her boudoir.

When her little secret became known ( one must never trust the discretion of servants, they are the ones who know all, being present, even though apparently unnoticed, to all their masters’ most intimate circumstances) she involuntarily created a fashionable trend.

Her habit caught on and the concept of a small meal, of niceties and perhaps tea, became popular and eventually known as "afternoon tea".

Today in my mail I found also a very kind letter from an Australian lady I’m proud to have among my faithful readers, she asked me the veritable recipe of world famous Violet’s scones and with joy I shared it with her.

I take this opportunity to thank all of you for your letters and to assure you that I always write back promptly and I’m extremely glad to answer your questions and to give you my advice, not only on culinary matters, of course.

So now let me enjoy my afternoon tea in this glorious summer evening...

Even when I take it on my own I like keeping always a touch of class, it’s important, isn’t it?