Alice Wetherby-Pimms’ teas were famous for drawing an eclectic crowd. Every Wednesday at precisely 2:55 p.m. the area before her gate would be swamped by a mob of the most unlikely bedfellows – dashing princes and their chamber pot removers, knights and their nemeses, good-humored gnomes and curmudgeonly trolls, pirates and bankers’ sons, just to name a few.
At three o’clock sharp the five-year-old would sashay from her forest bound playhouse and flip the latch, a signal to the swarm that two gold rimmed bone china cups had been filled to the brim with the Darjeeling that had been created just for her in the year of her birth.
Dressed in a sky blue smock and cloud white apron tied in a tidy bow at the back of her water melon sized waist, the barefoot child would peruse the now orderly queue snaking along the trail. In choosing who would be blessed by her company, it was not uncommon for Alice to toy with the crowd, first pointing to one, shaking her head, then settling upon another.
In moments like this, Grandpapa Pimms, stationed behind the letter box, would clear his throat – a gentle reminder that time was of the essence unless one wanted to partake in iced tea. The soon-to-be centenarian – his hunched elfin stature, snowy coif, mustache and goatee, a sharp contrast to the looming redwoods – stood guard ensuring his granddaughter’s safety. The child insisted upon it and since the doting elder could never refuse Alice a single one of her many curious whims, he willingly obliged.
Once the worthiest bloke in the crowd had been ushered beyond the threshold, Alice would turn, face her admirers with pursed lips, and nod to the broken wooden chair obscured by a five finger fern – the unspoken promise that perhaps next week she might bestow admittance upon more than one guest.
Thus would begin Alice Wetherby-Pimms’ weekly afternoon tea.
Sometimes a place will scream with a personal story that needs telling. Much like last year’s trip to Mendocino, this play house, tucked away on a property in the redwood forest behind Mill Valley, had exactly that effect on me. Its abandoned state inspired today’s blog – well, it was that or the ghost of Alice Whetherby-Pimms. Either way, what’s been your experience with places yearning to share their untold tales?
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner 
I agree – what an inspirational find! I’ve got a thought brewing, too, not so much about a spot but just an ordinary bend in the road. What a beautiful description of Alice’s attire and her toying with her waiting minions. Delightful!
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It’s good to have a few minions about, right? I am so looking forward to what your bent is on the bend in your road. The things you come up with are always fascinating…can’t wait!
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Wow! So beautifully written. I could see this all unfolding in real time right now! And so funny how it ties into my post about revisiting old homes. I honestly wish that all places and inanimate objects could talk and tell us their tales. What an interesting world that’d be!
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It must have been in the air, right? Just after posting this I saw the notification that you had something new up. Great minds think alike, I guess. Or maybe it’s the Bunkie vibe. Thanks for the compliment, too! 🐻
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Donna, this is some great writing…lots of fun to imagine all this. It does look like a most intriguing little place!
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Aw gee thanks! It truly is a fun little place. Can’t wait to go again and see who shows up.
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I want more story! You could develop this into more! Who will be next? Why does she do this? What does she serve with the tea? So many questions!
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I know. Glad to have you at the edge of your seat…perhaps a Part Deux is in order.
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What an absolutely delightful tale, Donna. I could visualise the whole thing. I love the little red gate, it just sets off the whole scene 😀
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Thanks Lyn! I think that gate was the true inspiration.
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Yes, please! I want more. Really intriguing, Donna! Beautiful descriptions.
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Thanks for the kick in the panties. I’m on it.
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I think you might have the start of a novel there. So well written. Left me wanting more.
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I guess there’s no time like the present to start a new project. Thank you Don!
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No like the present, I agree.
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