Pages

Monday, March 26, 2012

Nora's Salvaged Treasure

Dear Nora,
I wanted to tell you that today I rescued some of your English fine bone china from the bin. Your sons have been clearing out your house and perhaps they didn't know the value or importance of English bone china? I know it's a bit nosey and also a little bit naughty of me to check your bin to see what they have been throwing out but ever since I discovered that they threw out all your beautiful orchid plants I have been worried about which of your other treasures they may have discarded.
So I was shocked to see your Royal Standard "Brown Eyed Susan" china in the wheelie bin. There were two teacups with saucers and  some small plates (called a trio, I think), a serving plate for biscuits, a sugar bowl and milk jug. The cheery daisies are very pretty and the bone china is so delicate with the gold trim - I'm so glad they didn't smash.
I carefully took them out of the bin and washed them. They came up beautifully!
Then I got out my very special Fornum & Mason biscuits made with Cornish clotted cream and coated with chocolate. Yselle got out her favourite Anna's "Almond Thins" biscuits and we had afternoon tea in your honour, dear Nora.
I didn't iron the table cloth but I know you don't mind... you never cared about such things; you shared my irreverence of housework.
We enjoyed drinking our tea out of the lovely "Brown Eyed Susan" cups whilst discussing what you'd think of my little salvage. We also wondered how you came about the china. Was it a wedding present or a gift from your husband or maybe you bought it for yourself? I have tried to search on the internet to find out more about your china but I haven't found much. I think it must have been made after 1949 judging by the china mark on the bottom. You were born in 1932 so they could well have been a wedding gift. If only I had asked you about it when you were still around, I don't suppose it's the kind of thing your sons will remember and besides, if I did ask them I'd have to own up to pillaging your bins.
We raised our/your teacups to you Nora, we miss you. I expect you are chuckling.
x x x


No comments:

Post a Comment