Guest Post- A Flirty High Tea by Kathleen Shaputis

I'll be reviewing Kathleen's book momentarily with you, but first, a great post from her!

Have you been watching the Outlander series on cable? I am hooked. The sets and costumes capture your soul in 18^th century detail of Scotland. Clothing layered in various materials flights against the bitter winds of autumn and dank castle hallways or mud-puddled courtyards.

I don’t anticipate seeing the elegance or prosperity of a high tea on the show, though the dreaded English Red Coats have taken over the Mackenzie lands, so I guess it could happen. Being a half dozen generations from my kilted ancestors I do get excited about traveling abroad to experience high tea for myself. Is it leftover childhood fantasies of tea parties and tiaras that create such a want?

Seated in a high back wooden chair, the table cloth of white, heavy linen, the servants brought plates of scones and clotted cream, finger sandwiches and fresh fruit before my eyes. Dainty, delicious tidbits of food accompanied the aroma and taste of the pot of brewed tea set next to the china cup and saucer in front of me.

With pinkie outstretched I listened to the conversations around the table, meted bland questions of “Where are you from?” and “Do you have any children?” Looking around the room I found it difficult to imagine a setting such as this with a muscular man of beauty across the vast linen covered table. And definitely not one wearing a kilt. Aye?

Would the handsome stranger with ruddy cheeks be there in sharing the society treat with a favorite great aunt? And did he just lift his china cup, the sleeve of his dark navy jacket barely touching the edge of the table, in a slight salute? You watch his attention volley between listening to her stories and a continued watch of your actions.

Yes, maybe a flirty high tea could work in a story. Would Lord Kai of “Her Ghost Wears Kilts” be willing to savor the time flirting with Baillie over a pot of tea and cakes? I won’t be seeing Claire’s Jamie at such a table, but sometimes sacrifices sometimes have to be made for the sake of a good plot in the 18^th century.

Thanks Kathleen!
Come back in a bit and read by review and enter the giveaway for Kathleen's new book!

About the Author:

Kathleen Shaputis, author/ghostwriter, lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Bob, and a variety of four-footed loves. Curling up with an icy Diet Coke, writing romantic comedies is her ultimate paradise when not at her day job or invaded by grandchildren. For more information, visit Kathleen 's website, blog, Facebook and Twitter pages!