I joined the parade for SB’s wedding in the 9-inch nude stilettos chosen for me by WB. All around were upright marching bands, soldiers proud in bearskin hats, and pretty dancing ponies. My nephew P and niece A brought up the rear, each commandeering their own open horse and carriage.

Most splendid of all, however, was the mother of the bride. She wore a massive gown of layered mauve silk, her outfit topped by a head-dress of matching mauve feathers. Not even a royal princess in the court of Louis XVI could compete with the majesty of my mother-in-law on her daughter’s wedding day.