The Empress

High tea was utterly exquisite. I quaffed one cup each of an Indian and a tisane of some conglomeration of forest debris — both of them were properly brewed and poured with attention to detail. There was also a delightfully provincial collection of biscuits, including gluten-​free for my blethering companion. I suspect many of the other guests were not expecting to find a proper tea house in these environs, as they seemed somewhat underdressed for the occasion. Perhaps when in Rome it is acceptable to dress as in the bathhouse?