Member since:
February 16, 2006

Paris Incident

May 27, 2006 08:44 PM EDT

views: 18 | comments: 11

I worked in the British Embassy in Paris. There was about to be an Ambassador's Garden Party to which dignatories such as the Duke of Windsor was invited. (Wallis declined the invitation because she didn't have a hat!). I was young, naive, shy and nervous of being announced. I just wanted to slip in unnoticed. Everybody going in would in turn tell their name to the major domo (resplendent in fancy uniform). He would then bang his rod on the floor and declaim it in ringing tones. Somebody said that I could just say that I worked there and I'd be able to pass through to the canapes and champagne. I reached this impressive looking man who seemed to tower above me and whispered to him "I'm on the staff". He seemed to grow taller, his voice louder as he intoned "Miss Staff". A smiling ambassador shook my hand and welcomed "Miss Staff". I remained Miss Staff for quite a while.