Darling,

It’s so good to see you back. You’re looking well. A little color in your cheeks that wasn’t there when you left.

Me? Yes, I admit I did get a smidge of sun last weekend.

No, we didn’t make it out to the shore. We stayed in town for the event of the season.

Yes, I think the invitation must have arrived after you left, because nearly everyone who was anyone was there.

Well, you see, the gang met up at the old Meridian Hill Park … (Incidentally, did you know that some people are now calling it Malcolm X Park? You did? You always have been tuned in to that Bohemian scene…)

… where we met up with some other people …

… to bike through Rock Creek Park up to the Hillwood Estate.

I know! Marjorie really does know how to throw a party. I didn’t see her the whole day, but it was just like her. So elegant.

And so much better than last year’s garden party. The gin held out the whole evening this time, so we didn’t have to break into the good stuff locked away from the sort of reprobate who might drink too much.

And while it did sprinkle just the tiniest bit early in the evening, it wasn’t enough for any of us to have to seek shelter. I mean, I wouldn’t have wanted it ruin my new hat.

Yes! I bought it just for the occasion and it went smashingly with my white linen dress. Julia had a darling little hat on, too.

Rudi, John, and Michael all bought new seersucker outfits for the day. Honestly, I sometimes think those boys are even more worried about their looks than we girls are!

Did you pick up any new fashion tips while you were out of town?

Really?! They’re making a comeback? I wouldn’t have guessed that. Here, the summer dress definitely looks to be frocks that come to just below the knee.

Some daring girls are starting to wear shorter skirts and even trousers out in public, but they’re mostly the ones who want to shock the crowd. And a few of the guys are mixing their patterns in new and bold ways.

But the hats might be where I could get away with some more outrageous ideas.

What do you mean, did I do anything besides idly watch the people walk by? Honestly! What didn’t we do?

We played croquet …

… and strolled the grounds …

… and ate this strawberry ice cream I heard someone call gelato. (I don’t know about that. I just called it delicious and so cool on such a hot day.)

Oh? I didn’t mention the heat? It was simply crazy, darling. Crazy! Mid-90s with very high humidity! We were dripping!

This one couple was so warm they even went tripping through the pool!

We opted not to play golf, lawn bowling, or badminton or to hula hoop.

Instead we curled up on the shaded lawn and watched the entertainment. In the afternoon there was a jazz trio. Later there was a violinist. And then a smart-looking young man with a pompadour came on with a guitar and played and sang for us.

Some people even got up and danced!

And then there was nothing left to do but pedal home into the sunset.

Truly, dearest, the evening could only have been improved by having you in town to join us. I so hope you’re able to make it to the next big event. I hear it’s going to be simply smashing.

What, darling? You want more? I may have taken a few photographs. Rudi’s snaps may include a shot or two of my chapeau. And Michael has created a work of art that you simply must view.