A quickstep and conversation with a Prince

Saturday night was the evening of the long awaited Ghillies' Ball at Birkhall. We arrived in good time....or some would say we were early although a few people were there before us. We might have been even earlier if hadn't been for the little Roe Deer which got in front of us in the narrow country lane and just kept on running. We were willing it to jump off to the side and into the forest but no. Its little heart must have been pumping with both the fear it felt and the speed at which it was running. It must have stayed in front for at least 5 minutes (it seemed longer) and covered a couple of miles before eventually disappearing into the night.
On arrival at the marquee attached to the summerhouse, an elegant cold buffet supper was laid out, and wine and beer were flowing freely. The band played a few of the dances....a practice session for later it seemed...and only a few of us danced at that stage. Then around 10ish we were asked to stand round the room while Charles and Camilla entered and came round and talked to everybody. There were over 100 guests so it took at least 20 minutes. Then the dancing started for real, with almost everybody up on the floor, including the Royals and their house guests. One of the guests, a young man, looked different from the rest and he was a fairly accomplished dancer. His clothing and demeanour made him stand out. Pat discovered his name was Rory Stewart and so I googled him (Isn't google wonderful?) It turns out young Mr Stewart is quite a celebrity and somewhat famous. He is an author, traveller, advisor to statesmen, former tutor of the young Princes William and Harry, member of the secret service, authority on Afghanistan and Iraq, Professor at Harvard and has an OBE. Different? Well yes.
But the highlight for me has to be my dance with Prince Charles. It was sheer chance that the music for Paul Jones stopped when we were opposite each other. Our conversation went like this.
PC, 'Oh how lucky. I have got an expert to dance with.'
Band, 'The next dance is a quickstep'.
Me, 'Oh dear, I am no expert at this'.
PC, 'Me neither, So what shall we do.'
Me, 'Just keep moving and smiling. We are not being judged.'
PC, 'Do you often get judged when you dance?'
Me,'Not really, but we do get watched. It is not like Strictly Come Dancing though.'
PC, 'Do you watch that?'
Me, 'Sometimes. Not religiously'.
PC, 'I can't believe how many people watch it. 2o million or something.'
PC, 'How often do Castleton Dancers dance?'
Me, 'At least twice a week some times more. We do two performances every week, plus we have a training night, and a night when we teach others. Oh by the way, John sent some photographs for you and I have left them with your staff.'
PC, Thank you so much. You are so kind. It is such fun when you come to dance for us.'
Me, 'It is our pleasure really. We love it.
PC, 'A 60th birthday is a good excuse to invite you. Now I shall have to wait until I am 70.
Me, 'Not at all. Every birthday is a cause for celebration. 61,62,63.
PC, laughing, 'How long have you lived in Braemar?'
Me, 'Since 2004.'
PC 'And where were you before that?'
Me,' Libya!'
PC (eyes widened) 'Oil?'
Me, 'No, teaching. I was headteacher of the British School in Benghazi' And before that I lived in Oman and Indonesia.
PC, 'Was your husband with you?'
Me, 'Not all the time. I met my present husband in Oman but I was alone in Libya.
PC, 'You won't go away again will you?'
Me, 'No we have settled here.'
PC,' Good you deserve it.
Music ends, both say, Thank you very much.
What a story to tell the grandchildren, although being American boys perhaps they won't be all that impressed.