You know how when you’re the President of this International Women’s Club in England, and you’re asked to introduce a REAL Lord and Lady before they graciously speak to your women’s club, after giving you a private tour of their centuries old palatial family estate, named Highclere Castle?
Yes, you know the one — it’s called Downton Abbey on the hit TV show.
Right. So there you are standing in front of your women’s club, at Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey) under this lovely marquee they graciously set up especially so you ladies could all enjoy a private luncheon with champagne (!) on the grounds of Highclere Castle’s (aka Downton Abbey’s) stunning family estate.
So — Just as you are introducing the ever so elegant, if appropriately shy aristocrats who for generations have inhabited Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey), you allow yourself to be ever so slightly relieved, having got through the correct pronunciation of their names (whew!). You then start to let your guard down during your 2nd and final sentence because honestly how hard can this be?? All you will say is something like, ‘What a great honor and privilege it is to have Lord and Lady Carnarvon here to say a few words to the AWBS International Women’s Club about their exquisite family home…’
… BUT
…Instead of saying that, words tumble out that have no relationship whatsoever to the grammar you actually learned in school. And worse, might even have sounded as if you were honored to welcome Lord and Lady Carnarvon to YOUR family home??
Right?!? Hate it when that happens!!
After my introduction, Lord Carnarvon graciously welcoming us to HIS home, Highclere Castle, aka “Downton Abbey”
The lovely Lord and Lady Carnarvon of Highclere Castle aka “Downton Abbey” speaking to us after a stunning private tour!!
Lady Carnarvon lovely and very welcoming, luncheon after tour (no photos allowed inside)
No photos allowed inside, but it was exactly as you’d expect! They’d just stopped filming for the season! (I am in the middle)
HowDidYouGetThere 