Champers at Gravetye Manor.

Trevor invites you to dinner at your favorite 1598 Elizabethan manor house; a special occasion, no doubt.

After a sip of vintage Veuve he gets right to the point: “My dear, I have news that's rather unfortunate, but not entirely.”

“Oh?”

“Reggie Tyrwhytt's Jag had a fatal crash on the A889 near Dalwhinnie, they really should do something about that stretch.”

“How sad for Nancy.”

“On the other hand, it does move me up to No. 137 in the Royal Succession.”

You run your fingertips down the cool, precise pleats of your skirt and give him a consoling smile; “There you have it, dear…life simply must go on.”

English Pleated Skirt (No. 2323), originally found in London. Crisp cotton poplin, cut just below the knee. 12 sharp double box pleats and a full sweep, moves with beautiful decorum.

British self-possession, you know.

Women's sizes: 2 through 16.

Color: Navy, Red.