It was decided that lunch would be jolly if taken near the sand; so Clara spent the morning supervising staff taking chairs, tables and food down to the beach house. Refreshments would also be provided for the more intrepid of the group who ventured onto the beach itself. Mr and Mrs Beresford and Mr and Mrs Brandon seated themselves in the beach house, cushions and throws providing comfort on the wooden furniture. The younger members of the party sat around the tables while they were served with platters of meat and cheese, large slices of pork and meat pies, straight from the estate, or plates of seafood supplied by the Seaton fishermen. Jellies containing fruits, blancmanges, dessert biscuits and bite-sized cakes were plentiful for those wishing to indulge in something sweet. Clara ensured the tea caddy was placed next to Mrs Brandon, who was happy to be in charge of the supply of tea in the beach house. The gentlemen were well provided with port and wine; an elderberry wine for the ladies in addition to a punch that was Charles’ speciality, made of wine, brandy, lemons and sugar made sure that every taste was catered for.
