One day, Gertrude Jekyll threw a party with a difference. Her nine-year-old niece was due to go home after a visit, so Gertrude suggested that she invite all her aunt’s cats for tea. There was boiled herring, rice pudding and cream, and a little stool for each cat; but Gertrude found herself wondering just how they would react.

The party went surprisingly well: only one of the cats seemed at all doubtful. What surprised Gertrude most, however, was the reaction of her niece. She had expected her to be rather over-excited, but instead she was utterly enchanted, watching the cats tuck into their fish as if she were afraid that one false move would break the spell.

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