Regency in Bloom: The Jane Austen Tea Party

With just sixteen days remaining until the school year ends, campus buzzes with energy as students seek to capture every precious moment together, with laughter and conversation echoing across the fields. 

Meanwhile, in the Killy dressing rooms, excitement reached a peak as the AP Literature students transformed themselves into individuals from another era. Elaborate gowns covered in silk and satin, and flowing skirts created silhouettes worthy of the Pemberley estate. Tailcoats hung, and were paired with white shirts and carefully tied cravats. Each garment acted as a testament to the craftsmanship of Ms Sally Smith, Brentwood’s renowned costume designer, whose skill enabled us to dive into the Regency era.

The annual Jane Austen Tea Party stands as one of the year's most cherished traditions, serving as a celebration that honours our hardworking students while representing the climax of months of literary exploration and academic growth. Ms Widenmaier, Director of Arts and my AP Literature teacher, reflected that it is “one of the highlights of my year watching the students recreate a Regency afternoon”. 

As the bus wound its way through Whiskey Point’s scenic lanes, anticipation filled the air. Upon arrival at our destination, we spilled from the bus with barely-contained enthusiasm, our period costumes rustling against gravel as they hurried down the path. At the end of the driveway stretched a beautiful garden with breathtaking views of the bay, where clear waters were steady beneath a beaming blue sky. Lush greenery surrounded the elegant table, which was filled with delicate sandwiches, macarons, and pots of brewed tea. "It felt like stepping directly into one of Austen's novels," said Sarah D, Hope ‘25.

The afternoon unfolded like pages from our beloved Pride and Prejudice. Students joyfully frolicked through the garden, their cameras capturing candid moments of laughter and fun, acting as tools to ensure that the memory of this occasion would never fade. Some of us wandered down to the beach, while others discovered a nearby field where a flock of sheep grazed. 

Then came the highlight that many had anticipated with both excitement and fear: the Regency dancing. Ms Amy Staples, Brentwood's talented dance teacher, guided students through the intricate steps of period dances. While some danced with a natural grace, others, like myself, found themselves tangled in their own feet. "It was a lot of fun, however, it turns out I'm completely hopeless at dancing," stated Oliver H, Whittall ‘25.

Ms. Widenmaier and Mr Ganley, our AP Literature teachers, deserve recognition far beyond what words can articulate. Their vision transformed what could have been another ordinary class into an extraordinary event filled with grandeur. Without Ms Widenmaier’s tireless dedication, her enthusiasm and love for Austen's prose, and her unwavering belief and care for her students, none of us would have made it through the year. It is because of her seemingly never-ending patience, and willingness to explain complex literary concepts and nuance, such as the subtle difference between Woolf’s stream of consciousness and Austen’s free indirect speech, that I not only survived the AP exam, but emerged from it with a newfound appreciation for the depth and artistry of literature. Thank you, Ms Widenmaier, for everything you have done for us.

Thanks also to the Wilson family, Drs Lisa and Jean Marie, parents of old Brentonians Charlotte, Nicholas, Oliver, and Felix, for hosting this event. Their generosity and beautiful home have hosted hundreds of Brentwood students over the years. 

As the afternoon drew to a close and students began gathering their belongings, a realisation washed over the seniors present; this day served as a reminder that our time at Brentwood is approaching its inevitable end. While we are chaotically busy with final projects and exams, yet desperately trying to slow time's relentless march; we are excited beyond measure for futures filled with possibility, yet heartbroken at the thought of leaving this place that shaped us; we are eager to reach new horizons, yet reluctant to say goodbye to those who made the journey meaningful. These final weeks are filled with contradictory emotions. The friends who now live just a few doors down the hallway will soon be scattered across continents and oceans. As we face the approaching end of our Brentwood chapter, we carry with us the knowledge that we have been part of something truly special, and that the lessons learned here, in classrooms and gardens alike, will guide us wherever our futures may lead.

Pearl N, Hope ‘25