As Jimmy and Ducky now sat at Dr Mallard's desk sipping their tea. Jimmy urged the good doctor to continue.

"So where did your mother stay when you went to York?"

"Merchiston, a very swish and expensive area of Edinburgh, J. used to live there, as presently do Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith, and my favourite Tartan Noir writer, Lin Anderson, she is best known as the creator of forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod. And may I say she does write a good Post Mortem."

"So what was your mother going to do when she was there?" Jimmy continued to ask.

"Afternoon tea, she had decided that a week of living it up, or should that be eating it up, in some of the swanky hotels in Edinburgh, would be in line with the cruise. But as we had arrived on the Saturday in the capital, we did not partake, and Sunday, being Sunday, in Scotland we went to the kirk, St Giles, situated on the Royal Mile," Ducky continued.

"But afternoon tea, that does sound so Colonial, which I know your mother knew all about."

"Yes, so she started on Monday in the Balmoral, used to be called the North British, a traditional railway hotel built for the North British Railway Company, situated above Waverly Station. In the 20th century there used to be an elevator that took you right from the platform straight into the hotel reception, but it was done away with when the hotel was renovated, but it was where I would depart on my journey to York, but may I add, it was a very delicious tea. I later found out, from the brochures she brought back with her, that the week went well."

"What other hotels did she visit, may I ask and what sort of things did she eat?"

"From her notes it was The Scotsman on Tuesday, which is situated not more than 5 to ten minutes, depending if you stop on the North Bridge and look around, It is the only bridge in Edinburgh that can boast views over Edinburgh Castle, The Firth of Forth, Leith, Princes Street and Calton Hill. The building used to print one of the national newspapers of Scotland,"

"This is fascinating Dr Mallard, your story, I do so like it when you relate tales of Edinburgh. Breena and I are going to wait until the baby is a little older before we go and visit."

"You will enjoy, but let me continue. Her next tea on the Wednesday was in the Caley, or should that be the Caledonian Hotel, it was the other station hotel but at the East end of Princes Street, Thursday, was a trip to Gullane in East Lothian near North Berwick and Greywalls, it is on the outskirts of Muirfield Golf Course. The open golf was there last year. It is marketed as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and set in tranquil surroundings. Afternoon tea diners are welcome to a complimentary game of tennis or croquet on the lawn or even a friendly game of putting, overlooking the Firth of Forth."

"And how did your mother get there?" Jimmy asked.

"She hired a chauffeur, and was chauffeured in a Rolls Royce Shadow with her friends. But Friday was the high light of her week, and Prestonfield Hotel, it is the most prestigious hotel in Edinburgh. Situated on extensive grounds at the foot of Arthur's Seat, but it is still surrounded by 20 acres of glorious grounds and of course the Royal Holyrood Park.

"Game on," Jimmy laughed, "But the menus?"

"Ah, the menus. As I maybe mentioned earlier, afternoon tea was invented, by Anna the 7th Duchess of Bedford, to see her though from luncheon to dinner. So there was always a selection of finely cut finger sandwiches, usually egg mayonnaise, smoked salmon or smoked ham, and of course the cucumber sandwich which always curls at the edges. Then there are the homemade scones, with clotted cream and preserves, along with homemade cakes, and sweet treats, usually pastries. There is of course, if a good establishment, a selection of up to 20 loose leaf teas, none of your bagged stuff," Ducky continued.

"My Dr Mallard, you are making my gastric juices just ooze with the thoughts."

"And I believe now days there is the chance to upgrade and have champagne, with your afternoon tea, but I myself, think it a disgrace to the experience," Ducky added. "Maybe I should invite the team round one afternoon to experience, the experience."

"Oh, Dr Mallard, that would be great, but when did you set off for York?"

"Oh yes York, maybe we should finish our tea and continue with the autopsy," as Ducky now drained his cup and rising turned back to his guest.