“Throughout the half century following the Revolution the tea ceremony was a social event.” (special collections etiquette book)
Tea was a time for men and women to socialize freely together and become acquainted with one another. Though most often tea parties were a woman’s ritual. It was also considered important the kind of company you were socializing with. The saying that “you are judged by the company you keep”, was especially true in the time of the Latimers, A gentleman tried to keep good company of people his own age and of his superiors.
Two forms of good company:
- one who is of good birth, rank, or fashion
- one who is distinguished by merit