The home of Sir John Marke and family

In reply to Sir John Marke (msg # 1):

One morning after William has had time to settle himself, for the moment, in Markham Hall, Sir John spends some time in his study composing polite missives to his neighbors, inviting them to dinner at Markham Hall the following Saturday evening to form or renew their acquaintance with his friend William Hood. Once they have all been written in his most elegant hand, he seals each one with his personal signet and entrusts them to his coachman Jem to ride around on horseback and deliver them to Angeline Walsh, Anna Morgan, David Arabin, Lady Victoria Darenvern, and even (a longer ride) to Bishop Ralph Udall and his daughter Miriam.

The day of the party has finally arrived. Mrs. Partridge has been put on her mettle to prepare her most toothsome dishes to delight the company, the maids have scrubbed and scoured all the public rooms to their finest shine, Jem and the ostlers are standing by to receive the guests'
horses and carriages, Sir John has taken out of press his finest claret-colored coat and gleaming white smallclothes and silken hose above his court shoes with silvers buckles. (He is not one for wearing trousers on a formal occasion, whatever Wellington may have done).
Standing in the hall with William, waiting to welcome his guests, he says with just a hint of nerves "I do hope that all the ladies and gentry of Allton will take to you, William. They are all good folk, and I trust you will like them as well. If so, it will make your stay her much more agreeable."

(From Darenvern Home)

The carriage arrived and the footmen opened the door, first her father got out then helped her mother, next Victoria.

Following her father they made their way to the entrance.

Once inside their cloaks taken, Victoria looked about Sir Marke's home, it was beautifully decorated, not overstated and very comfortable.  She must admit as she looked about she'd hoped to see William.  Or maybe even Vicar Arabin but it seemed they were the first ones to arrive.

Victoria had on her gold silken dress, with short sleeves, her gloves matched as did her slippers.  It was a plain dress but shimmered under the lights weather oil or candle.  She wore her hair up with some curls about and a pretty butterfly comb with rimstones and beading.

Sir John hastened to the door to welcome the Darenverns, declaring "I am honored that you have been so kind as to attend my little gathering. I do hope you will enjoy the evening. Pray do come in and have a glass of something while we are awaiting the rest of the company." He escorts them into a pleasant room well-furnished with elegant chairs and a sideboard laden with various wines, where a rather pretty maid (Sally) awaited them in her best white apron. She gave them all a warm smile and asked, "How may I serve you, please?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:58, Thu 25 Nov 2021.

>The Vicarage

Arabin arrived on his horse, a raw-boned grey that his man Strete had purchased for him from a local farmer. Seemed the animal knew its way around the village better than he did - he almost felt that if he told it where he wanted to go it would take him there without need for further directions.

He climbed down, his black cloak swirling, and handed the reins to a waiting stable lad.

"Thank you. His name is Marcus."

He went towards the door, which opened as he got there, and entered the well-lit warmth beyond.

William stood in the hall beside Sir John, perhaps a bit nervous about meeting the locals formally for the first time.  Of course, he'd been out and about the village several times during his stay at Markham Hall, walking here or there, or a-horse with his gallant steed Sirocco; but tonight was the first real and formal introduction he would have with Alton society, and he began to feel as uncomfortable as a teenage girl about to be presented to the Queen.

It was nonsense, of course, and so William fought the feelings away; if he'd stared down a square of howling French infantry, all of them firing their Charleville muskets, in enfilade, and it held no terrors for him, then surely an evening with the local gentry, especially the ladies, was nothing to feel anxiety over.  But like a good cavalry officer, he strained at the bit to be off and running, and get the engagement in motion - once begun, he could analyze how to approach it successfully, detect what pitfalls needed to be avoided, assess each danger as best he could, and produce a plan of action, at the  gallop, that would lead to an ultimately successful conclusion. Years in command in the saddle had trained him to think exactly as so, and he relentlessly applied this technique to all of life's situations, and to see any event through the tactical lens of a Hussar's charge away from completion.

He wore plain, grey woolen trousers, clean and simple and elegant to attend a party without much comment, yet practical enough to wear should a fence need mending, or a carriage wheel needed fixing, that he would be able to lend a hand.  He also wore his best white linen shirt, without ruffles, but with smooth, long sleeves ending in wide tailored cuffs and silver buttons impressed with the crossed swords and horse of a cavalry officer; he also wore his knee length black leather boots, highly polished, and beneath that new white silken hose.  Upon his shoulders he wore his officer's red wool jacket, still in fashion for the men who served in His Majesty's service, and at his waist he wore a black leather belt with a silver buckles, to which he'd attached his saber, sheathed and peace-bound.  He was freshly clean-shaven, and he'd lightly oiled and combed his hair so that the curly tangle he usually kept hidden beneath his Shako was at least manageable, like a wild kitchen garden only occasionally kept.

"Indeed, Sir John", he replied, "that is my hope as well".

It was the Darenvern company who had arrived first; William watched as first the Earl, then Lady Darenvern, and then finally the young and lovely Miss Darenvern, left their carriage and then entered Markham Hall.  William swallowed uncomfortably as his gaze alighted on Miss Darenvern, and fixed on her; she was a sight to behold.

Once again he felt the urge to gallop into the fray, but instead held himself back with steely discipline: if he charged like a battle-mad stallion into the Darenverns, whatever would they think of him?  No, better to hold his ground, at least for now, and let the events unfold, then see what happened.  He sighed, feeling a bit calmer, and then watched as the Vicar arrived, and also entered.

WIlliam oddly wished he was sitting astride Sirocco; he always felt most comfortable a-horse.  It was always among people, especially those he only slightly knew, or did not know, that he ever felt uncomfortable.  He hoped it did not show on his face.

He scooped up a glass of sherry and took a sip, to help him relax.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:42, Wed 24 Nov 2021.

In reply to David Arabin (msg # 6):

The stableboy assures David "I'll take good care o' Marcus for ye, doctor." He carefully leads the horse away to the stables under Jem's watchful eye and then returns to receive more horses.

In reply to David Arabin (msg # 6):

Sir John welcomed David warmly, "Very glad to have you bless our gathering with your presence, Doctor Arabin -- and bless our dinner once the guests are all here. Meanwhile, pray enjoy a preliminary libation with the Darenverns." He leads Doctor Arabin into the drawing room and beckons to Sally to pour David a glass. She blushes a little guiltily (recollecting some unrepented sins) and asks "What would you care to have, Doctor Arabin?"
Meanwhile, Sir John returns to the front hall to greet more guests.

In reply to William Anthony Hood (msg # 7):

After welcoming the Darenverns Sir John murmured to William "As the duke of Allton is not in residence, the Davrenverns are our most distinguished household here. Moreover, their daughter Victoria is...extremely presentable, as you can see. Altogether a family worth knowing."

He leads William over to them and, addressing the earl, says, "My lord, may I present Major William Hood, late of His Majesty's cavalry in the Peninsula, and now come home from the field of glory to our peaceful countryside."

"A pleasure to be here, Sir John," replied the Vicar, having relinquished cloak and hat to the maid in the hall.

"I'll have a glass of red wine if I may."

He always found sherry a bit too sweet, even the dry ones.

He looked around the room and the gay attire of those already present, stark contrast to the unrelieved clerical black: coat, breeches, stockings, shoes... only a flash of white at neck and cuffs.

Spotting Lady Victoria, he smiled. She was a vision of loveliness in gold. The colour really suited her. He made to step in that direction but paused as Sir John began to introduce his visitor, Mister Hood, to her family. Judging by the scarlet coat, it should be something other than 'Mister' but he was woefully ignorant of military matters. He had heard that one could tell an individual's rank by their attire but had no idea how to read what he saw displayed beyond a gold-braided scarlet coat.

Sally the maid asks David very politely, "Would you care for a claret, sir?"

"I would relish a glass of claret, Sally, thank you," said Arabin.

Sally gives a little curtsey, ours out the claret from a crystal decanter and politely hands it to Davd.

Angeline decided to wear pink, a sprigged muslin to the party, and put up her hair in a knot with curls at her face. Once done, she bid her sisters a good day, and they wished her a good time at the party.

Markham Hall was a lovely place, and she got out of the carriage, and knocked at the door.

Robert would soon knock on the heavy door of the manor. He had dressed in a royal blue coat, as he had wanted to look dignified but not over-the-top.

In reply to Angeline Walsh (msg # 15):

Since Sally was busy attending to the wine, Sir John's second maid, Doris, a plainer young woman but equally well fitted out in her best livery for the party, answered Angeline's knock.
She seemed awed by the lady's elegant attire, keeping her admiring eyes on it as she gave a deep curtsey and said, "Please be welcome to Markham Hall, m'am. Sir John will be happy to receive you."

Seeing Robert approaching the door, she did not wait for him to knock, but turned to him and curtseyed again, less deeply, and addressed him as well, saying "Pray be welcome, sir. The master will be glad of your company as well." She leads them both into the room where the guests are already gathering.

The party was beginning to take off and when Sir John brought over the Major it brought a smile to Earl Harald Darenvern and his wife Countess Margret.

"Sir John, thank you for hosting this gathering."  The Earl spoke, "Major William, it is good to see you, it has been far too long."  He smiled even wider to Sir John, "I use to do business with Major Hood's father."  He moved slightly and nodded toward his wife and daughter.  "Major William, you remember my wife, the Countess Margret and my youngest daughter Lady Victoria?"

Harald introduced the two woman with him and Victoria smiled at the Major.  Last she saw him well it was a while ago.  She curtsied, "You have a beautiful home Sir John, thank you for inviting us and Major William it has been far too long."

After Sir John made his introduction to the Darenverns, William bowed low - he had wondered if they had remembered him, he was so young and it was a long time ago.  He looked at Lady Victoria: could this truly be the same lovely creature he'd known as a slip of a very young girl?  It had to to be true!

"My Lord", William said as he bowed, "I am very pleased that you remember me; it has been far too long.  Of course, I do remember the Countess, My Lady", he bowed again.  And finally, his eyes met Lady Victoria's, and he bowed a third time.  "Lady Victoria, time has worked its wonders.  The Darenvern garden has produced yet another astonishing English rose.  Who might have guessed that from such a tiny seedling such a beautiful bloom might grow?"

He blushed; the flowery talk of the Ton was not his forte, and he feared he may have over-stepped his bounds.

"Forgive me, life in the Army has made me ill-favored for genteel company; sometimes I speak too much".

He was pleased, and somewhat surprised, that she seemed to remember him from such an age.  He smiled at her pleasantly.

"Well, I can only imagine what you might think of me", he continued, "at that age I was either continuously in trouble with my father, or was busy cleaning horse manure out of my hair: neither image, I fear, is particularly flattering."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Mon 29 Nov 2021.

In reply to Lady Victoria Darenvern (msg # 18):

Sir John smiled and said, "I am honored to receive such distinguished guests."
Leaving William and the Darenverns to continue their conversation, he moved on to welcome me the new guests.

Seeing Angeline and Robert entering escorted by Doris, Sur John came to welcome them, saying, "As always I am glad to have your company, Miss Walsh, and it is also a pleasure to welcome you to Allton, Mr. Wnitford; I hope you will enjoy your stay here."

Glass of wine in had, the Vicar approached Lady Victoria Darenvern.

"Lady Victoria, what a pleasure to see you again. May I say, you are looking quite resplendant this evening."

Victoria blushed as he spoke, blushed and thrilled all at the same time.  That William remembered her was pleasing.  As for why it was Victoria couldn't actually say.  Her blush and smile was not lost on her parents and Harald smiled in turn.

"Major William, no apology necessary.  You've not spoken ill, in fact I say why don't you two go and catch up?  You and I can discuss business another day, we are her to make merry are we not?" 

The Earl did not wait for an answer, he took Margret's hand and guide her away as quickly as decorum allowed.  Margret whispered when they were well away, "now that went rather well I say." Both smiled as they began to mingle with the other guests, not out of sight of course.

When her parents departed she turned to William, "you do not give yourself enough credit Major William as I recall you were always smiling or laughing with my brother.  It was the smile I remember."  She dared to flirt back.  "Come, I want to hear all your news Major William, are you to stay in Alton?  Or do you plan to return to London, which would be rather mean if I do say so."

As she spoke with William the Vicar came over and was quite the gentleman.  "Hello Vicar Arabin, thank you."  She smiled back and stepped a little to the right to give the Vicar room to join their discussion, "have you two met?" She asked but much like her father just plowed ahead without hearing the reply, "may I introduce Major William Hood," she said to David and then to William she did the same, "and Major William may I introduce you to Vicar David Arabin, he is an Oxford man and is also new to Alton."

The Vicar extended a hand.

"Major Hood. Welcome to Alton. I trust your visit will be a pleasant one."

William was surprised, and rather happily, when the Darenverns quickly made their exit and left him alone with Ms. Victoria - if only for a moment, as he was just then introduced to the new Vicar of Alton.  William smiled and extended his hand in greeting.

"Mr. Arabin, a pleasure to meet you.  I see that you are new to Alton as well; have you found the air to be pleasant?"

He smiled, but inside he chaffed at the chance to get Ms. Victoria alone to speak with her - she seemed most friendly indeed!  But duty, even social ones, always came before pleasure.

"I am finding it a most pleasant place, thank you. The church is a little gem and the people are friendly. The Vicarage even has the makings of a garden - horticulture being a passion that I share with Lady Victoria here. We have already managed to visit each other's gardens. Her cornflowers are a sight to behold."

The Vicar smiled, reining in his enthusiasm. A soldier might not be interested in the likes of cornflowers, after all!

"I trust you'll be around long enough to attend service. I am discovering the history of the church and of those who have served there before me. I'd be happy to show you around if that appeals."

Lady Victoria remained smiling as the Vicar spoke of their gardens.  She did have a love of the cornflower, it was a favorite.  She took a moment to look around and noticed quite a few familiar faces.

When the Vicar spoke of services she brightened, "oh Major William do say you'll attend?  If you've not a pew to sit in I am sure father will be obliging to let you share ours.  It is a beautiful church, nothing like to ones in London, this one is..." she paused trying to think of the right word to describe to church, "...well for lack of a better word I'd say it is comfortable, warm and just...oh do say you'll come?"

He was after all a friend of her family.

William stiffened considerably; this as not a conversation he'd expected to have so early on, and he hated disappointing people, especially someone whom he very much wanted to oblige.  But he also had a duty to remain true to himself.

"I'm...afraid the war on the Peninsula has left me something of a realist, in matters where faith are concerned.  I saw a lot of brave young men lie on the battlefield, crying out to god for his grace and intervention, and they received none of it.  It has left me questioning a great many things, things which ought not be brought up at a happy time such as this.  Suffice to say...it may be some time before I return to the arms of the church, no offense Vicar."

He looked down at his feet, hoping he did not commit a faux pas which he could never recover.

"Cornflowers...yes, I recall seeing a lovely field of cornflowers in France, le bleuets, I believe they are called, just south of Arles, where I was confined.  I couldn't be certain that they are the same species as our English cornflowers, but they looked the same from where I was..."

He trailed off, wondering where the conversation would go next.

"Oh, no offense taken, Major Hood, although there may be time for discussion in the future... Cornflowers are indeed rather splendid. Lady Victoria has some very fine specimens in her gardens, and my predecessor in the Vicarage was not backwards in cultivating his own either."

Ah, dear poor lost soul. Never having seen a battlefield - and hoping never to do so - the Vicar could but imagine the effect of one on a man's faith, his relationship with his Maker. He moved the conversation to less contentious matters.

After hearing him confess his feelings on faith she felt quite bad for the memories they must have brought to the surface and hoped she hadn't insulted him.  When he mentioned confinement her heart and stomach plummeted.  Victoria's eyebrows furrowed wishing the floor would open up and sallow her up.

Taking up some courage she thought to turn the conversation over to horses.  A fail safe of hers, "mmm, gardens bring such joy, yes, but..." A small smile appeared on her face, "a good ride through the meadows never ceases to bring happiness.  When I am having a bad go of it I always have my spirited chestnut mare, she has the perfect set of neat ears and a dainty head. She carries herself with a lively presence and possess a good depth of girth, she has well-sprung ribs and her slope is just right.  You'd be hard pressed to find another like her, she has a fire and when she sprints, well my Fiona is a vision of beauty."

She stopped suddenly and a color spread from her neck to the top of her head, "do pardon me, I got a little lost there.  Fiona was a gift from my father and well I get a little carried away.  Please forgive me."  She looked up with an apological smile for the two gentlemen.

"My Marcus is nowhere as good looking, but he is a good steady animal nevertheless," contributed the Vicar, "Although I doubt that his as fast as Fiona either. Maybe we should hold a cross-country race someday, ride out on our horses together. With a picnic afterwards, of course."

In reply to Sir John Marke (msg # 17):

"Thank you, " Robert said with a smile. He would make his way to meet with the guests. He wasn't one to start a conversation necessarily, but enjoyed talking with others regardless.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:37, Thu 02 Dec 2021.

William returned to the conversation with a smile.

"There is nothing like a good horse; a bracing gallop in fine weather in the lovely countryside, with the wind blowing across your face is all anyone ever needs from time to time, although the more time the better.  And while I am sure you both possess excellent horses, I for one would not trade my Sirocco for the sunset, nor for the entire world and its contents.  Sometimes I feel like I am only really free when I am riding him.  And that's why I've come here, really: I want to start a horse farm, with Sirocco as the main sire, and breed horses.  Seeing the number of men killed in battle was bad enough, but the number of horses I saw - "

He paused for a moment.

"...anyway, the world could certainly use more fine horses, but not for battle, but for riding in the countryside; not a pet, but a true companion.  Treat a horse well, and you have a friend for life."

Sir John remarked, "Like the vicar, I cannot claim my horse would keep up with Sirocco in a race, but he is a very good companion in a ride about the countryside --one of my favorite recreations since childhood. I think I can say I have explored every country lane within a day's ride of Markham Hall, and a good number of those beyond that distance. I should be most happy to share any of them with those who choose to go --with a picnic afterwards, as Dr. Arabin said."

In reply to Sir John Marke (msg # 17):

Angeline nodded  at the maid, and went inside, removing her spencer jacket and handing it to said maid.

 "Thank you" she said when Sir John greeted her and Mr Whitford. "A pleasure to be here."

"A very great pleasure to have you with us, Miss Walsh. Please join the company and take what you may wish to drink." Sir John replies.

"A horserace would indeed be most fun and we could bring the entire town together.  Make it a town picnic and the fun that could be had, why father would surely be supportive of this idea Vicar Arabin, what a marvelous idea."

It was good to speak of horses, seemed to bring a bit of happiness if only for a few minutes to the majors eyes.  For a moment she was saddened by what she'd remembered of him and what the war had done.  Oddly she wished to know more of his time there but not for ghoulish reasons but to understand who he now was.

"Breed horses you say Major Hood?  well then you must come to our home, father will want to speak with you for he has retired you see, Harry has taken over for my father in London and he has been trying to find interested parties to partner with.  You would do well to speak with him.  And Will..."  She stopped herself turning a bit for speaking his first name so casually.  How rude of her.  "Yes, Major Hood you must come to tea next chance you have for father would want to speak further."

Victoria was a little nervous still, hoping she'd not displeased the Major, with their families history she did not want to ruin a valued friendship over her foolishness.

"May I ask you both when you arrived in Alton?  I know Vicar you are new but when did you arrive?  And Major Hood, have you only just come to our little hamlet?  I say that like I've lived here my entire life but this has only ever been a country retreat really.  Father always enjoyed the country."

"I have been here but a month or so. Still meeting parishoners and getting to know my way around," said the Vicar.

"It is my first real parish, so very exciting. Previously I was a college chaplain in Oxford, quite different. A bunch of young men to care for, they have other needs from a village."

William smiled at the radiant young lady; so far she hadn't seemed put off by his statements, unless she was being extraordinarily polite.

"About a fortnight, Lady", William replied, "I bumped into an old friend while in hospital in London, Sir Charles Grey, and he told me much about Alton while we both recovered.  he told me so much, in fact, that it did not take long for me to desire to see the area for myself.  I was looking for a place to call my own after my recovery, and after everything that happened on the Peninsula I was ready for a slower, quieter place, a greener place with flowers and hedgerows; I wanted to become a gentleman of the countryside.  And so here I am, at the gracious thanks of Sir John and his family.  As you may recall, Lady, I am from the Midlands, originally, Warwickshire.  Having no desire to return there after my service was concluded, nor any to remain in London, Alton seemed like an expedient, and ultimately rewarding choice.  There is a small, unoccupied manor house called Langley, not far from town proper; my intention is to buy that property, and possibly some of the surrounding land, and turn it into a horse farm.  I would certainly enjoy to speak with your father, the Earl, with regards to this task, at the very least to ask him his opinion, something I have always valued."

To go from the son of landed gentry to a working gentleman farmer was not an 'upwardly mobile' profile, to borrow a coarse American phrase, but it nonetheless accurately and honestly described his intentions.  In many ways, he would be committing social suicide, at least in the eyes of his father and the pole climbers at Court, but William had no interest in such things, only the peace and quiet and happy life heretofore denied him due to his station and family.  Now, what the Darenverns thought of that, who could say, but William could imagined exactly what the Earl might think of that.

"I suppose there are some who would think me foolish for such a scheme, given my family and their status, but if I might lead a life of otherwise quiet contentment it seems a small price to pay.  My father, of course, is adamantly against the idea, as are the rest of my family, which is why we are...estranged.  Well, all the best families fight, from time to time..."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:36, Tue 07 Dec 2021.

Sir John remarked, "Having lived in Alton all my life -setting aside my schooldays -- I certainly believe that a country life here is worthy of a gentleman, especially one like yourself, William, who has already given so much to the service of his country. You have surely earned the right to rest where you will."

In reply to Sir John Marke (msg # 36):

"Thank you." she said. "I will."

Sir John addressed William and Robert saying "May I make known to you our lovely neighbor, Miss Angeline Walsh, who has been kind enough to grace our company with her presence. I think you will find her a very agreeable companion."

Turning to Angeline, he says, "And these gentlemen are Major William Hood and Robert Whitford, who have lately settled nearby. I hope they will prove distinguished additions to our local society."

William smiled and bowed his head slightly as Sir John introduced the new lady.

"Miss Walsh, how very nice to make your acquaintance".

In reply to William Anthony Hood (msg # 43):

"A pleasure to meet you both." Angeline said, and curtseyed.

In reply to Angeline Walsh (msg # 44):

"I'm Robert. It is good to meet you," he said, approaching the small group.

Sir John says "If we have all met each other, would you care to join me in the dining room for a modest collation?"

"I would relish that," said the Vicar, who truth to tell was getting rather hungry!

"Indeed", replied William, "I am certain the repast will be as enjoyable as the company at Sir John's table".

Sir Jophn replies, "I certainly hope you will find it so." He leads the way into his home's smaller dining room, where there is a table set with places for all the guests, while a number of dishes are set out towards the center of the table, including chicken, fish, and venison.
Lady Victoria, as the woman of highest rank, is given the lace nearest the head of the table, while Sir John as the host takes his place at the foot, and the others seat themselves in accordance with their rank. Doris and Sally assist in serving the dishes to the company.
This message was last updated by the GM at 23:33, Fri 28 Jan 2022.

The Vicar took his seat, clearing his throat loudly to cover a tummy rumble that, to his ears at least, echoed round the room.

"Shall I say grace, Sir John?"

Sir John replies, "Please do so, Dr. Arabin, as soon as everyone is ready."

Arabin waited until everyone was settled, then bowed his head. He'd keep this short, he wanted to eat!

"Give us grateful hearts, O Lord, as we partake of your mercies, and make us ever mindful of the needs of others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Sir John added a heartfelt "Amen" after Arabin's prayer --he looked forward to eating with his guests. After the grace was ended, he looked arounds and said "Please inform my maids of whatever you may wish to eat, and they will be happy to serve you."

"Next time I shall remember bring a few bottles of Port; drinking it for the first time was easily the best experience I had on the Peninsula, especially the tawny port, which in the olden days they referred to as Malmsey".

Sir John says, "I recall reading of malmsey wine in tales of the old days. I believe they say George, duke of Clarence, was drowned in a butt of it -- only the best for a royal prince. I would not go so far, myself, but I would be glad to taste it.

 For now, we have some good claret and French brandy. I must confess that though I am a magistrate I do not enquire too closely into its origins. The innkeeper at Fiddler's Green who sells it to me is honest enough in his way, but I do not ask him where he finds it. "Them that asks no questions isn't told a lie"" as the saying goes."

OOC: The quotation is from Kipling's "Smuggler's Song."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:47, Wed 02 Feb 2022.

In reply to Sir John Marke (msg # 46):

"Of course" Angeline said, and went into the dining room with the others.

There, she sat down along with everybody else, and sat there very quietly while the Dr was praying.

Sir John says, "Lady Victoria and Miss Walsh, may I invite you to partake of whatever dishes plese you? Sally and Doris will be most happy to serve you."

In reply to Sir John Marke (msg # 57):

Angeline then made her request, and waited for the maid to bring it.

Doris listened carefully to Angeline, and brought her what she had requested. The maid said "I do hope this is to your liking, ma'm. If not, there are plenty of other dishes, as you can see."

OOC: I could have Doris say more if I knew what Angeline had ordered.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:31, Sun 06 Mar 2022.

In reply to Sir John Marke (msg # 59):

Angeline thanked her.

Ooc: She ordered scones, butter, and jam.

Doris carefully buttered warm scones from the dish on the sideboard and added gooseberry jam.
Then she presented the scones with a polite curtsey and said, as noted, that if this was not to her liking there were many other choices.

Meanwhile Sally --who always enjoyed masculine company --- was urging the gentlemen guests to permit her to serve them...

Sally looks a bit hurt that neither Robert nor the vicar shows interest in her obvious charms,  but she moves on to William Hood and leans over him to display her bosom while cooing "Surely there is something I can fetch such a gallant gentleman. How can I serve you?"

"Well, Sally, perhaps some chicken, if you please, along with a few potatoes.  That seems like a good start."

Sally, though hoping for a warmer response, said "Certainly, sir," and promptly provided a very full dish with about half a chicken and as many potatoes as she could cram on the dish.
She dexterously placed this before William, saying "If there is anything else I can do for you, I shall be most happy to serve you, sir."

William cleared his throat.

"Yes, well, I think this should be sufficient, thank you..."

Sally suppresses her disappointment and says "Very well, sir." She then resumes a more conventional servant demeanor and circles around to make sure the others are satisfied.
Since Angelina had appeared interested, Sally asks her politely, "May I assist you, ma'm?"

In reply to Sir John Marke (msg # 67):

"No, thank you. If I do need anything, I shall ask." Angeline said politely, and turned her head back to her plate, picking up a scone spread in butter and biting into it.

Sally retreats, defeated, and takes up a conventional servant stance beside the sideboard, watching to see if any of the guests needs anything. The other maid, Doris, has been standing there already. Sally whispers to her "A vicar, a cold fish, and a dashing officer --and none of them will give me the time o' day."<Brown>
Doris responds sharply, <Brown>"The master's dinner is no place for your games, Sally."

Sally answers, a bit more angrily, "Games, is it? What about that dirty fellow you've been sneaking about with? He's a far sight worse than any of this lot."
Realizing she has spoken so loudly the guests might overhear her, Sally suddenly falls silent.
The butler gives her a severe look, and Sir John glances at her as well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:31, Mon 23 May 2022.

William stepped into the moment, before any lasting embarrassment might harm the evening.

"Miss Walsh, have you tried the jam on your scone?  Can you possibly tell what type of fruit it is composed of?  I cannot tell from my vantage point, and I am considering trying a sample."

In reply to William Anthony Hood (msg # 70):

Angeline smiled politely. " Yes, I have. Blueberry, I believe."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Sat 04 June 2022.

Hoping to make up for her awkward moment, and admiring William, Sally hastens to bring the jam to William, saying "Jam for your scone, Major? It's boiled from our own berries in the kitchen garden."

Being in a little too eager to serve William, Sally manages to lose her grip on the jam pot and spill jam all over William's dress shirt. She recoils in horror, crying "Oh, pray forgive me, major!"

Sir John stares at Sally and says in shocked surprise, "That is not the quality of service I should expect from anyone at Markham Hall, Sally. You must ask Mrs. Partridge for a cloth to clean the major's clothes."

Sally, blushing furiously, hastens towards the kitchen offices.

William was studiously trying to ignore Sally's attentions when she dropped the jam pot on him, spilling the jam all over his shirt.  He stood up, and was brushing away the jam, all the while muttering "not at all, I have plenty of shirts..." - then he noticed the way the jam splotched red on his white shirt, looking very much the way blood from musket wounds looked on white linen shirts beneath the red Hussar's uniforms, and his own face went white for a moment from the memory.  For just a moment, the sounds of battle were all around him, the whirring of shot overhead and nearby, the concussion of canon firing canister shot that sounded like a million hot angry hornets flying by, the screams of dying men and horses...for a moment, it was all too much.

He grabbed the back of his chair to steady himself, felt his knee give way, then managed to get himself back into the chair without falling down.

To the others he waved his hand, saying "It's only a bit of jam...no need for a great fuss."

"Are you well, Mister Hood? Would you care for a glass of water - or something stronger - or to step out for a breath of air?"

The Vicar looked concerned.

Sir John gave Sally a very severe looked that promised future discussion of care i serving a guest, and offered "We can easily find a glass of brandy if that would be more reviving, Major."

"Yes, some brandy would be most invigorating", William replied, feeling a bit embarrassed at causing a scene.

Sir John turns to Doris (the plain, quiet maid) and says briskly, "Brandy for the major at once, please."

Doris bobs her head, hastens to a decanter on the sideboard, pours a brimming glass of brandy and carefully sets it before Major Hood, being sure not to spill a drop. Having done so, she politely retires, but cannot resist casting one admiring glance at him. She may not be as smitten with him as Sally, but she is not completely immune to his charms.

"Thank you", Major Hood replied when Doris set the glass down before him.  He raised the glass carefully, cupping it and giving the glass a swirl to warm the glass a bit, took a sniff, and then drank a measured sip.  It was outstanding, as expected from Sir John's stock.  "Pomace, I presume, from the colour", he continued, "since my time in the field I have rather acquired a taste for Armagnac, which of course is now quite difficult to obtain.  But this has a fine finish, my compliments, Sir John."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:47, Tue 01 Nov 2022.

Sir John nods politely and says, "I am very glad the brandy is to your taste, major, and I hope it proves restorative. Armagnac, alas, I have not seen --or tasted -- since the last we laid down before the war was drunk, and I do not expect to have more until peace is at last restored. There are those "free-traders" who traffic in it, of course, but as a magistrate I can hardly countenance such dealings."

Since he felt the unfortunate episode has rather spoilt the dinner, Sir John waits until everyone has finished and says, "I must crave everyone's pardon for this unfortunate little contretemps. I hope that we will nonetheless be able to continue to sustain the connections with our new acquaintances. I look forward to seeing you all again soon. If any of you has a suggestion for another suitable occasion we might celebrate together, I would be very glad to hear it."

Hearing no immediate suggestions, Sir John proposes tentatively, "Since Major Hood is an enthusiastic horseman, perhaps we could join him in a ride around Allton, to give him a better notion of the lay of the land in his new home. I could have Mrs. Partridge put up a lunch for us, and we could stop in some pleasant grove to partake of it. Would that please the company?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:23, Mon 09 Jan 2023.

"An outstanding suggestion; I am always ready for a day's hack."

In reply to Sir John Marke (msg # 82):

Angeline had to agree. A ride about sounded delightful.

Sir John continues, "I am very glad Miss Walsh will be with us. I hope that Lady Victoria and Dr. Arabin and perhaps others will also share the ride."

"I would relish a ride out with such pleasant company," said the Vicar.

Sir John responds "Splendid! No doubt our appreciation of the beauties of Creation will be enhanced by your company, doctor. Will lady Victoria or others care to join us?"

When everyone has expressed (or not expressed) an interest in the proposed ride, Sir John says "Well, I do thank you all most heartily for attending my dinner. I shall certainly look forward to our ride together. May I offer you all a stirrup-cup before you depart for this evening?"

On the next pleasant day, Sir John instructs Mrs. Partridge to prepare an elegant luncheon, while her husband was to select the most suitable wines to accompany it, together with a large jug of lemonade for those who might not wish to imbibe too heavily.
Doris was tasked with preparing the latter, which she did with care, following the instructions she had received from her beloved Phineas.

Once all appears ready, Sir John has his groom Jem bring his own horse around from the stables and waits eagerly in his front drive for the arrival of his guests.

As time wears on, and his guests do not appear, Sir John becomes disturbed and wonders aloud, "Could there have been some misunderstanding of the time for our little excursion? Should I send Jem around to the other houses to be sure my guests are coming??"
Jem replies "I'd not trouble yourself too soon, gov'nor. Fine folks may take time to be ready for a nice outing. Besides, by the time I'd get around to all their houses, the day would be too late for a picnic today. Either they'll be along shortly or not at all."

As if on cue, the Vicar turned up on a rawboned grey horse.

"Good morning. I was worried I was late and you'd all have gone without me."

"Delighted to see you, doctor." Sir John greets him, beaming. "I was beginning to fear everyone had forgotten our little excursion. I hope the others will join us soon. Meanwhile, can you tell me how your studies are progressing, and how your flock is prospering? As a warden I should always share the concerns of the parish."

Rather late, William finally turned up on Sirocco, who as usual was chomping at the bit to let fly.

"Good morning", William replied with a sheepish grin, "my apologies for such tardiness, but Sirocco threw a shoe and had to be re-shod.  I hope we are not too late..."

Sir John says "Your delay is quite pardonable, major. We could hardly ask you to join us on a pleasant country ride without a horse. Now if only the ladies appear, our party will be complete. The fair sex is notoriously given to spending time enhancing their already impressive natural beauty, and one can hardly complain of the results, but still..."

The Vicar looked slightly embarassed.

"I was calling on some of the villagers and lost track of time, I'm afraid. But you are my parishoners too, after all, so I am still about my business."

Angeline arrived soon enough."I am sorry if I have kept the gentlemen waiting." She gave a small smile.

Sir John bowed to her and declared, "I assure you that we were more that happy to wait for the honor and pleasure of your company on this agreeable expedition."

After waiting a little more, Sir John says, "It seems that all the guests have arrived, for the moment. Jem, if you will collect our refreshments from Mrs. Partridge in the kitchen we will be off." The groom knuckles his forehead and vanishes for a short while, returning with two large, well-filled baskets, from one of which the necks of several bottles protrude. He sets them carefully into saddlebags on a sturdy though far from spirited horse, mounts it, and then reports "All ready, Sir John."

Sir John surveys the party cheerfully and says "Forward, my friends!" He leads off at the gentle pace. He turns left coming out of the Markham Hall grounds, and rides on until he reaches the first crossroads to the north, where he pauses and says "What is your pleasure? The London Road eastward, the West Road, or the main road north through the village and beyond?"

OOC: See the Game Map. If you choose east or west, I may need to improvise more, but I am willing to do so if the party pleases.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:42, Tue 23 May 2023.

Hearing no responses from his guests, Sir John says, "Well, for the present I think we might ride on over the bridge and through the village. We shall see more of our neighbors that way, which may be of interest to those of you who are new to Allton."
Assuming that no-one suggests a different choice, he leads the party on over the bridge into the village of Allton itself.

The Vicar smiled at the choice and began to point out some of the features of the village and the places where one could get the best cakes and other supplies.

Sir John says, "We do indeed have some fine pastries here, for a village our size. I should say that we also have quite a handsome church. Those of you who are new here might like to see it under the vicar's guidance. We could dismount for a bit to walk around it if you like."

In reply to Sir John Marke (msg # 99):

Angeline smiled again, and waited to see if anyone else would be arriving. When that did not seem to be the case, she thought that they were missing out on this lovely day.

After they had crossed the bridge, she said that she would be perfectly happy to walk around, and immediately took an interest in the pastry shop after having dismounted.

Sir John also dismounts and joins Angeline in looking over the pastries displayed in the village shop. He remarks confidentially to her "Although as a churchwarden here I really should recommend the church, I must confess my sweet tooth draws me to the excellent cakes here."

The Vicar smiled.

"You will be welcome to visit the church after you've sampled the pastries."

Sir John responds apologetically, "I appreciate your patience with our human failings, Dr. Arabin. I assure you we will be glad to view your church once we have satisfied our weakness."

Turning to Angeline, he says "Since you are my guest for this expedition, Miss Walsh, I would be most happy to purchase any pastries for you which strike your fancy."

After a moment he adds, "Of course I will also be happy to buy pastries for my other guests."

A little old woman in a plain grey dress under a large white apron appears at the door of the shop, bobs a simple curtsy to Sir John, beams at the party and says, "What may I offer you today, dearie?"

William dismounted and joined the others after tethering Sirocco.

"I love pastries", he confessed, "best thing the French ever created, in my opinion; but I must have a care not to indulge too much; any weight gain on my part would put extra stress on my leg, and as I age that could present some intolerable challenges.  But perhaps a cup of tea would be nice..."

The pastryshop matron turns to William and says, "Aye, there's nothing so good as a nice cup o' tea, and surely you can let yourself have just one wee little cake along with it?"
Sir John says, "I should be glad of a cup myself. Would the rest of you care to join us?"

In reply to Sir John Marke (msg # 107):

Angeline laughed. "I can imagine, if the pastries are good." After he had made his offer, she thanked him politely, and went with him into the shop.

"I should like a cup of tea very much, thank you." She said.

The pastry cook shows the party to a table for four covered with a crisp red and white checked tablecloth, goes into the recesses of the shop and returns with a plump blonde young woman with a noticeable family resemblance to the proprietor, who is carrying a tray laden with a large blue-and-white Wedgewood teapot accompanied by matching sugar and cream vessels, and four cups with saucers, while her mother the proprietor follows with another tray laden with several piles of pastries. Both of them set their burdens on the table, and then the elder says cheerfully, "Here you are, good people. If you require anything more, please tell my daughter Rose."

Sir John turn to Angeline and asks, "Would you care to pour for us, Miss Walsh?"

In reply to Sir John Marke (msg # 112):

"Of course." Angeline agreed, and took up the teapot by its handle, and began to carefully pour tea into each cup. When she had finished, she set the teapot down, and sat down again.

Sir John says, "Thank you very much, Miss Walsh. I shall take cream and sugar, myself. Would you care for any, Major?"