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."