An Evening of Pleasure or Eighteenth Century Passion Ignited
The coach rounded the circular driveway pass the stately elms towards the manor. Great braisiers illuminated the clear summer evening air but, they were still dim compared to the blazing candles emanating from the great house.
The coach pulled up and the liveried servants hustled to open the door and set the step down. Sir James surveyed the scene quickly before emerging from the dark interior of the gilded coach.
The servants mouthed the customary greetings befitting his station as Sir James the Rose sauntered towards the marble steps.
Guest greeted the gentleman with hearty shouts and the occasional handshake. Sir James acknowledged each greeting with individual attention and a smile as he pasted the open door and entered the foyer of the ancient hall.
Lord Oglesby, the titled owner of the manor, raised his glass towards Sir James and extended his hand.
“You look well, Sir James. I see the continent has refreshed you.” The lord was making reference to Sir James’ recent art hunting expedition to Greece and Italy.
“Thank you so much milord. I trust you and Lady Oglesby are both in good cheer?”
“Why thank you for your consideration my dear friend. We are both well. Pricilla, the lord’s spouse, wishes you to know her particular friend Lady Wanda is here this evening and will be our honored guest for the next fortnight.”
The mention of Lady Wanda’s name sent a feeling of warmth through James’ loins. It had been months since he had last seen her and their time together had been entirely too brief.
“Ah, I see that you recall her well James. This is good. The gentle creature has often asked about your health and wellbeing.”
“Yes”, replied Sir James with a boyish grin, “ she has oft’ been in my thoughts.”
“This is good my boy, very good. She is a prize worth pursuing. And with an estate of 500 pounds annually very well heeled. Of course, her wit and poise are incomparable.” With that said Oglesby nudged Sir James in his ribs gently.
Arms linked together the two men walked into the main ballroom. Nods and bows given freely and accepted graciously as they made their way through the crowd to the alcove where Pricilla held her sway over a knot of young men trying to impress her Ladyship with their wit and savoir faire.
“Oh my dear James she called out rising from her settee and extending her hand.”
The young men sneered and tried to look bored and worldly with Sir James’s approach to the group.