"This looks like a fun weekend away" she messaged him.
As he opened the link he shook his head.
"What?" she asked.
The link was for a themed party at a country estate, styled as a tribute for a show she had been binging on, he had somehow managed to avoid it.
"It is a big ball themed like the show Carlisle Court and it would be so much fun to go together".
"Would it?" he asked. He hadn't seen the show but from what he could gather it was set in Edwardian England at a stately home. It looked dramatic and hadn't quite grabbed his interest.
"I think it would be amazing" she replied "The opportunity to dress up, dance, drink and just have fun at a county estate would be something that I think we would both love" she again suggested.
"Granted, I've not seen the show" he replied, "but as much as I love the idea of a weekend in the country hanging out with you, I'm not entirely sure they would be the most fun crowd to be around".
"I think you would be surprised," she replied coyly.
"Ok," he said. "it's a fortnight away, so maybe order a costume online and something for me, and i'll register with us," he said.
"Ummm, how about I register us, just to save you the trouble" she quickly blurted out and added, "i'll take care of everything, you just come and have fun, I guarantee it will be better than you think".
The fortnight passed quickly and the big day arrived. As they drove into the countryside, the scenery
"Are you ok?" he asked his wife, noticing that she seemed a bit anxious.
"Oh I'm just a bit excited," she responded.
"So how many people are going?" he asked.
"About 40 I think," she said.
"Right, anyone we know?" he asked.
"I hope not!" she responded quickly.
"Me too" he replied, "i'd hate to run into someone from work and I'm all dressed up like some old fashioned English Lord, it would be super weird".
"Um so about that, it's a bit exclusive, you kinda have to fill out a lot of details to go and anyways you wear a mask," she said.
"A mask? so it's kinda like a masquerade ball?" he asked.
"Yep, that's exactly what it is" she responded "and it's a really good way to meet new people and just, you know, have fun".
"Okay, that sounds like a bit of fun," he responded, smiling.
"Oh I hope you will enjoy it, it's been something that I have been thinking about doing for fun for a while".
He smiled again and turned into a large gate and then followed the long driveway past manicured lawns. A light rain had fallen that morning and the countryside felt fresh and new.
The stately home was stunning. A large stone home with soaring towers and large windows framed by exquisite stonework. It was from a bygone era and lent itself to the feeling that they had stepped back in time.
As they entered the large entrance, a large lobby area was dwarfed by a grand staircase. Rooms branched off the foyers, large, expansive and classically furnished.
"Good evening Sir, Madam," said a friendly voice from behind an elegant desk, "Can I check you in?"
His wife quickly ran over and took care of the reservation in hushed tones leaving her husband to inspect the impressive surroundings of this extraordinary manor house.
"Very well then, thank you for filling out all the paperwork, the utmost care has been taken to ensure that you will have the best experience," the kind receptionist said to his wife.
They made their way up the grand staircase and down a corridor to their room. Upon opening it, they both stopped and gasped. Grand was an understatement. A large and expansive room styled to the period. Large 12ft windows opened up onto a large balcony. The bathroom had a large claw-footed bath in it and offered a perfect view of the large estate. The bed, four postered and draped in silk curtains. A large fireplace was not far from the floor of the bed.
"This is spectacular," he said to his wife.
"I love it, it's like being in a fairytale," she said, throwing herself down on the bed and looking up towards the high vaulted ceiling.
"We don't have a lot of time, I suggest we both get ready for the ball at 6," she said.
"That isn't long," he replied.
"Ummm baby, can I make a suggestion, order a few drinks to get started up in the room," she said as she walked off towards the bathroom to get ready.
Shortly after ordering his drinks there was a knock at the door and a butler arrived. He was dressed of the era and in character as he took the drinks into the room and placed them down on a table.
"How are you and your wife feeling sir?" he asked genuinely.
"We're good thanks, quite looking forward to tonight" he replied.
"I understand it is your first time at one of these events?" he inquired.
"Yes," he replied, "it is very much a new experience for me".
"Ah, well I'm sure you will have the very best night then sir" he smiled and left the room.
He took his drink in his hand and walked towards the bathroom.
"I've finished my shower baby, why don't you jump in and i'll get ready while you shower, it will take me a while," she said,