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As the sounds of horses and carriage wheels could be heard from outside the gates, Marquise de Tourzel had a last-minute glass of champagne for luck this evening. She received unexpected news early on the same day that His Majesty Louis XVI would be one of the guests to arrive on his way from Saint-Cloud to Versailles. She wished the stairs were better cleaned and polished to make the marble shine, as would be appropriate for such a special guest. But nothing can be changed now...

Diary Entry April 17th, 1776.

The young Franco-Austrian musician Monsieur Gerhard was very kind to receive my invitation to entertain us for the evening. He is very talented and holds much promise in court! There were a lot of attendees, more than I anticipated. His Majesty's presence was not expected but very much welcomed, and it is always lovely to see Princesse de Lamballe, she is such a good friend to have.

I am writing now in a condition close to agony. Since the early evening, I have slowly developed a very much unwelcome headache, and, unfortunately, had to retire early in His Majesty's presence. Such a failure as a hostess! But luckily, His Majesty was quite understanding, being weary of travels himself. Madame Langlais was very kind assisting me out of the salon and arranging with her husband Docteur Langlais for a mesmerist consultation. I should let one of my valets to send a message with arrangements sometime soon . . .

NB More photos on Facebook and Flickr!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1696447317238933/1697067290510269/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/114025716@N06/26394883172/in/dateposted/

(photo credits to AlasandAlack & Pepa Cometa)

A Meeting of John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, and Elizabeth Malet:

[2016/02/12] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester: My, you are a wee thing!

[2016/02/12] Lady Elizabeth Malet curtsies, trying to keep the smile from coming to her face at the gentlemans overly familiar greeting.

[2016/02/12] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester: All the sooner to circumnavigate you with my kisses.

[2016/02/12] Lady Elizabeth Malet blushes deeply and looks to see who might observe the two of them. You talk quite bold, sir. You must not say such things when my grandfather or Countess Ballintrae are near. They are quite protective of me, you know. Court intrigues are quite a bit more complicated than our little peccadillos out in the country I am finding out!"

[2016/02/12] Lady Elizabeth Malet notices her heart beating faster as Rochester reaches out for her hand and moves to kiss it.

[2016/02/12] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester takes up her hand to kiss it, adding the slight suggestion of a tongue tip at the end. He looks up into her eyes as his head rises. "My dear, irreproachably spotless maiden, what is said is said, whether true or guesswork. Therefore we have nothing to fear; for the worst of what can be said has likely been said already."

[2016/02/12] Lady Elizabeth Malet cannot keep a foolish grin from her face. She tries to look properly straight-laced, but breaks out into laughter, a secret they share. "Shh!" she tells him, as if he were the one making noise.

[2016/02/12] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester leans in to kiss again. "I mean to ask you to marry. Thus far you have resisted, but I shall win you, by crook or hook, mark me!"

[2016/02/12] Lady Elizabeth Malets grin falters. "If it were only by my say so, the bans would be out in a trice. But you know how my family feels about my marriage. Give them more time, I beg you! Your charm will win them over, I am sure of it!"

[2016/02/12] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester: "Turds and balderdash. I'll not let you and our future be held hostage by your family. An Earl and Man of the King's bedchamber? Naval hero and diplomat? How dare they waffle so. You need rescuing from their clutches...hmmm. With this, Rochester raises fingertip to brow theatrically as he does when composing thought or poem to himself. Theres an option."

[2016/02/12] Lady Elizabeth Malet frowns slightly. "You aren't going to do anything dangerous are you? No boxing anyone's ears or anything like that. Please?"

[2016/02/12] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester: "Never you mind, my tiger-lily orchid of delight. Naught but a passing thought. Shall we make our way to the tilt fields?" Rochester begins to formulate the plan for his lady's rescue while they walk. Then is distracted by the sight of the King's Head tavern and its calling libations.

###

[2016/02/13] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester: /me walks the cobblestoned street side by side with Lady Malet, his head woozing as usual for this hour, "Come, Betty my pet, lets stop in for a morning draught at this grog-pit, what say you? The cobblestones seem harder on the sole this morn, and the absence of spirits harder on the soul. A swizzle and escape of the bullying sun, eh what?" Rochester steers them to the tavern door and calls inside, initially shouting, but wincing at the pain of his own volume, lowering his voice. "GOD SAVE..errrm, God save ye all within."

[2016/02/13] Elizabeth Malet walks along the Earl, occasionally redirecting his steps as he wobbles. "A respite from the sun seems in order. Is this your favorite haunt? Or rather, one of them?" She looks up to catch the name of the inn as they enter.

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): /me looks up and smiles at the two entering.* * A fine day t'ye both, milord and lady! How may I serve you?

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): "And a fine welcome to th' King's Head Inn!"

[2016/02/13] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester :/me casts a lascivious look out of habit, considering a salacious suggestion of how the comely wench might serve, but remembering himself, merely orders. "Good morrow my dear. Warm rum punch, a bowl toward the chill, and powder forte, don't spare the spice, my morning dove. Is there beefsteak to be had? A cold slice with cheeses as well then."

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): /me recognizes the Earl of Rochester - who doesn't? - and bobs a curtsy to him and the lady, whom she does not recognize* "I've a fine side of roast if'n if please you. Rum punch, aye, but also a new cask a wine from Spain just opened also. D'ye and the lady care to have a chair and I will bring yer plates."

[2016/02/13] Elizabeth Malet: /me nods to the young barmaid, wishing she were not quite so pretty and amenable. "Thank you, missy. Some weak wine and a pot of porridge for me, please." She joins Rochester at table, taking his hand when she thinks no one is looking.

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): /me busies herself at the counter pouring rum punch and sack for the lady and carrying them to the table.* "All fer yer pleasure, milord and lady! I will have yer food promptly."

[2016/02/13] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester: /me grins in approval, leading Lady Malet by hand into his lap. He doffs his tricorn, tossing it onto the table. His arm around her waist would only put up slight resistance if she should try to escape for propriety's sake.

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): /me averts her eyes slightly, as the Earl's leering countenance at the young woman with him suggests she may not know what she's in for. She busied herself slicing cheese and roast and added a piece of bread to the plate. Spooning the warm porridge into another bowl, she loaded the dishes onto a tray and carried them to the couple* *Here ye go! Piping hot and ready t' eat!"

[2016/02/13] Cdric d'Amboise (cedric.hansome): greetings madame

[2016/02/13] Elizabeth Malet: /me squeaks in surprise as Rochester pulls her into his lap. She looks to the door, making sure no one will see them, before giving him a good kiss in return, starting to explore him with her hands when the barmaid's return interrupts. "Oh, yes, well. Thank you, good woman. This looks appealing." She sits on the bench and straightens her clothing.

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): "A good day t'ye, milord!" *curtsies to the gentleman* "May I serve ye t'day?"

[2016/02/13 09:50] Clary: Sweet honey stirred into the wine adds so much character.

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): /me is rather dazzled by the man's fine appearance and gives him a silly smile of obvious admiration.* Aye. I mean, oui!

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): /me giggles and covers her mouth, glancing to the coupe who seem to be content.* "Would you care for something to eat, sir?"

[2016/02/13] Cdric d'Amboise (cedric.hansome): suree

[2016/02/13] Elizabeth Malet: /me nods to the new gentleman. "Greetings, good sir!

[2016/02/13] Cdric d'Amboise (cedric.hansome): greetins chere madame

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): /me bobs a curtsy to the man at the bar and tries not to stare* "You are most dashing, sir!"

[2016/02/13] Cdric d'Amboise (cedric.hansome): merci merci

[2016/02/13] Cdric d'Amboise (cedric.hansome): bienvenue

[2016/02/13] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester: /me resists a loutish reply to the "Piping hot and ready to eat" at the tavern-moll's expense, settling for a friendly leer before idly toying with the fork, turning his attention to the roast, spearing a small savory nugget of beef and, dipping it into the galantine sauce, leaning in close and offering it to Lady Malets lips. Seeing another enter, he hesitates, then calls out "God save ye, sir. Will you have a cup in the name of health to king and state?"

[2016/02/13] Cdric d'Amboise (cedric.hansome): glory to the king

[2016/02/13] Cdric d'Amboise (cedric.hansome): Gloire au Roi

[2016/02/13] Elizabeth Malet: /me checks that her gown and hair are back in place, giving Rochester a mischievous grin. "How is your milk punch, m'lord?" she murmurs.

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): /me prepares a plate of roast beef for the gentleman and places it before him. Wiping her hands on her apron, she nodded to him and walked around the bar holding a pitcher of rum and one of sack to refill to the couple, who seem to be merry* "Something else to fill yer cups?" *Delivers the line without a hint of irony*

[2016/02/13] Elizabeth Malet: /me offers her cup. "A little more wine is all. Your hospitality is all I have heard it was."

[2016/02/13] Cdric d'Amboise (cedric.hansome): I need to leave, excuse me monsieur madame

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): Farewell, sir!

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): *Do come again!"

[2016/02/13] Cdric d'Amboise (cedric.hansome): i will come back

[2016/02/13] Elizabeth Malet: /me "A pleasure, Monsieur."

[2016/02/13] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester: /me whispers in response to Lady Malet "Safe in its tonnes, and ready for tapping, Betty, my lily" He looks up as the Tavern-maid approaches. "Tried Something else" shall be my epitaph and doom, I fear, but such a lovely condemnation! Pour on, good mistress!"

[2016/02/13] Cdric d'Amboise (cedric.hansome): Tout le plaisir est pour moi

[2016/02/13] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester: Bon voyage, Monsieur

[2016/02/13] Cdric d'Amboise (cedric.hansome): merci madame

[2016/02/13] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester: /me holds out his empty rum-mug at such an angle that the maid is obliged to bend forward to pour.

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): /me complies, reaching over the table awkwardly and pouring before straightening* Anything else I may serve you?

[2016/02/13] Elizabeth Malet: /me sees through Rochester's ploy and is appalled at his behavior. And must admit to a little admiration for his cunning.

[2016/02/13] John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester: "no, my good tavernkeep, you have been the epitome of hospitality. Draw up your accounts and I shall pay in gold anon

[2016/02/13] Annabella the Maid (annabellaasquith): /me is not flustered in the least by such behavior for it comes with the barkeep territory. She smiles to the lady first then the Earl.* "My thanks, milord and lady. It would be my pleasure to serve you again soon."

February 1666

My dear sister Rose,

Youve no idea how fortunate you are to be in Scotland! Though the King and Queen have returned from Oxford after a stint at Hampton Court, a few plague deaths have occurred though nowhere near Whitehall. Our prayers have been answered! The Queen is with child, the King struts like a peacock, and England rejoices.

All but Lady Castlemaine. My maid Sally reported that Castlemaines maid said that Barbara came home from the Carnival Ball in a rage over the news and broke several vases by smashing them in her fireplace. It was an otherwise delightful evening, with the King and Queen in high spirits, and the appearance of a pleasingly impertinent player from His Majestys Theatre named Nell Gwyn.

Castlemaines nose has been out of joint ever since Frances Stuart declined to stay under her wing and sought her own position as Lady of the Bedchamber. No, la Belle Stuart remains the flowerbud she was as when she arrived here, and the King still seems quite incapable of taking the bloom from the rose.

In a way, I rather admire le petit Frances for her principle, though my distinct impression is that she is most disinterested in intimacy and squeamish about it, judging from her behavior during her courses and the headaches she so often pleads. And it is ever so amusing to see the King depart her chambers without having been disordered.

Court has been busy of late, as the Queen returned from Oxford in the same good spirits usually reserved for the King. She is happy, hums to herself, dresses in a decidedly English manner, forgoing her dowdy Spanish gowns, and shops at the Royal Exchange often. She also holds more dinners and attends many Court functions.

The Queen is not, however, amused by the writings of John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, and who can blame her? They are so far beyond bawdy as to be offensive to the King, though I do admit to appreciating it when he points his pen at Lady Castlemaine. Rochester and the King have been ever so friendly of late and I believe he seeks a position. If so, we shall all sleep with guards at our chamber doors, for his carnal appetite is prodigious.

Stephen remains at sea with no word, and given the recent Dutch offense, this is worrisome. I do not like to dwell on these dark thoughts, though, and seek to keep myself busy taking the Lady Elizabeth Malet as a ward from her stepfather Sir John Warre. This young lady is quite the heiress, and I intend to see she is given a place of distinction in Court and do not mind confiding that her stepfather will pay handsomely for a good match. There could be much at stake here!

It is still cold and will be so for a while, yet as the weather warms and snows melt, I think of visiting you at Carterhaugh. Perhaps by the time you receive this, I will be there!

your loving sister,
Margaret

January 1666

Mr Dear Mr. Chiffinch,

As the Page of his Majesty's Bed-Chamber and Keeper of his Private Closet, I am compelled to write and inform you and Mrs. Chiffinch of current events in Whitehall until such time as you return here with the King. Please do let all know no new plague deaths have been reported in the City for two weeks now and we are so anxious for His Majestys return!

However, I believed it of interest to you that Lady Castlemaine arrived back in Whitehall early from Hampton Court with Queen Catherine. She is mightily playing in her role as the Queens Lady Of The Bedchamber, and she is taking great liberties in His Majestys absence. I have seen her whispering to the young Duke of Monmouth and watching him walking from her chambers like cock of the walk. The people do look askance at the Royal Whore and with Whitehall still so bare after the Plague, her antics are much discussed.

William, you and I share a few secrets ourselves, and I will always be grateful to your and Mrs. Chiffinchs discretion in those years regarding my own dalliances with the King during my years as an actress. I regard my own position as the Queens confidante with pride, and a result of not only the Kings but your trust too.

yours truly,

Margaret Phillips

Countess of Ballintrae

On friday I decided to take the carriage and travel to Versailles and spend the weekend at the Petit Trianon for rest.

It was a snowing and cold weekend. It was snowing when I arrived and didn't stop during the three days.

So, it was very comfortable to have the fireplace light at full capacity.

The Palace of Versailles in general, and the Petit Trianon in particular, are very beautiful and the Court is magnificent. Take part on that brilliant Court is really wonderful.

Of course the Tea time couldn't miss!

And a relaxing walk trough the beautiful gardens, in spite of the weather...

A beautiful place where I'm sure I will return!

While catching up on my correspondence, my maid sought me out and I was informed that the groundskeeper would be pleased to show me the refurbished park. Nearly upsetting the inkwell, I stood and went through the ballroom, through the sun room and came upon him. The rains had delayed their completion of the retaining walls, he apologetically offered, but no apologies were necessary. The final result was well beyond my expectations, and I beamed at him "Job well done, indeed." He bowed, departing, and giving me leave to explore his work at my leisure. I leaned towards a cheery bloom, bringing a rose towards me and inhaled the sweet fragrance, delighted that very soon I might issue invitations to all, bidding them north to Yorkshire.

Anyone wishing to avail themselves of a constitutional, or in the event of rain, to a cup of tea by the fire, is welcome.

((SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dream%20Love%20Island/205/249/22 ))

Chapter IV: Life and Death on Christmas Eve

A great big jolly spirit entered the through door into Scrooge's drawing room. With dried tears still left on his cheeks, Scrooge looked up to see a face that was...almost recognisable. Calling himself the Ghost of Christmas 1880, he whisked Scrooge to the White Hart Inn, showing him poor Tiny Skyler, who shivers every night in the cold, with no parents, no food, no friends, and a cold bed to sleep in. How could Scrooge sit content by his fire while a poor child suffered such a fate on Christmas Eve? Even such a jolly spirit as the one enlightening Scrooge with such a vision could not see any good in that! Scrooge would now be left alone to ponder this sad thought back in his drawing room as he awaited the arrival of the third spirit.

The fireplace and the candles suddenly went out. Only Scrooge's personal candle remained lit. A violent wind burst in, and, as Scrooge covered his eyes from the current, a shadow loomed over him. It was the final spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. In the strong gust, it would whisk away old Ebenezer to a morbid site; an empty cemetery.

And there, lying beside all that morbidity was Scrooge's own grave. Ebenezer burst into tears as the languid and skeletal hand of the ghost pointed at the headstone. A raven looked on and called out the the old man's demise in the silence of the night.

Chapter III: The Past Haunts

Scrooge thought he could escape his past, but his past found him when he least expected it to. As his nephew, Hyacinth Lowe, languished of fever in his bed upstairs, Scrooge decided to sit by the fire and take tea. But alas, the flames of the fire whipped forth and out emerged a figure from Ebenezer Scrooge's past. "SCROOGE!"the figure ghoulishly exclaimed. "I am your old associate, Robert Marley!"the ghostshouted. "Remember when I played in an orchestra and toured Italy? You were with me then, Scrooge!",he continued."Yes, but that was long ago and you are now dead..."Scrooge answered; recognizing his old friend but holding his composure on the surface."I am but a shadow of what I once was, Scrooge, and now I carry the very instruments I once played on chains! Each of them are filled with heavy coins; the bitter consequence of that money lending business we started together."Marley replied, as he showed Scrooge what had become of him. "This will be your fate too, Scrooge, if you do not change your ways! You will be haunted by three spirits! Wait for the clock to strike the first hour, and the first spirit will appear! This is no trickery, Scrooge!" With these words, Marley vanished once again into the flames.

Scrooge remained stunned in his chair as the night dragged on, only emerging once to change into his nightshirt. As the clock above the mantle chimed 1 o'clock, the first spirit appeared. Glowing, and hard to visualise, she called out Scrooge's name and called him towards the door. Ebenezer stood up and walked slowly across the room, as if in a trance. As he opened the door, he was embraced by the sound of sweet music. He went through the portal only to find himself in the actual location of one of his youthful performances. "Ah, Rocca Sorrentina." he said. "I know this place, I performed here many years ago with Marley."

Looking down from the balcony where he had arrived, Scrooge could see a crowd of Neapolitan nobles dancing to the music of his old orchestra. Scrooge could see himself, Marley, and the beautiful women who enchanted him as a young man. He closed his eyes, and could feel tears forming in his lids. Opening them, as he revealed a somewhat softer face, he suddenly found himself once again in his old drawing room. He sat down in his armchair and began to weep for the beauty of the past, entirely forgetting that a second spirit was soon to be expected...

Chapter II: You're a Mean One, Mr. Scrooge

Scroog e has been doing his best to terrorise the people of Richardstower since his arrival in the district a few days ago. After questioning young Mirka and berating her for singing carols in the street, Scrooge went as far as reporting her to Constable Helendale.

To say he is not a very nice man would be to understate the truth. He has already doubled the prices of local pints, scolded every local child he has seen, and tried to have the police raid the opium den by the harbour. Most importantly. he has forgotten to look after the poor urchins living above the pub. What will become of them in the cold winter without the food and drink provided to them free of charge by Mr. Lowe?