To think we should have finished off the Queen of Huns?

[Hullygully]

Bah!

Oh my, what fine gentlefolk have arrived for the ball. Although it is indeed strange to see the Widow whirling alone, mayhap people will think she is quite deranged.

Surely the Duke of Avon cannot be real? Never have I seen such a glorious man made flesh. Can he be free?

There is a figure in the far corner who looks brooding and passing familiar, but I confess I can scarce tear my eyes from Avon.

(Slips out of flouncy red number to say that I came in last night in some disarray, rather more like the pic suggested by Ms Mary than is altogether comfortable, and snorted with laughter in a most unladylike fashion. Splendid work.)

Go, Widow, go

Encore un bah, Mademoiselle 'ully.

Et un 'keep your little doigts off mon homme!'

Madame! I did not see you there, how delightful to make your acquaintance. May I offer you an entente cordial?

Do you frequent these parts often? Can I have your DH just for a few hours? Oh please oh please oh please.

Or could you perhaps furnish me with an introduction to the Earl of Worth, he has quite caught my attention too, although I'd shoot him in an instant for a go at Avon.

Mam'selle! 'ow about my bruzzer in law Rrrupert Alastair? But sadly, 'e is - 'ow you say - gay as a daisy...

Ze Earl of Worth - I will introduce you in un moment as soon as I can remember 'is name

The Earl of Worth arrives at the Hall to join us for a little breakfast!

Has anyone seen Marcus, the Earl of Rule yet?

Zut alors, Umami, zat panzy on ze 'orse is not 'im!

try this Hully

Zo I am tres jealous to give up such a man of Worth to you ...

I fear Widow, that the Earl of Worth will find us absent as we are at the ball...

So kind Leonie, but he doesn't set my pistons pumping, as I believe the lower classes say. I fear I must ask you again if I might take a turn with Avon.

Marcus will be here ere long, Gibbon. How well little Nigel looks in his blue suit!

And later we join Avon on his yacht for tea and crumpet

Why are we at the ball now?

It is ante meridian, is it not, or am I missing twelve hours??

Why here is Marcus now How gentle on the eye he is. Perhaps Gibbon, as little NIgel seems to need the facilities, I might make his acquaintance for you?

We are at the ball, Madam, because otherwise we won't have had the opportunity to dance with the assorted glamorous company.

And over there is Rupert Alistair. Rupert! Over here!

Well, you should have come last evening. I came several times and danced with all the company!

And here is Marcus' black sheep brother. I hear such awfully thrilling tales about him. Enough to shiver a Maiden's spine.

Rupert's not bad, though a little startled looking. Mayhap tis at your strange garb Widow.

But who is that pouting youth yonder? I believe it is Mr Beaumaris, he is distantly related to the Avons, I understand.

I fancy you can keep the Prince Regent though I would be pleased to make the acquaintance of his physician, Lord Gregory