I did - yes - well a sip at least. Would have been rude not to?
And I didn't 'leave him standing there'. Well not intentionally. I simply felt that I had to apologise to Ever-so-capable Evelyn because likely as not she had had to sort all the arrangements out for the weekend and there was a good chance that I had made us late.
And no, they're not, although I think they should. She would make an excellent wife for the Convivial Count. He certainly relies on her and she seems to be over there an awful lot of the time but as far as I know nothing has happened. I shall get a few glasses of wine in her and find out why not.
To be honest the Dashing Major is a bit too handsome. And he certainly turns heads. I noticed that when we got to Lord Marmaduke's. And I feel there will always be several Plastic Pattys (that name is a perfect fit by the way) vying for his attention. I'm not sure I have the energy for that kind of situation. But he seems perfectly lovely. As you say he is charming but he is intelligent and interesting too. I know that they are not mutually exclusive. Is he kind? I mean given Plastic Patty's behaviour a lesser man might have been far more harsh is his handling of her, and not without a certain amount of justification. She does so drape herself over him when he makes it quite clear he isn't interested. And yet he remains polite and calm and ... yes ... cool. Not your American meaning - perhaps measured is a better word.
Just re-read that and it was a bit gushy about the Dashing Major but don't get your hopes up. I'm not looking for a romance and definitely not one that will likely bring drama with it.
Not sure if there was a seating plan at dinner but there seemed to be some amusement that I ended up next to Lord Marmaduke and you all ended up at the other end of the table. I like the old man. He has an unfortunate manner at times but if you take the time to engage him in conversation he is fascinating and very, very funny. So I had a great time. Sucking-lemons Cynthia on the other side of him however was clearly not happy with her placement and at one stage seemed to have her back almost permanently turned to him which I thought was terrible given it was his party. Her loss though because we were laughing through most of the meal (which was very good by the way) and missed most, if not all, the drama at your end of the table. It was only when I saw the Dashing Major assisting Plastic Patty out of the room that I realised all may not have been well at your end. Perhaps you could elaborate.
Oh and Lord Marmaduke is a terrific dancer and a jolly good sport. I hadn't expected dancing, and wouldn't have worn those shoes if I'd known, but when everyone else seemed to be pairing up and he looked as if he was going to be left alone I couldn't help but ask if he would dance with me. And he's a very keen observer of people (and quite acerbic in his assessment of them). I hope you noticed that every time the Dashing Major veered in our direction Lord Marmaduke steered us away. It was actually him that suggested the Dashing Major was trying to switch ladies so we thought it a great game to thwart him at every turn. And then when we couldn't evade him any further, Lord Marmaduke jumped into the Dashing Major's arms and whisked him away in a foxtrot. I got left with Lady Marmaduke (that doesn't suit her but it'll have to do) who wasn't at all sure what was going on. But give her her due she perhaps hesitated for a couple of seconds, no more, and then we took off around the floor. Me leading of course. And we did laugh. Particularly every time we caught a glimpse of the Dashing Major's face as Lord Marmaduke gripped him in hold and whisked him around for another circuit of the ballroom. I think that was the first time I'd seen her laugh all night.
Later she thanked me for being so patient and kind to her husband. It was all I could do to convince her that I was genuinely having a wonderful time.
Their house is ancient by the way. It occurred to me that it is old enough that it probably has priest holes and secret doors and tunnels and the like. I do wonder if they would let me explore the place one day. That would be excellent fun.
Okay your turn now and I want details, Pirate! Details !!
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