Dignity and Depravity

Chapter VIII

Over the next week, domestic life established its habitual practices as Amelia began to run Eagleton Manor. The housekeeper, Mrs. Hill, was a well loved and respected member of the Dyer household, and she took great pains to ensure Amelia's comfort in taking on her new role. Hill found Amelia to be astute in learning each of the important minutiae of how the household was run, and that she took great pains not to change long standing traditions lest they perturb the downstairs staff. However, in one point, Amelia was resolute. Family meals should not be made up of excesses simply because they pleased Mr. Dyer. Rather, larger extravagances and choice cuts of meat and fish should solely be reserved for company. It was in this manner that Amelia impressed upon the housekeeper that she was not only an excellent influence on her master by providing him with happiness, but she was a sensible woman as well.

Amelia relished her morning decisions in regards to the household, and used the time to start planning the ball she so desired. It was of utmost importance that she set a tone of cordiality and impartiality for country society. The ball at Eagleton should be a highlight of the fall country season and should not preclude joviality for the invitees. Therefore, a balance must be struck in choosing the most amiable guests. Invitations must be extended to all the fashionable families from the neighbourhood, especially those with whom the Dyer family was well acquainted. Amelia's family would be present, and it would be prudent, thought Amelia, to extend an invitation to Lottie's beloved, Mr. Curtis, so that he might make connections in the vicinage. Furthermore, their courtship could only benefit from the stolen glances and touches that were afforded to them on the dance floor, setting their hearts aflutter.

Time was of the essence, as with less than a fortnight to prepare, there was much to be settled upon. By happy coincidence, a formed troupe of professional musicians had been traveling the countryside and had stopped at the nearest village of Abbyton. Inquires found they were not otherwise engaged, and it was fixed upon that they would play at Eagleton on the selected date. John had insisted that the ball be thrown to honour his new bride, consequently making Amelia the hostess for the evening. It fell to her to determine the figures, steps and music to be danced. Amelia had chosen her favourite minuet to start the programme. She fretted that it would seem too formal or out of fashion for those recently in town, as she had heard that such long footwork has fallen out of favour. However, it has been a much loved choice for the late Mrs. Dyer and Amelia wished to do justice to her memory.

Choosing a Master of Ceremony was also of the utmost import. As this gathering would not rival the large masses of those present in the assemblies at Bath or in London, election of an official would not be required. Though some may have also found it unnecessary as Abbyton was not a a large village, and the surrounding families were well know to each other, Amelia thought it polite to extend the office to a gentleman who would be present for the evening. Fleetingly, Amelia considered Mr. Archer for the position, as it would introduce him as an honorable family member. I am not yet sure of his countenance, she Amelia, and he may yet present as a taciturn or solemn man. Also, he is not yet acquainted with the village, and it may seem presumptuous to have him reside over the ball.

Fortuitously, a perfect candidate lived within a short distance of Eagleton. Sir William Baldwood was a well-respected gentleman who had risen to the rank of knighthood through service to the Crown. He was an affable man and well liked, and was known to be chivalrous and kind to everyone. Amelia harboured no uncertainty that he would preside over the event with the utmost care and consideration. As Sir William Baldwood has recently quitted his trade associations in town, he was now unburdened by any obligations that may take to town within the fortnight. John shall be proud of such a superlicious and congenial candidate, thought Amelia, especially as he was considered a close companion to the late Mr. Dyer and had oft been seen shooting together with him when the time allowed.

When tired from turning about the room, whether doing the quadrille or cotillon, the guests would dine on a sumptuous spread of delicacies ordered especially for the occasion.  Eagleton Manor's finest dishes and silverware were being produced for the affair.  A magnificent table must be a consideration in the best laid out plans.  After discussion with Hill, Amelia had arranged for supper to include both white soup and negus, staples at any proper repast.  Additionally, the guest would be entreated to try a plethora of cold meats, glazed salmon, garden fresh vegetables and salads, fresh fruit, cake, cheeses and trifles.  Lemonade, white wine and claret would be made available, as well as coffee and tea.  John also insisted that there be one simple silver server with hot chocolate at their table, as an homage to their special bond of marriage. 

Such a splendid affair this shall be, thought Amelia, though I shall scarcely manage to fit in my gown should I indulge in too many delicacies and too few dances.  John was not overly fond of dancing and he did not often recommend himself as a partner, lest he embarrass himself or his wife.  However, Amelia did not wish to spend the evening idle, and would allow herself to take a turn about the room with other gentleman should they offer.  It is freeing to know that we are all acquainted, Amelia thought, as I shall not be improprietous to accept the hand of any gentleman who may engage me to dance.

Amelia's immediate preparations were concluded by choosing a gown to wear.  Although her finest gown would be the most fitting, Amelia did not wish to wear it as it had also served as her bridal gown.  Rather, Amelia favoured her lilac silk gown, as it complimented her green eyes.  The gown in question also boasted a fine level of embroidered flowers and detailing around the hem and train. It has been a gift bestowed upon her by her mother when she came out.  Her fine white opera gloves would complete the ensemble, and Amelia could decide in the future which sort of headdress she would prefer.  Perhaps she would find choice feathers by plucking apart some her old bonnets, she thought, but only if it does not seem outlandish.  If not, I shall choose a different appurtenance and leave the plumage to the societal hens who may come to call.