Post by The Author on Aug 25, 2011 22:33:59 GMT -5
Being a fashionable destination for the finest families in the nobility and gentry, Brighton had a large assembly room in which to hold large gatherings. The local squire and his wife had long since taken it upon themselves to arrange these gatherings on a fortnightly basis during the spring and summer months. The beginning of May was largely considered to be the commencement of the season in Brighton, and thus it was decided that the first event should be held the following week. It was, of course, to be a ball, and all the visiting families of the gentry and the nobility were expected to attend. There was even a rumour that the very Prince Regent himself was to attend, which heightened the interest in the ball.
Squire Dawson had taken care to note every family who had come to Brighton and, together with his wife Lady Dawson, had endeavored to call upon each of them to welcome them to Brighton. There were quite a number of fine families visiting the town, some from quite a distance away. The Mayfields were a charming family, with a large estate reportedly worth 3,000 a year. The Winthrops were another wealthy family, with an estate in Herefordshire that was apparently worth close to 5,000 a year. Other than the Prince Regent himself, who had thus far not responded to the Squire's invitations, the most impressive man to visit Brighton was a baronet by the name of Sir Edmund Hartley, who had brought his infirm sister, along with his ward, his small son, and a governess, to take in the sea air. The Squire didn't know what his estate was worth, but he'd heard it was quite impressive indeed.
When the time for the ball arrived at last, it became clear that the Prince Regent would not be attending. Thus the Squire was obliged to ask of Sir Edmund to lead the first dance, as the highest-ranking gentleman present.
Lady Dawson, the Squire's wife, had arranged a fine ball indeed. An eight-piece orchestra was to play the dances, including, for the first time ever in Brighton, a waltz. A fine meal of venison and mutton had been prepared, along with a selection of elegant cakes and puddings. The tea room was set in a smaller room outside the main assembly room, and there was another room set up with card tables, for the older gentlemen who had no interest in dancing.
It promised to be a most elegant affair, and all of Brighton was sure to find it most enjoyable.
Squire Dawson had taken care to note every family who had come to Brighton and, together with his wife Lady Dawson, had endeavored to call upon each of them to welcome them to Brighton. There were quite a number of fine families visiting the town, some from quite a distance away. The Mayfields were a charming family, with a large estate reportedly worth 3,000 a year. The Winthrops were another wealthy family, with an estate in Herefordshire that was apparently worth close to 5,000 a year. Other than the Prince Regent himself, who had thus far not responded to the Squire's invitations, the most impressive man to visit Brighton was a baronet by the name of Sir Edmund Hartley, who had brought his infirm sister, along with his ward, his small son, and a governess, to take in the sea air. The Squire didn't know what his estate was worth, but he'd heard it was quite impressive indeed.
When the time for the ball arrived at last, it became clear that the Prince Regent would not be attending. Thus the Squire was obliged to ask of Sir Edmund to lead the first dance, as the highest-ranking gentleman present.
Lady Dawson, the Squire's wife, had arranged a fine ball indeed. An eight-piece orchestra was to play the dances, including, for the first time ever in Brighton, a waltz. A fine meal of venison and mutton had been prepared, along with a selection of elegant cakes and puddings. The tea room was set in a smaller room outside the main assembly room, and there was another room set up with card tables, for the older gentlemen who had no interest in dancing.
It promised to be a most elegant affair, and all of Brighton was sure to find it most enjoyable.