Post by Nicolette Deveraux on Jul 27, 2017 20:50:26 GMT -5
The double doors occupying each wall into the grand ballroom stood wide open in welcome, the frames adorned with grasses, flowers, fruits, gourds and glowing with ribbon. The chandeliers shone with fresh candles, twined with colorful leaf boughs and greens reflected on the long tables laid with countless chargers, plates, utensils, and goblets in anticipation of the feast's numerous removes. Footmen stood lining the walls in impeccable livery, waiting to begin serving with the first arrival as per the major-domo's exacting instructions and in accordance with the menu.
As the evening's host, Nicolette arrived early to conduct a final check of the tables and their accoutrements. Her eyes swept the lengths of the linen-draped tables with satisfaction to observe that all was as planned from the first, a nod of approval given not only to the major-domo but to those whom he'd pressed into service that night. She smiled gently, a thought straying briefly to her late mother and the last time the palace hosted this feast. Hopefully, the Queen would approve of her daughters' efforts to revive the old tradition, though it was a shame the King did not feel sufficiently well to join them this evening.
Moving to check over a few last details, the Crown Princess was quite possibly at her most regal this evening, wearing a gown of silvered lavender brocade with one of her mother's amethyst and pearl tiaras on her golden hair. Antoinette and Juliette would arrive momentarily, Nicolette hoped, so the three of them could share the duty of greeting their guests before getting the feast underway. A thought was spared for Mariette, silently praying that she was safe and well, and would soon be home where she belonged.
For now, she pasted a smile on her face and braced herself for a long evening's feast.
---
open to all! No order needed!