I waited for the absent Madame Grisi for what seemed to me to be hours, amusing myself by counting the dust particles that hanging effortlessly in the air, suspended by shadows.

Eventually there came the harsh sound of heels walking the stone floor and the gentle contrasting swish of a silken skirt. I turned to greet the lady, who I imagined to be middle aged with a face lined with history, only to be shocked into silence.

Yes, De Grisi was somewhat as I pictured her to be, a short woman with brown hair, streaked with white, tightly pulled back with only a few lone strands escaping. Her face was etched with wrinkles and her lips mere threads pulled into a slightly smile, but her deep eyes were kind and smiling more than her mouth was. Her dress was silk but simple, brown and tightly pulled in which unfortunately made her appear slightly larger than I am sure she was.

However, reader, that was not what startled me, it was the lady with her, the young lady I had had the pleasure of encountering earlier, although more appropriately dressed in shimmering sea blue, her hair swept into curls and held in place by small white flowers, only a single tress escaped and hung beautifully by her ear. A bejewelled brooch at her breast and plain silver necklace completed her attire.

Her eyes met mine and smiled though her lips did not move, it was Madame De Grisi who broke the silence.

“Come now! There is no time to stand and idle, time does not stop when you do and his Excellency with not be amused if we are late!” She firm hold of my arm and briskly marched us both through the doors and into the hall.

I felt my face flush like a chastised child as I was led into the large room, brilliantly lit with hundreds of candles suspended in the chandeliers and in clawed holders in the pristine walls.

At the very end of the room, guarded either side by a ivory warrior on the ledge beneath, was a stunning stained glass window depicted what I could only imagine was a local legend. In rainbow colours it contained the striking images of a beautiful peasant with chains around her hands kneeling in emerald grasses watching the many blues of the sea, upon which was a ship evidently journeying far from her. The smiling eyes of what I deemed to be a Goddess watched over it as it left the land

However the glass held images of a more disturbing nature as beneath under the earth skeletal hands clawed their way toward the surface. I made a mental note to inquire about the meaning of this peculiar scene.

A long dark wood table dominated the centre of the room covered with gold and silver cutlery, each with a precious stone on the handles. Next to these were set fine china plates each edged with pale blue which shone like stars in the candlelight.

Beside each place was a simply crafted chair, pale wood with a single flat cushion which seemed to vary in colour from lilac to midnight blue, each held in place by eight bronze nails.

Around me there were very few people, maybe a handful of each sex, the women dressed in floor length evening gowns ruffled at the hems and sleeves, each in the same colour sequence as the chairs. All were gathered closely together like a herd of sheep ready to move only at their masters bidding.

“I am afraid there is not time to introduce you to anyone yet” De Grisi said with a shrug of her heavy shoulders, “and even if there was I can’t see anyone I can leave you with.”

“No matter” I replied “I am sure I will meet everyone in time although…” I stopped myself having been about to say that I preferred solitude and would not have minded if I had not met a soul. However I did not want to sound rude, true I did not want to make friends but I certainly had no intention of making enemies.

De Grisi looked puzzled at my sudden reluctance and was about to say something but whatever it was it was interrupted by the thunderous echo of a bell.

When the ringing had ceased there was silence, no one moved until a much gentler chime danced like a butterfly into the room. With that a side door opened, one I had not noticed before since it was constructed to resemble the wall, and a line of men marched in and stood by their chair at the table, their faces set like stone. After all were present the women joined them, taking their seats next to their partner. This I thought was somewhat peculiar as normally no one would be seated until the host had entered and bidden them too. De Grisi, who had obviously noticed my confusion, decided to enlighten me as she led me to my own seat which has surprisingly close to the head of the table.

“The ladies are allowed to sit since there is a woman of nobility here, the men must stand until His Grace and his son have entered.”

“But who is the noblewoman?” I whispered back “I see only yourself, the guests and your young helper”

“Helper?” De Grisi let out a shrill laugh which sounded rather like a bird in pain and earned many a disapproving look. “She is no helper” she continued, lowering her voice and nodding apologetically to the guests, “that is His Grace’s daughter! I was once her nurse and she still visits me occasionally to discuss recent gossip.”

I glanced round, I had not paid any attention the young woman who had scandalously flirted with me earlier on but I was now intrigued by her and interested to find out more as she seemed to be a perfect figure for a classic heroine I so loved to write about.

She had apparently not stayed long by our side as she was stood a fair distance away speaking in hushed tones to a woman of her age under the dying light of a candle but after casting a hurried glance toward the door they both scurried like mice to their places and just as they had been seated the vast doors swung open with an eerie silence.

The Duke, with three serfs on each side, walked slowly in using an ivory and silver cane to support himself , yet even though the effect of age were taking their toll he still smiled and his cheeks were red with mirth, rather like old Saint Nicholas.

His evening robes were of deep blue like the midnight sky and trimmed with snow white fur, what was under them I do not know as they were tightly wrapped round his frail waist with a heavily ornate golden belt encrust with jewels of every colour. Even the buckles on his well polished shoes had a single gem upon them and I found myself wondering if he had spare diamonds he could attach to his beard or maybe sprinkle it with crushed silver.

The Duke looked around happily and grandly gestured with a plain hand for everyone to take a seat as he carefully lowered himself into his own.

Behind him , a little less noticeable due to his less ornate attire, was his son. He quietly moved round his father, the only sound being the gentle swish of the forest green velvet, giving a brief nod to the guests and sat opposite his sister.

I myself was one seat over, De Grisi occupying the chair next to him which left me facing the coquettish young daughter.

As the servants moved round with various food and wine she leaned forward with the loose strands of her dark silken hair falling becomingly over her face.

“So,” she began quietly “what do you make of our humble abode? Have you found what you are looking for?” She shifted slightly and I could not help but notice that this movement caused her bosom to look a lot larger than before and try as I might I failed to convince myself that this was unintentional.

“Well I…” I stuttered dreadfully and happened to glance across at her brother who quickly averted his eyes and seemed as embarrassed as myself.

The young lady gave a tinkling laugh as she enjoyed my discomfort “why you are a bashful one aren’t you?” Her voice low so as not to be heard over the general talking at the table and so as not to be heard by De Grisi who was busy talking with one of the servants who until that time had been bringing out various dishes.

“Still…I like shy men they…ouch!” Her head whipped round as quick as lightening to meet the reproachful gaze of my young Lord who had given her shin a sharp kick under the table.

“Do remember yourself my dear Catherine…” He hissed as his father slowly and unsteadily rose to his feet, a silver chalice in his shaking hand.

“My loyal subjects I wish to propose a toast,” his voice rang out strongly and powerfully and if one had been blind one would never have guessed it was produced by such a frail man who was maybe not long for this earth. “Let us drink” he continued “to new acquaintances…” he cast his twinkling eyes toward me “and to family and old friends!” With that he raised the chalice to his lips and nodded appreciatively as thundering applause echoed throughout the room. He gave a gentle gesture and the room fell as silent as the grave before once again speaking, this time however he was serious and the twinkle in his eyes had been replaced by a solemn and religious respectfulness.

“And now as we dine on what the land has produced let you give thanks to the deity whose gifts these are. We are now and forever more in her shadow, praise be to her.”

A low Amen echoed throughout the room and silently the ‘gifts’ were uncovered and served, including an entire boar, eyes open and staring blindly, and vegetation I had never before laid my eyes on. Too much for any party and I gathered most of it would go to waste.

This should have been a raucous affair but silence reigned and if I had dropped a single blade of grass it would have been heard.

Fearful of being noticed and causing a disruption I ate little and proceeded in drinking, perhaps, a little too much of the wine, sparkling in front of me like blood on ice as I pretended to be invisible. However I think I possibly brought more attention to my presence in doing so.

Moments later the Duke laid down his glass and all followed his lead as I inwardly breathed a sigh of relief since by that time I was feeling most uncomfortable, feeling as if all were observing ‘the newcomer’ among them.

“Now my loyal subjects” the Duke rose unsteadily to his feet and I was sure if one listened very carefully we should have heard his elderly limbs creak as a aged tree does in the wind, “I bid you all a pleasant evening” and assisted by two of his servants he vacated the room.

After his departure the huge hall became full of life once again with conversation and waves of movement.

I glanced around, as I was unsure of where I should be or whom I should be with, and noticed the Lady Catherine leaning demurely against the table talking with a young servant. I sighed, gathered my wits and walked over to her inwardly reprimanding myself for my reluctance, almost fear of talking to a woman.

Noticing my approach she dismissed the servant she a brief movement of her hand and turned her attention to me, her modest attitude changing as if it had been a mask awaiting removal.

“So,” she smiled and straightened, allowing a strap to slip down her alabaster shoulder, “why do I deserve this honour?”

I felt my heart rate quicken with embarrassment and my eyes fell to the floor as I mumbled something incoherent before being able to once again gather my wits.

“All I wish to know, My Lady, if what I am to do now?”

“Well what do you want to do?” She swayed slightly like a cobra enchanting its prey, her eyes sparkling like diamonds.

“You are free to do as you wish” answered another familiar voice “you are not required to stay here unless you want to.”

My young Lord fired a frustrated glare at his sister who, with a mischievous laugh, walked away toward another member of staff.

“Thank you” I said with much relief “now if you don’t mind I think I will take my leave.”

“I don’t blame you” came an unexpected reply and with a curious smile he turned and left the hall, his robes sweeping elegantly behind him.

Not wishing for anymore awkward situations I left also with the knowledge that if I ever decided to try my hand at novel writing this evening would possibly fill several chapters.