The Grove Masque

The Grove Masque is an event to be held on the twenty seventh of April at Pendleston House in London by the Marquess of Pendleston, his eldest son, Patrick, and daughter, Penelope.

Invitation

Theme

Although they may seem a quiet bunch, the Grove's have always been known for their whimsical parties, for they do love some fun. They wish their guests to have a night full of magic and mischief, and that is exactly what the night will be. A night of faeries and pixies, of mystery and beauty, of love and of lust, of moon and stars and tricks and spells. It will be themed loosely around Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Decor

Front Hall As guests walk in the door upon the marble floors, they will walk into a hall of mirrors. Both walls will be lined with intricate mirrors of all shapes and sizes, making a patch work reflection of the masked faces that stare into them. Above them will be mirrors about the ceiling, so even looking up one would see a bit of oneself. The mirrors will be adjacent to each other from wall to wall, creating an eerie illusion that there are rooms beyond the mirrors. The hall will be lit warmly, simply overflowing with candles, masked servants [1]will take coats, other will serve champagne, and those holding golden candlesticks lead the way into the ballroom.

Ballroom As soon as guests are led into the ballroom, they will be greeted by a golden and beautiful room [2] with a large open stage at the end of it. Upon that stage is the orchestra to which the guests will dance, and upon balconies and podiums set up about the large room are dancers from the ballet acting as live golden statues, painted gold from head to toe. From the ceiling edge hangs large sheer curtains that float about in the wind. About the room white masked servants wait upon the guests with champagne and hors d'oeuvre.

Dining Room The dining room is dimly lit compared to the other rooms, although candles still burn on the table top, save for strings of twinkling glass overhead acting as stars in the candlelight. In the corner of the room sits a string quartet, playing softly as the guests eat. Each servant is masked in a full white face mask. Guests are encouraged to come eat when they are hungry, sitting down to a continually refreshed dinner, then join the party once they are full. The doors to the dining room are connected to the ballroom, so those inside can either decide for peace and quiet by closing the doors or opening then and watch the ball.

Balcony There is one balcony, but it is only a small one low to the garden ground, with little stairs that lead to the path into the flowers. It is fairly unadorned, save for a few candlesticks and several bouquets of wildflowers.

Garden The garden is quiet and still, and tall, delicate candle holders light the pathway to either the willow tree just in the middle, frosted with strings of diamonds and strung with white paper lanterns glowing a candlelit warmth, a beacon in the darkness, or the pond just next to it in which swim two trumpeter swans. Other paths are darker, yet still quite open to anyone who wishes for a little adventure. Next to the pond there is a line of paper lanterns, each with a candle waiting to be lit and placed in the water. Next to the lanterns are instructions: The lover's lantern shalt not float unless the love is true, light the flame if your passion burns bright and watch your love light the night.

The Pesky Pixie

Lord Goodfellow is a fairy to whom it pleases to meddle. He flits and flutters about the house, giving messages to those who least need it, making trouble where he can and still attempting where he can't. I suggest you watch out for him, he's a nasty little mischief maker.

Menu

Beverages
Champagne
Wine
Lemonade (spiked or not, depending on if Lord Goodfellow got his hands on it)

Hor D'oeuvre
Strawberry Tarts
Savory Cheese Pastries
Oyster Patties

First Course
Tongue of Beef
Mussels
Roasted Cod
Boiled Potatoes
Pigeons Compote
Sweet, pickled onions
Neck of Venison

Second Course
Brocoli
Boiled Turkey
Ribbs of Lamb
Wild Greens with Cranberry Compote
Saddle of Mutton
Boiled Potatoes
Sweet, pickled onions

Third Course
Roasted Apples
Roasted Pheasant
Flaky Savory Pastries
Boiled Beets and Shalots
Salted Pork
Assortment of chestnuts and walnuts
Leg of Lamb

Dessert
Sweet Cooked Apples and Pears, in a Sugar sauce with Raisins and Almonds
Individual Sweet Cakes
Strawberry Tarts
Fresh Cream and Strawberries

Disguises

Add Your Character Here
Grove Masque List of Disguises
Ideas for Costumes

Guest List

Nicholas Gosling, the Duke of Leighton
Lord William Gosling
The Duke of Claitonborough
Lady Elizabeth Dunford
Mr. Edward Tolson
Miss Charlotte Tolson
Marquess of Emerson
Lord Gabriel Pritchard
Miss Charity Pritchard
Miss Elise Hampton
Captain Stephen Brydges
Lady Gwendolyn Moncrieff
Lord Parry
Viscount Selwyn
Lady Jane Middleton
Miss Helena Wriothesley
Captain Sterne
Marquess of Foxford
Lady Rosalind Fairmont
Lilias Aldrige, Duchess of Brixton
Ladies Elizabeth and Juliet Landon
The Duchess of Beaumont
Miss Annabelle Beacham
Viscount Hawksley
Arthur Dalrymple, Viscount Linley
Ladies Viola and Olivia Fitzgerald
Lord Daniel Rossington
Duchess of Pennington
Mr. Evander Whinging
Miss Susannah Hutchinson
Mr. Benjamin Hutchinson
Mr. John Rutledge
Miss Regina Rutledge
Baron and Baroness Courtenay
Mr. Benedict DeLancey, Miss DeLancey

(as well as anyone else who happens to wander in, concealed behind a mask.. cough.)