Tea Party...With A SURPISE!

[Andraiya Lefebvre]

I was not new to the City, but it seemed that I was losing touch with members of court, with the socialites, with the aristocrats of teh City, and that simply just would not do! I had hosted many tea parties, little miniature fetes for the ladies of wealthy families, to sit and drink, chat, and make connections, and I felt it was about time to do the same here in the City. I had sent out missives to each of my selected guests and hoped that they would show for the little event. In preparation I had gone to various cafe's throughout the City, seleecting a variety fo teas and treats for the day, cookies, scones, sweet meats, breads and cheeses, enough that we could gorge ourselves, though ladies hardly ever did, ordering them well in advance so that they would be delivered this afternoon for the tea-party to be started late in the afternoon. They had arrived, and the servants had set up the parlor with arrangements of flowers - pinks and purples, violets and reds, about the house. They even ensured that the back patio was set with a table and chairs should we wish to move outdoors. I ensured that we had chilled wines and spirits, in case we tired of sipping tea. I ordered that the cards be brought out, multiple decks in case we wished to play at rummey. I thought I had thought of everything, truly. I even had one of the maids buy herself a little dress in case we wished for music, for she was good at playing the lute.

I dressed myself in a lovely gown - nothing overly fancy for the occassion, something more social than showy, though it was made with fine fabrics to show my taste, and cut in a fashion that was daring, but not overly so. It was a pale blue and set off my dark curls beayutifully. I had half of my hair up in an ivory pin with jets, shaped like a butterfly. And with a big breath to settle my nerves, and soft slippers hidden by the skirts of my gown, I awaited the arrival of the ladies. It would promise to be a lovely evening.

[Princess Azabel de Somerville]

Generally speaking, I didn't accept invitations from those I didn't know, or those whose families weren't family friends, and when I'd originally received the invite from the Comtesse Lefebvre I'd set it to the side. An hour later though, I was looking at it, reading over the flowing script and the polite words; why not accept? Tapping the corner of the paper on my chin, I'd made up my mind on a whim, and penned a short acceptance in return.

Now, the day of, I'd arrived wearing a light lavender dress embroidered lightly with flowers the same color as the fabric. Understated, but with an expensive cut and stitching, it was fabulous of it's own right, coupled with simple drop earrings and no necklace. I wasn't here to impress, I was here to laugh and partake in what I hoped would be good conversation. Exiting my carriage, I made my way to the door with a smile already gracing my lips and knocked, awaiting entry to the Lefebvre townhome.

[Andraiya Lefebvre]

I heard the knock at the door and before I stepped towards it I could hear the soft padding of feet traipsing through the halls. Charity, in teh dress I had gotten her, a pretty little smile on her lips was ready to answer teh door. I smiled at her, making my way to stand beside her as she opened it My first guest had arrived, and it would be bad manners, I thought, not to greet the guests myself, especially with it being such a small gathering.

The woman who stood in the doorway was a lovely blonde woman, beautiful really, with locks a sunny colour that was just as brilliant and a smile that was true. The way she stood, the cut of her gown, her taste showed that she certainly wa a woman of class. I dropped into a curtsy, as did Charity.

"Welcome, you are the first to arrive," I said with a genuine grin as I ushered her into the house. "We've not met before, and I am Comtesse Andraiya Lefevbre. Please, come in." I stepped to the side to allow her entrance.

[Liselle de Montblanc-Bonnel]

Andraiya's invitation to tea with some other noblewomen had been very well received and I wasn't at all loath to go and spend time in their company, especially considering how well the hostess and I had gotten along so far. I'd dressed in an appropriate gown of mauve with a full skirt that still clung a bit at the breast and hips but had a higher neckline than most- after all, I wanted to show that I had some beauty but as there would be no men present there was no need to be as outspoken with it. Girls tended to be more subtle in their appreciation and could look past things like extra fabric.

I arrived at Andy's house as the party was due to start and stepped out of my carriage, smoothing down my skirts and pushing my loose hair back behind my shoulders, then took a look around. She really did want to impress some people, and I could understand why. Smilling in a friendly fashion I walked to the door only to see it open and Andraiya greet the Princess Azabel as I came into sight and gave her a slightly wider smile. "Good afternoon," I greeted them both politely and with a graceful curtsy.

[Mirielle Bellamont]

I hadn't been to a female-only function in.. Oh Elua, ages. I fretted over going, whether the family was neutrally aligned in politics, whether I could bear to leave Chistelle again, whether I should even bother... but in the end, I knew I had to. I had to get my face out there again, had to show that I was strong and capable; truly I was, but if I didn't prove it no one else would know, and who could blame them?

So, here I was, arriving at the start of the little tea party, dressed in a pale yellow the clothier had said mimicked the suns rays. I wasn't sure about that precisely, but it did fit lovely on me; I'd regained my pre-baby body already due much to not having gained much wait from the stress. My hips were a little more round now though, not so angular, a change that sometimes bothered me until I looked at my darling daughter. Smoothing my skirts out after I'd exited the carriage, I patted my hair to make sure the pin was holding steady; made of aged and cured blackwood, it almost glowed warmly as it caught up the pale strands of my hair, all of it pulled off my shoulders, in a style loose enough that the natural waves of my hair was still obvious. There seemed to be almost a waiting line to get in, so I took my time walking up, not dragging my feet, but in no great rush either.

[Princess Azabel de Somerville]

Met at the entrance, I smiled at the woman who was cordial enough to stand with what must be a prettily dressed maid, liking instantly that she was greeting her guests at the door rather than making them walk in further to her. She curtsied, and by courtesy I returned it, though the smile never slipped from my mouth as I straightened.

"A pleasure to meet you, Comtesse," I said warmly in heart-felt tones. "I'm Princess Azabel de Somerville; thank you for the invitation."

Another guest walked up behind me, and with a second smile for her, I made my way into the home to clear the door for the others. An interesting start already.

[Andraiya Lefebvre]

"Well met, Azabelle, I am very glad you could make it," I said as she smiled, moving past me. I wondered if I should have used her title, but here, I wanted the women to feel less inclined to act as their posts required. It was more a relaxed environment, and one where people could be themselves. Or so I hoped, or else it could make for a terribly uptight tea party. She moved past me, leaving me to greet Liselle, which I did with a warm smile, curtseying in turn, though I'd have preferred to slip her the kiss of greeting.

"So glad you could make it," I said as I moved aside, allowing her entry. Charity was already on her way to show Azabelle to the parlor where the tea was set up and seats were at the ready. "I do hope you enjoy yourself," I said, knowing she would understand. We were very much alike, and though we had our courtly faces, underneath there was a fire that longed for something more, and was terribly ambitious. I looked past her to see another carriage had pulled up and a lovely woman with a beautiful figure draped in a sunny gown was approaching.

[Sophie de Trevalion]

An invitation to tea had been welcomed. I didn't get out of the house nearly often enough, and so this was a perfect excuse. I was wearing a spring green gown, determined to enjoy the warmer weather, with a low, square-cut neckline. I might have worn the same to entice men, but now I wore it because I loved the way it made me feel. A woman didn't always have to be sexual, but feeling sensual on the inside was a different matter. The carriage pulled up behind a line of others, so I didn't hurry, checking my hair in the little pocket glass my mother had given to me for my sixteenth natale before stepping out of the cab and heading for the door.

[Mirielle Bellamont]

Ascending the stairs, I smiled at a woman awaiting near the entrance; she, I assumed, was the the hostess, a pleasant looking woman with dark hair that felt like the rays of a midnight sun. "Good afternoon," I said pleasantly as I drew close, my smile warm and friendly. "I'm Mirielle Bellamont."

[Leyna de Somerville]

I’d found myself staring at the invitation to tea longer than I realized. I didn’t know the woman who had invited me, but the event sounded like it was just the thing I needed. Making up my mind, I penned my reply of acceptance and then went to look for what to wear.

When the day came, I dressed in my new spring gown and headed to the party. The carriage slowed as the driver waited for a space among the others coming and going. I smiled with anticipation, eager to see who else was going to be there.

[Liselle de Montblanc-Bonnel]

"I'm sure I will, thank you very much," I told Andraiya with a wider smile and a slight flash of my eyes as I moved inside to allow others the chance to greet her. The house was just as lovely as usual and I was glad to be among such esteemed guests as I moved through the halls toward the room where everything seemed to be arranged. There wasn't always such a chance for me to be around people with such notable names and hopefully it would do a good bit to improve my own standing within the Court, which had probably lapsed during my damnable time away.

[Noemi de Trevalion]

Both Victoire and I had received invitations to an event, a tea party being held by the Comtesse Lefebvre, and eager to meet more people I'd decided to go. Victoire was still very sad at times and had trouble dragging herself away, and I had a feeling pushing her to attend something like this would only hurt her more, so I'd told her of it and gone ahead. If she chose to try and come she would, or she would catch up on her sleep and neither of those were bad options from what I could see. My sister needed to rest and be well and while I couldn't tell her so it did sadden me that she wasn't taking as much care of herself as she usually did.

I'd dressed in a gown of light turquoise with accenting stitching at the collar, hem and sleeves done in a pale cream color, and while the neck and bodice were Serenissiman in style the skirts and sleeves were d'Angeline with all of their grace. It wasn't what I would have considered a showy gown but it was well-made and I thought I looked very appropriately charming in it. I wasn't exactly sure who would be present but I didn't want to overshadow anyone or come across as too flamboyant, especially with the state of things right now.

As I approached the door I saw a few people outside, one of whom I recognized as my cousin Sophie and I gave her a bright smile and a wave as I walked over to where she was. At least there would be someone here I knew and while I was never worried in social circumstances it was good to see her out and about as well, and perhaps she could introduce me to some others. Now it seemed that it was simply a matter of waiting to be introduced and shown inside and while I wasn't impatient there was no doubt my bright eagerness showed a bit.

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

There was a line of carriages outside Comtesse Lefebvre's home when I arrived, and judging from the crests on the sides, there were a handful of Azzallese gentry here today. Counting myself lucky at having accepted this invitation, I walked to the door, nodding politely to the women waiting there.

[Andraiya Lefebvre]

I gave Liselle one last smile before he woman in the yellow gown I had spied earlier approached me, introducing herself. I curtsied.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Andraiya, please, come in," I said as I rose and stepped to the side. "I am glad you could come," afterall, she did have a little one at home. I had done a bit of research, of course, and it was good to match the information to the faces. I smiled. "Charity will show you to the parlor. Make yourself comfortable," I grinned.

My eyes glanced past her as more women arrived,and I was glad to see such a turnout. I was not sure if all would attend, or if any would attend, most not knowing who I was afterall. But I was pleasantly surprised.

[Mirielle Bellamont]

Smiling again, I gave the hostess my thanks as I made my way into the quaint home. A woman met me as promised and led me to where others were waiting; I recognized Azabel, though I didn't know her overly well. The others were a mystery to me as of yet, and I admired a painting on a wall as I waited, curiously looking over the brushstrokes.

[Leyna de Somerville]

Exiting the carriage, I made my way up the walk. I was rather impressed by the number of other ladies that seemed to be attending, and I chuckled inwardly at how we all seemed to be here on time when it was just women here. I held the bottle of Namarese red I’d brought as a hostess gift in my arm as I waited my turn to be greeted.

[Sophie de Trevalion]

It seemed that Noemi had been invited as well, and I linked my arm through hers as we walked up the steps. "Hello cousin, glad to see you here," I said with a happy smile.

And then we were at the hostess. "Andraiya, it's been too long," I said, leaning in to give her a kiss of greeting. We had met at a few events before, and had gotten along well, which was part of the reason that I had accepted the invitation. "This is my cousin, Noemi."

[Andraiya Lefebvre]

Ladies started to line up and I did not wish to keep them waiting. As Mirielle made her way in, I was greeted by a familiar face, whose arm was link with that of a smiling younger lady.

``Sophie,`` I said, returning the kiss. ``It truly has been too long. I am so glad you made it,`` and though I had said it many times this night, I hoped she knew that it extended past the customary cordial greeting. ``And,`` I said, turning to her cousin, ``I am pleased to meet you Noemi,`` I turned to Sophie. ``We have some catching up to do, no doubt,`` I said with a smile. There had been much abuzz about her family earlier this year. ``I will see you insideÉ`` I said as I stepped aside for them both.

[Victoire de Trevalion]

I was of two minds about attending the tea party that Noemi and I had been invited to. On one hand, it was just the sort of thing I adored, but on the other, I was exhausted. I had been spending less time at Christien's bedside as it became clear that his condition was static, but I was still emotionally drained. I took a long bath and then decided to go along to the tea party, because well, why not?

I dressed in a light gown of sage green, something that said springtime and this one was actually of my own design, sewn by my own hand in La Serenissima. I was rather proud of the embroidery, I'd spent hours upon hours on the small flowers that decorated the bodice and the hem. I pulled my hair up in a long tail and applied a light amount of rouge to my pale cheeks.

Finally ready, I decided to walk over, taking my time to enjoy the day and by the time I arrived at the Comtesse's house, I felt much better already. I saw as I approached that Noemi and our cousin Sophie were greeting our hostess and I was glad to see that I wasn't too terribly late.

[Noemi de Trevalion]

It seemed like Sophie was in good spirits and I smiled as she greeted the hostess, giving her a respectful nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well," I told her the pretty, dark-haired woman who was about my cousin's age cheerfully. After all she'd been nice enough to invite someone she didn't know to a party she was throwing and I had no idea how familiar she was with everyone else. All I knew was that she was a friend of Sophie's.

A sound behind me drew my attention and I cocked my head slightly as I looked over at Victoire, my smile brightening a bit. She'd decided to come and was looking a bit better for all of her tiredness, something I was glad of, and she was wearing one of the gowns she'd made before coming here, a proof of her skill. I could still see the worry and sadness there but at least she was trying for some reason or another and maybe it really would help her. A tea party sounded quiet and calm enough that it may actually soothe her spirits.

[Andraiya Lefebvre]

My attention was drawn to where Noemi glanced and I saw a young woman, blonde locks, the same sunny hue as Noemi's and judging from the smile on her face I could tell they must have been close - probably siblings. I smiled at the woman who approahed us, as well as a few of the others that were waiting to enter.

[Alora d'Aiglemort]

I wasn't sure if I really wanted to go to the tea party. It seemed too soon after Uncle's death. And no doubt there'll be other women there eager to make small talk and to see how I was fairing in my duties as a duchess. And considering the one hosting the party's a woman, there would most likely be an overabundance of unneeded things. But I decided to go and soon found myself at Andraiya's household. I stepped out of the carriage and saw myself at the door. I joined the line at the door and the ladies waiting to be greeted by the woman. I had chosen a simple spring dress of a light blue color.

[Victoire de Trevalion]

I greeted Noemi with a hug and the other two with a smile. "Noemi, Sophie, good to see you both," I said, before turning to our hostess and offering her a cursty an a smile. "And well met, Comtesse, I thank you for the invitation." I might have said more, but there came a knock on the door and I quickly stepped aside so as not to inconvenience our hostess as her other guests arrived. It looked like I would be meeting a good many people tonight, which was just as well, for I was doing a poor job of making friends thus far.

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

The Trevalion princesses stepped aside, and now it was my turn to greet our hostess. "Good day to you, Comtesse," I said. "I'm Comtesse Rosalie de Merteuil. I'm delighted to be invited to your lovely home."

[Leyna de Somerville]

I caught the name of the woman in front of me, Comtesse Rosalie de Merteuil, and made note of it for later when we were all inside.

[Andraiya Lefebvre]

I gave my thanks to the three ladies, letting them pass by me, the door open with the arrival of the next guest.

"Comtesse," I said with a curtsy befitting someone of the same rank, "I am pleased to meet you Rosalie. Please, come in. The parlor is straight through there and I will be joining you all soon," I grinned. She was a lovely lady, sunny locks - like it seemed most of the women here this evening had - and an easy smile. I looked behind her to another lovely blonde woman with an absolutely gorgeous dress, and another with bright firey locks.

[Leyna de Somerville]

Our hostess greeted the woman in front of me and directed her to the parlor, so I stepped up with a smile.

“Thank you so much for the invitation. I am Leyna de Somerville,” I said. “I brought this for you.” I offered her the bottle of wine.

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

I stepped inside and made a beeline for the parlor, where the other women were gathered. One woman stood off to the side, admiring a painting. I recognized her immediately as my sovereign regent; knowing her from various Azzallese gentry events. "Well met, Duchesse," I said to her.

[Andraiya Lefebvre]

The woman in the lovely dress was Princess Leyna de Somerville. I curtsied of course, with a smile, before graciously accepting her gift. "Thank you very much for accepting! And thank you for this, it is very thoughtful of you, and much appreciated," I said, looking at the bottle I know cradled in my hands. It was was from Namarre, which offered the best wine selections. "Please come in," I said, motioning for her to enter, "and might I add that I simply do love your gown its gorgeous," and truly it was.

[Mirielle Bellamont]

A pretty lady approached, hair as fair as my own and with a pleasant expression on her features. "Good afternoon," I replied as I turned to face her, a friendly smile upon my face.