North Maddock The Taylor Hotel Lobby
The lobby of the Taylor Hotel is dominated by the grand staircase that leads to the next floor on the north side of the room. The long counter, which extends from the side of the staircase and faces the door, is lovingly polished. Behind this counter resides a gleaming set of cubby holes and a pegboard with keys. On the counter, next to the ledger, is a bell for service. Four windows of stained glass rise up past the level of the 2nd floor above the front doors. In the morning hours, guests can often be found milling about the lobby here, blinking back the sleep of their goodnight's rest. The room is warm in contrast to the cold winter weather of the town beyond the double doors. A pair of dark green chairs and matching sofa are arranged before the open hearth, and upon the marble mantle lies an arrangement of pine boughs and cones around a beautifully carved Nativity scene. Above the mantle is suspended a beautifully realistic landscape of Bethlehem with the Christmas Star brightly shining above it and the Wise Men silhouetted upon the road. A tremendous Christmas tree stretches toward the ceiling in the southwest corner of the room. It is gaily decorated with blue, white, silver and gold ornaments with a gleaming silver star at the top. Tiny white candles flicker at the end of each large branch. Pine garlands are threaded through the banister of the grand staircase, fastened into place with elegant bows of red, blue and green plaid. A garland of holly and mistletoe drapes the doorway to the dining room. Centered on the front of the front desk is a decorative wreath. The small door to the office sits behind the counter and to the left, beyond the staircase in the northern wall, is the wide entrance to the dining room. (+views available)
*Players* (Jump to Log)
[Elise] Golden hair has been arranged in an upswept fashion, several tendrils allowed to fall to rest around the woman's face. A dark green ribbon, almost the same shade as her eyes, is wound within the mass of curls to give a semblance of order and elegance to the style. She wears a velvet dinner gown of dark green, its simple lines tailored to show her form to the best advantage. The neckline of the sweetheart style bodice is suitably modest, yet does tend to lend itself to the imagination. The short sleeves are decorated with fine white lace, as is the bottom of the skirt, and green slippers cover her feet. An emerald pendant hangs from a slender gold necklace, falling to rest under her collarbone. Hailing from the Northeast, Elise Montgomery's accent and manners clearly mark her as a lady.
[Barron] Jack Barron stands roughly six feet two inches tall. A lanky man, he has a wiry sort of body type that is more prone to quick action then to massive strength. His face is etched in solid hard lines, and he perpetually has a cigarette in his mouth. His eyes are a pale blue, narrowed as if squinting at some unseen sun. His hair is cut short, military style and his skin is tanned a dark, leathery color from hours in the sun. He wears a cowboy hat, tilted down over his eyes to protect from the sun when necessary. Today he's dressed up in a fine, brown suit. New boots, gleaming. A tuxedo shirt and dark brown tie are worn under a paisley vest of crimson, brown and gold. The suit coat he wears fits his shoulders well and it's got dark buttons. The badge of the Sheriff of Maddock is pinned to his lapel. His gun belt has been replaced for a more sedate, calm belt that carries only one pistol, and a half dozen extra rounds. He wears a gold wedding band on his left hand. When he speaks, it's with a tangible Texan accent, the twang riding over each of his words.
[Eugenia] Though no great beauty, this woman is pretty enough for a homesteader's widow. She has a toned, sturdy body with long limbs and ripe, feminine curves. Thick, light brown hair with blonde highlights is neatly braided up behind her head with a green ribbon threaded in the braiding. A curled lock of hair dangles forward over one shoulder. Quiet, green eyes watch the world from beneath delicately arched eyebrows. Her mouth is full and petulant, giving her a somewhat pouty look whether or not she's feeling that way. Her hands are square and somewhat large for a woman, flesh marked with calluses and scars from her life of hard work. A gown of honeyed velvet clings to Eugenia's womanly curves, pintucks emphasizing her defined, but uncorsetted waist. The veed neckline and the cuffs of the long sleeves are edged with creamy lace. The velvet of the skirt is artfully draped and drawn back into an elaborate bustle with creamy lace dripping along the edges of the folds. The cream-colored underskirt is also of velvet, but a wide hem at its bottom edge is embroidered with green ivy and golden honeysuckle. It is by far the most expensive dress that the woman has ever owned and wearing it almost makes her giddy. The shoes on her feet are worn, but meticulously polished to make them look their best. The only jewelry that she wears is the gold band upon her left ring finger.
[Letitia] Letitia exudes an air of fragility that is as apparent as her grace and good breeding. The rich, black tone of her hair is highlighted with hints of blue that add depth to her tresses. Beneath delicate brows on an oval face, she has violet blue eyes that are rimmed with long, black lashes. Soft color touches the slanted cheekbones that flank her slender nose. Above her pointed little chin, the petulant fullness of her soft mouth is the color of vibrant, summer roses. A red velvet gown swathes Letitia's lithe form. Slightly off the shoulder, the neckline forms a vee that allows the tiniest hint of cleavage to be shown behind a three-leafed sprig of silk holly. Pleated cap sleeves angle in a perfect line with the neckline and leave pale arms bare. Tailored to fit against her torso like second skin, the gown tapers below the neckline and a pleated sash of darker crimson encircles her tiny waist, tied in the back into a magnificent bow with the rest of the sash falling nearly to the floor. Her slender skirt is draped in front to show off the pleated rows of a crimson underskirt and it is gently bustled in the back. Black dancing slippers encase her feet. Her dark hair is elegantly upswept and adorned with a tiny crown formed of silk holly. Earrings of emerald wink from her earlobes and an emerald pendant upon a gold chain sparkles against her smooth skin below her throat. An elegant ring of diamond and gold decorates the ring finger of her left hand.
[Damien] Damien D'aray is a tall, well-favored man. Intense black eyes stare out of a handsome face framed by shoulder-length curly black hair and a neatly trimmed beard and moustache. His movements are slow and lackadaisical, filled with a natural grace, and when he speaks his voice is rich with the cultured accent of Southern gentility. He is dressed in a charcoal gray cotton shirt with banded collar and black cloth covered buttons, a doubled-breasted vest with a dark royal blue paisley pattern against a black background and silver buttons, a platinum chain draped between the watch pocket and one button, and dark royal blue pants tucked into black stovepipe boots. A dark royal blue frock coat and black cavalry hat round out the outfit. All clothes are of fine quality and well tailored.
[Tucker] William Tucker stands just under 6 feet. He has always been lanky and wiry, and even with age, that image still describes him. He appears to be in his late thirties to early forties. His skin is darkly tanned from many years in the sun. Wrinkles add texture to his face, drawing firm lines across what was once a smooth face. His hair is a short, sandy brown. A Scattering of grey mark his temples and travel over his ears. A sight somewhat premature for a man who still seems youthful. His eyes are hazel and expressive of his moods, changing with emotion and light. A shiny silver star, surrounded by a circle, is always visible upon his left breast. The badge of a Federal Marshal. Those whom know William well, and even those who don't, might be taken aback by this first glimpse of this tall, lanky man. He looks distinguished and resplendent in the black jacket and slacks. The white shirt, cleanly pressed, is free of road dust and the usual dry signs of his travels and occupation. The bright emerald cummerbund and the matching bow tie brings out the inner light of his eyes and makes his smile softer and easy. The suit is of a cut and style at least six years old, yet is definitely new. By sheer coincidence, this cut and style, old enough to be forgotten by the dictates of trend within the rich and fickle, is enjoying a modest fashionable return. Polished Armadillo-skinned, pointy-toed boots peek up from underneath the straight black slacks. The only sign, that this man is not the usual wealthy city type that normally wears a tuxedo.
[Juno] Hers is the face that launched a thousand programmes. Heart-shaped, it is framed by dark brown hair swept upward and held together in an artistry of combs concealed beneath her red velvet hat. But beneath the shade of that hat, her smile is boundless, and her brown eyes shine with a laughing warmth, conveying that... feeling that she would just as soon cast off the hat and let her hair hang loose and free. Her laughter and her voice contain that same boundless warmth and energy. For to Juno, laughter and singing is one and the same. Her soprano is full of sunlit clarity. Her laughter is full of summer. She is clothed in red velvet and ivory silk, colors that play theatrically well against her almond-olive complexion. Tall and slender, but not reedy thin -- what use is that! -- her figure and her height is accentuated by the velvet skirt fitted at her waist and hips that flares outward to cover everything but the very tips of her heeled shoes. This is worn in concert with a velvet waistcoat, which is tailored for her and overlays shift and shirt of ivory silk. At around her throat, her neck shown off by the upswept hair, dangle garnet beads. Several long strands of the stones are circled artfully.
[Kei] The only reason this small (about 5'6") unassuming-looking man would be noticed in a crowd is because in this part of the world, it is rare to look upon someone Chinese. With tan, smooth skin over delicate, almost impish facial features, it is difficult to discern the man's age, though the maturity of his posture and carriage suggest someone older than he looks. He is quite slender, but his hands look very strong, suggestive of a person who leads an active lifestyle. His eyes are gently sloped and almond-shaped, with long lashes, and are full of intense expression, whatever his mood -- indeed, Kei's primary form of communication is through his eyes. Dressed to the proverbial nines, the little Chinaman is a picture in a perfectly-tailored, single-breasted tailcoat and slim-fitting trousers of rich black wool, with a matching waistcoat save a satin shawl collar and buttons. Beneath the waistcoat peeks a pleated white dress shirt with a plain starched collar. Kei has chosen no tie or cravat: instead he wears an impressive collar stud with a delicate holly-sprig design to wear at his neck. White gloves, spats, and shiny new black shoes complete the ensemble. On top of Kei's head is a low Topper with a black satin band and turned-up brim. His hair has been neatly trimmed to accommodate the hat.
[Gem] Dark hair falls in smooth curls past Gem's shoulders, contrasting with pale skin and very blue eyes. No paint; no rouge or lip-color to heighten her color, only simple pearl drop earrings and red silk flowers in her hair as decoration. Well, that and a sly little smile that says the costume may be unusual, but it's certainly Gem underneath it. Gem is, of all things, dressed in traditional Chinese clothing. No corset -- and it turns out she doesn't need one -- under silk of dark crimson, littered with delicate brocaded flowers that catch the light. The qipao flows from throat to ankle in shimmering, feminine waves. Sleeves, three-quarters length, are slashed with pale cream silk and trimmed with gold; at the shoulder, cream silk again slashes, from one shoulder to the other arm, set apart from the high collar by crimson reappearing there, trimmed in gold.
[Thierry] Lean, grizzled. No, it's not the way people should enjoy bacon (though it is an option), but rather, it's one of the first things noticeable about this man. Life has made its mark on his face (as has the sun), evidenced by the wrinkles. A tall lanky fella, he carries himself with a certain amount of serenity. A blond, though he doesn't act it (probably from the gray mixed in there), he also displays the calluses of man who knows what it means to work and work hard. Thierry is dressed simply in a pair of new dungarees stuffed in boots, a new green shirt, covered by a large, heavy coat, scarf around his neck, and Stetson pulled low, just over green eyes. There is also a gunbelt across his hips, with two pistols shoved in the holsters. While his accent is that of someone from the deeps of the South, some Louisiana, some Texas (either way, it's a heck of a drawl), his grammar and diction walk a fine line between unlettered rube and educated man.
[Rick] Richard Porter (Rick to his friends) is a man worthy of a second glance. He stands a hint over six feet tall, and his broad shoulders set off a solid frame that runs to muscle, not fat. His hair, kept neat and short, could be considered a nondescript brown until sunlight brings out a red-gold tint. Brown eyes keenly watch Rick's surroundings, and usually seem to be reflecting some inner amusement. Rick is wearing a clean white shirt, and dark grey pants that are probably part of a suit although he's not wearing the jacket. Black suspenders hold up the pants, and his dusty shoes look like they're supposed to be black, too.
[Caitlin] Small but wiry - that's the usual impression folks get looking at this woman, who appears to be in her early thirties. Slim and standing just over five feet, she might at first glance seem somewhat frail. A closer look reveals a hint of strength behind that compact frame, and weathered hands that look like they've done some honest work in their day. Her face bears a light tan, her sandy-blonde hair bleached almost white by too much sun. The harsh, bright color seems almost at odds with her dark brown eyes and delicate, features. Her looks are rather plain, a situation not helped any by the unflattering bun her hair has been pulled up into. Even Caitlin's "Sunday Best" isn't all that grand, but it's serviceable for a formal occasion. The dress is a dark green in color, with some ruffles and a high collar. Carrying: key to Caitlin's Room 34
Damien arrives with a couple of the waiters from the Golden Phoenix in tow, carrying a case of champagne and other packages. As he divests himself of hat, coat, gloves, and scarf he directs one man to take the case of champagne to the kitchen and tells the other man to set his load of packages down on the counter.
Letitia nervously paces the lobby, mentally going over her list of things that still Need to Be Done. Every now and again, she will go to the door of the dining room and signal a young boy who is acting as waiter. She confers with him and sends him off to the kitchen to check on things.
Barron arrives with his wife in tow. He did make a plate - a fine Texas platter of something, spicy and warm. Well, Genie made it with his recollection and tasting, but hey. He sheds his coat to the waiter nearby, along with his cowboy hat and Eugenia's coat.
Elise stands over toward one of the walls, watching Letitia pace back and forth. One eyebrow is quirked upwards in clear amusement. "You are going to wear a groove in the floor if you keep up... and while some fashions are odd, I do not think that a groove in the middle of the floor is considered in style."
Eugenia arrives along with Jack, quite unable to keep from smiling. Her cheeks are flushed and it isn't from the cold. Every now and again, she will smooth a hand along her velvet gown and simply -grin-.
Letitia laughs toward Elise, pausing in the middle of the lobby to extend her hands toward her guests. "Thank you all for coming!" she says, warmly smiling to the Sheriff and his new wife. She moves toward Damien and leans up to kiss him on the cheek. Nervously, she squeezes his hand.
Damien smiles, returning Letitia's squeeze with one of his own. "You look lovely tonight, Letitia. I don't think I've seen that dress before. It must be new."
Eugenia mutters to Barron, "... don't... I'm ever... to... thank... enough... in this..."
Letitia says, "Of course, it's new, darling Damien. It's Christmas!" She laughs and gestures toward Elise. "You won't mind keeping Elise company at times while I'm busy playing hostess, will you?"
Elise smiles brightly at those who just arrived, lifting a hand of greeting to Eugenia. The spinster actually seems quite content in her position by the wall.
Damien smiles at Elise. "Of course not. It would be my pleasure. Good evening, Miss Montgomery. How are you tonight?"
Barron replies to Letitia, "Thank you or inviting us, ma'am.
Letitia smiles to Barron and approaches the man and his wife. "Thank you so much for gracing us with your presence. And you've brought something along as well! Let me give this to the waiter and I'll add it to the table, shall I?"
Juno has arrived.
Tucker has arrived.
"Good Evening, Mr. D'aray, and Merry Christmas." Elise grins impishly as she inclines her head towards him, "I am doing very well, though I imagine Letitia is doing even better now that you have arrived." Her eyes dance with mischief as she casts a sidelong glance to Damien.
Barron replies, "Certainly," he hands over the dish. "We do appreciate the invite, we do. You've done a wonderful job with this hotel, as far as ah can see. Mister D'aray," he greets the other man.
Letitia turns from the Sheriff, holding a platter of food in her hands. She looks at William Tucker and then looks again for good measure before her face lights up. "Marshal Tucker," she gushes, flashing him a smile. "I almost didn't recognize you in that wonderful finery. It suits you just as well as your normal clothing, however. How very handsome, you are!"
Damien smiles at Barron, offering his hand. "Hello, Sheriff. Merry Christmas." He nods to Eugenia. "And you too, ma'am. Congratulations on y'all's marriage."
Eugenia smiles at Damien and Elise like a giddy schoolgirl in her new gown. She nods her head in greeting and tightens her hold upon Barron's arm at the congratulations. When the woman laughs, it is as warm and delicious as melted butter drizzled with honey. "Thank you, Mr. D'aray," she returns in her own Georgia accent. "Merry Christmas to you, too."
William Tucker enters with lovely young woman on his arm, and it is not Wilona. Of course, that alone is a fairly good shocker, but seeing him in a tuxedo pretty well pushes the whole thing over the top. He gives Letitia a bright, warm smile, "Evenin' Maam. That's mighty kind of you to say." He looks down at himself for a moment, looking a bit embarrassed. What? This old thing? He clears his throat and introduces the woman at his side, "This is Miss Genovese, a professional opera singer from Italy." He offers no further explanation for this oddity: its as if nothing out of the unusual has happened.
Letitia arches a delicate eyebrow at the introduction and she catches Elise's eye for a moment. Now -that- is worthy of gossip. She'd entirely expected Wilona! Easing the tray of food to one hand, she gives Juno a light, elegant curtsey in greeting. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Genovese. Merry Christmas and welcome to my little party."
Barron nods his head politely to Tucker, "Evenin', Marshal." he greets the man. "You're lookin' mighty fine. Miss Wilona won't be joinin' us this evenin' at all?"
A boy dressed in black pants and a crisp, white shirt scurries in from the dining room, heading toward Letitia. He's too exuberant to wait for a break in the conversation. Tugging on her sleeve, he leans up to whisper something to her. Letitia whispers back, giving him the tray of food and sending him off with it.
The introductions and salutations pass over her as easy as wind or water, some of the words known but in what context? Many others glide past her in syllables and consonants unknown as Miss Genovese tilts her head upward, looking at the glass and the mistletoe, the decorations. It is only when she hears 'Genovese' that she looks to the voices, to the people, and she smiles wonderful and wide and warm. "A pleasure," she knows, but her English, what there is of it so far, is heavily accented. "Buon Natale," Juno says, rising from her own slight curtsey. There is a look to Tucker. Now what?
Elise doesn't consider it worthy of gossip, but then, what does fall into that category for the writer? Very little. She offers a wry smile to Letitia, laughter in her gaze. The boy catches her attention and the woman can't help but grin at his enthusiasm.
William smiles at Barron and grasps the man's hand, "Evenin' Jack, mighty good to see you. Ahrm afraid Wilona has come down with a bit of the flue." William frowns a bit, nodding his head in obvious sympathy, "She insisted that I come anyway, you know how she is." He turns his head and smiles at Juno, giving her a reassuring wink. He introduces her again, just in case the sheriff wasn't within earshot when he entered the door.
Juno sticks out her hand toward Barron, smiling. "Ah... howdy?" she says, she smiles, she laughs. You are in America now, Juno, it is time to start acting like it, si?
Eugenia stands by Jack, proudly grasping his elbow. The man's in a new suit and she's in what -has- to be a new dress. The 'widow' has never appeared in public in such a fabulous gown in the past. From the way she's grinning from ear-to-ear, she is enjoying her new clothing.
Damien turns to smile at Tucker and Juno. "Hello, Marshal. A pleasure to meet you, Miss Genovese. It's been a long time since I've been able to attend an opera. What brings you to our town?"
Eugenia says, "I'm real sorry that Wilona's not feeling well, Marshal. You'll give her my regards?"
The sound of a coach with at least a pair of horse can be heard coming to a stop outside, followed by a brief exchange of some sort. When all of that has been settled, a very unlikely pair of Maddock's residents arrive, both formally dressed. Just not formally dressed the way you would expect. Zachary Kei Zungji enters the lobby with his date for the evening, none other than the Scarlet Woman herself, Gem Trotters. Scarlet is the best word to describe her outfit, scandalous for Gem only in that is surprising conservative...and entirely Chinese. As well as a picture in crimson, cream, and gold. This is in contrast to the Doctor, who arrives in heavens alive! A *Western* suit. With a top hat --- a full formal tailcoat and waistcoat, the whole deal. Two opera cloaks are handed over to be checked, and the Doctor smiles all around, blooming a delighted red on his cheeks.
Barron shakes the hand of the Italian ingénue easily enough. "Nice to meet you, ma'am. This is my wife, Eugenia here. A pleasure to meet you."
Letitia turns away from yet -another- message from the kitchen to see the latest arrivals. Her face blossoms into a smile and, if it weren't entirely unladylike to do so, she might very well squeal. The young woman hurries toward Kei and Gem, reaching out to grasp their hands and warmly green them. "Oh, don't you both look -marvelous-," she says, tickled pink that this little town is getting into the spirit of things. "Dr. Kei, I am so very honored that you're here... and with Gem!"
Again a swirl of words and then her name. Turning, the smile still on her features, as it has been since her arrival. And then her hand is taken, given a polite shake and Juno smiles. "Si, si," a look to Eugenia, another smile. A pleasure. And then back to Damien. "Ah..hm... how to say...ah...luck?" She tries that. Even speaking, her voice is lyrical. "...it is very cold... freddo...ah..." And a little blush. She does not know much English at all. Juno glances to Tucker for help.
Elise doesn't venture from her position against the wall. Her eyes do widen upon seeing Gem and Kei, a grin breaking across her lips. She raises one hand in greeting to the doctor, trying very hard to smother the impishness of her expression.
Italian is something Genie knows absolutely nothing about. So, she can only smile to Juno and offer her hand to shake it just like a man. Eugenia says, "Nice to meet you, Miss," to the newcomer.
Damien looks to the door as Kei and Gem enters and smiles at them. "Evening, Gem, doctor."
Kei and Gem incline their heads at once. "Oh very kind of you," Kei says with utter politeness. "I was surprised to receive your invitation...and equally surprised Miss Trotters was willing to accept. Please forgive if we may not stay long -- I won't be able to attend the dinner, but I thought I would come, certainly." He of course treats Gem very much like a lady, he is decidedly gentlemanly as he has her on his arm, and Gem, for her part, manages not to seem too put-out by greeting Letitia. At least they couldn't /possibly/ wear the same dress this time.
Tucker grins at Damien, shaking the man's hand. "Good to see you too Damien, mighty kind of you and Letitia to invite me to your party." He looks over to Eugenia and offers her a good sized smile as well, "Thank you Mrs. Barron, Ahrm sure she will be up and adam soon enough." William leans a bit closer to Juno and holds her arm in his. He makes sure to introduce everyone to her, so she will not feel to much at odds. He helps her out with Damian's question, "She is on her way back to New York from California. She has an escort of nearly ten people with her. Stranded here on account of the weather. She doesn't speak much English, and her interpreter is making arrangements for them at the boarding house."
Juno smiles to Genie, a shake of a hand. I love America! "Pleasure..." Her other hand is in the possession of the Marshal. She turns, looking this way and that, at all the people. Understanding, perhaps, only ten percent of what she hears, and yet...there is a warmth that translates without a problem.
"Marshall," Barron tells Tucker. "Ah had Genie make some food from back where ah'm from. You should try it, it'll kick ya right in the gut, ah'll guarantee that." A grin for Kei, and a friendly wave.
Miss Gem is the first to greet Damien, with a small wave and was that a wink? Of course not. Really. The man /is/ engaged after all.
Letitia isn't wearing the same dress as Gem, but red seems to be a popular color this evening. The hostess offers a mischievous grin to Gem and seems pleased to have her here. Tonight, is a time to put aside differences. The boy from the kitchen returns to help his brother carefully stow coats and cloaks in a room just off the lobby and near the desk. Finally, Letitia is able to rejoin Damien for a moment, touching his arm and looking at him with affection.
William smirks at the sheriff, "Texan food? Ain't that the same kinda stuff they serve at Ylsa's place? Boy, I had a steak there last night. Uhmm Uhmm." William smacks his lips, "Damn good. But you just say the word and Ahrl be glad to come over for dinner. Ain't really seen your new place yet."
Eugenia grins to Barron when he talks about the spicy stuff he had her fix up for the party. Her grin fades when she sees that Kei has arrived, and the new Mrs. Barron glances down at her skirt.
Kei waves to Tucker with a white-gloved hand. "Marshall...." he offers as a way of greeting. He looks slightly flushed still, perhaps from the cold, more likely from actually showing at an event with his date. "Mister D'aray -- Sheriff Barron...well, it is really quite a gathering, isn't it?" If Eugenia is acknowledged, it is not clear at all in his manner -- but he certainly isn't' actively avoiding her either. Differences put aside and all.
Damien grins, glancing towards Letitia. "It's Miss Taylor's party. She put everything together, including the guest list. I just supplied the champagne." Then he looks over at Elise. "Though I understand Miss Montgomery helped out quite a bit with the preparations and planning." A glance at Juno and then back to Tucker, "It's a pity she wasn't traveling by a more southerly route. I have an interest in an opera house in Denver. It would be nice if opera could actually be performed there once but their loss is our gain. I hope she's enjoying her time here in Maddock."
A pair of tall, thin young men enter from the dining room bearing trays of drinks. Glasses of champagne are offered as well as eggnog, wassail, apple cider and milk. Behind them comes the two coat boys with trays of cheeses, sliced fruit, cookies and fudge.
Juno looks around as eagerly as before. To each of the faces gathered around. She does not seem to feel out of place in the slightest, nor uncomfortable at what she does not know. She takes a handful of moments to look at the decorations. She smiles. Opera gets her attention. She looks from Tucker to Damien. "Opera?" she wonders. Here? Her eyes light up. How unexpected. "I ...would like. I...ah..hmm... how to say...we are to be in this place until... ah...thaw?" Checking her translation, she even grins at it.
Barron squeezes Eugenia's hand,a nd slides a flute of champagne from the tray for her, one for himself as well.
Eugenia accepts the glass and then, laughing, leans to kiss the Sheriff upon the cheek. She lifts her glass toward Gem and, after a bit of hesitation, toward Kei.
"It wouldn't be a party without Damien, however," Letitia says with a soft laugh. "And I don't think that I could have managed without Elise's help. Please, everyone.. mingle and sit! You're welcome to pass through to the dining room for more comfortable seating. There is a small buffet table with appetizers available there."
Elise finally decides to move away from the wall and come to stand near to Letitia, offering her a grin. "Well, nothing has fallen down yet and there have been no grievous injuries. I dare say it is starting off well." This is stated in a laughing fashion, intend to tease Letitia for her worries.
Tucker nods his greetings to Kei, "Doc, glad you made it." He gives Gem Trotters a rather feeble smile, but the sparkle in his eyes clearly shows how humorous it strikes him to see the two of them together. He too, takes a pair of champagne flutes from the tray and offers one to Juno. He remarks to Damian, "I said the same thing. Apparently her manager, who booked the stage, wasn't aware of what the weather is like up north."
Damien covers Letitia's hand on his arm with his own for a moment, smiling down at his fiancée' before accepting a flute of champagne from the waiter with a soft, "Thank you." He smiles at Juno again. "Perhaps you'll grace us with a performance sometime at the saloon." He glances at his partner, "Gem and I would have to work out the details of course but I'm sure something can be arranged." Just have to make sure the miners understand they're to behave.
Thierry has arrived.
Eugenia mutters to Barron, "I'm beginning... that Zungji is... Jack.... with him,... I..."
Letitia steps away from Damien when another guest arrives. She approaches Thierry with a gracious smile. "Merry Christmas, sir. I'm so glad that you could make it. Please, help yourself to a drink and mingle."
Thierry steps in, a touch cautiously. He bobs his head at Letitia and murmurs, "Thank you kindly ma'am, for the invitation, it's most appreciated. I'm sorry that Theodora couldn't be here, but she wasn't able to come."
Barron dips his head to Genie and murmurs something back. He lifts his glass, taking a sip and guiding her among the party goers, talking to this and that person.
There is a blush upon her cheeks for the champagne. A moment where she thinks: maybe I should not. Her manager here in spirit if not in actuality. Besides, it is her birthday and it is only one glass of champagne. After a moment of deliberation and rationalization, Juno takes the flute glass and holds it just beneath her nose. She smiles after a moment and finally takes a sip. "Grazie, Marshal," Juno says to him. She looks to Damien intently, understanding: you, to perform, time. She smiles. Well, that has to be a good sign, right?
That dark-haired boy grins as he steps up to Thierry with a tray of differing glasses. Champagne, wassail, apple cider, eggnog and milk are all arrayed for the guests. Behind him stands his brother with a tray of appetizers. The pair are really enjoying themselves while they play at being waiters.
Letitia says, "I'm sorry that she is feeling poorly, Mr. Marcel. However, I'm quite delighted that you came. Give Theodora my best, please?"
Gem has taken up a champagne glass, and offers Tucker a little wink as well, which seems to amuse her date more than anything else. Kei's never had problems with Miss Trotters Being Miss Trotters. She lifts her glass to Eugenia, in response to one lifted to her, and says to Damien, "Singer?" She makes a slightly dramatic face and offers, "I promised I wouldn't discuss business today." This might in part explain why she is a little less demonstrative than she is at many parties. Kei for his part, mutters a polite and distracted "Dohje." Gem doesn't hear it -- she's looking this opera singer over, despite her insistence upon not discussing business. So Kei asks, "You are Italian? I think I heard an Italian word --oh!" He flushes. "I am Doctor Kei. This is my companion Miss Gem Trotters." Both offer their hands at once.
Eugenia nods to whatever it is that Barron whispers to her, gifting his cheek with a kiss. Now that they are married, the former widow has no problem dispensing affection to him in public.
Letitia beckons to Elise as she suddenly remembers something. Instead of being flustered by it, she is almost laughing. "Elise! Please... I need you."
Damien looks at Letitia curiously. "Anything I can do to help out?"
Elise dutifully moves to stand near to Letitia, quirking one eyebrow upwards. "Yes?" She grins, clasping her hands before her.
Thierry takes something from the tray belatedly, a cup of apple cider, after which he gives his thanks to the waiter. Then he sips at the cider.
From the looks of things, Letitia and Elise planned their outfits. One is in red and the other is in green. And Elise isn't even looking like a spinster! Damien's query receives a firm shake of Letitia's head in reply. "No, darling, just enjoy yourself? You deserve it, I daresay." She turns to Elise and grins, whispering to her.
Elise's other eyebrow raises, the writer giving Letitia a look of curiosity as she responds in equally soft whispers.
Juno looks for a moment between Kei and Gem. Now this is a quandary. One hand is held by Marshal Tucker, on his arm, the other is holding a champagne glass. Juno smiles, lifts the glass to the extended hands, moves it to her other fingers, and then offers her hand to greet them both, individually. "Si... Il mio nome e Juno Genovese. Provengo da Genova..." Juno pauses. "English," she corrects herself in gentle, humored reminder, "... I am Juno... English... I am sorry... not good. Not good. Pleasure... pleasure..." she says to both Gem and Kei.
Letitia nods to Elise, violet eyes dancing with merriment. "Please? We should collect them now before dinner so people might not remember things later."
Tucker takes a sip from his champagne glass and gazes around the new hotel lobby. He hasn't had a chance to see the inside of this yet, it looks pretty good so far. Quite an elegant place for a small town like Maddock. He does a half circle, taking in the whole space. Letitia has taste, that is quite obvious. But the real question is, how does she plan to fill all this space? He listens quietly as Juno and Kei talk.
Damien sips his champagne, watching Letitia and Elise with a smile before turning back to the other guests.
Elise's lips twitch and she inclines her head. She moves to the counter, collecting a basket and pausing there to scan the room. The writer pauses a moment to think before walking to stand near to Eugenia and murmuring quietly to her.
Eugenia looks to Elise quite curiously, cheeks already flushed though she's only had part of her glass of champagne. Mrs. Barron looks down at her clothing and then at the ring on her hand. She looks to Jack and then eyes the room. With a laugh, she indicates the front desk with a tilt of her head and she begins to walk around it.
Kei withdraws his hand slightly to allow Gem's to go first, but he does the talking. "Oh, it is terribly nice to meet you, Miss Genovese. I understand entirely how the English language can be daunting, I assure you." Dressed in that sparkling suit, and with an accent that is as British as it is Chinese, it is hard to imagine that he has too much trouble, but his Chinese visage certainly suggests the language was not native to him. Then again you never know. "I hope Maddock treats you well."
The slight twitch of Elise's lips has developed into a full grin and she follows Eugenia.
Letitia watches Elise begin her rounds and she breathes out, slowly. Seeing that everything is well in hand, the hostess ducks out for a moment to look in on the kitchen.
Letitia moves into the dining room.
Thierry sips his cider as he prowls the edges of the room.
Once behind the tall counter, Genie bends over and is almost completely hidden from view. The former widow starts carefully pulling up her skirt, laughing all the while, and looking out with a reddened face to make sure no one is watching too closely.
Elise laughs and politely keeps her gaze on the wall, basket still held before her.
Damien turns to Tucker with a smile. "I'm curious, Marshal. Where do you stand on this idea of replacing the mayor with a town council. Everyone knows where Quintan, Porter, and myself stand but you weren't there at the meeting when Mr. Garrett brought it up. Are you for it or against?"
Rick has arrived.
Letitia enters from the dining room. Letitia has arrived. Letitia steps out of the dining room, her visage far less worried now that she's looked in on the dinner preparation. She is smiling in a much more relaxed manner now. Spying the newest arrival, the young woman brightens. "Mr. Porter!"
Caitlin has arrived.
Genie straightens up and drops something into the basket Elise is holding. She grins and laughs, still flushed.
Tucker isn't entirely certain about what is going on with the Maddock female cast, they are flutting about like birds. He turns to Damien and inclines his head, "Whelp... Seems to me that I am the only one who wholeheartedly embraces the idea. There are folks who are worried about beauracracy, but the way I see it, this town has gone through four mayors in less than eight years. Each time, it takes upwards of six months to elect a new one. Durin' that time, nothin' gets done. Seems to me, that Maddock can't afford not to have a council."
Rick looks around as he shrugs off his coat, then smiles apologetically as he's greeted by the hostess. "Sorry I'm so late. I was over at the Perkins place earlier, and it took longer than I thought to get back to town through the snow."
A young boy in a crisp, white shirt and black pants hurries up to take Rick's coat from him. The kid impishly grins. Behind him, his slightly older brother has a tray with different glasses of champagne, wassail, eggnog, apple cider or milk.
Juno smiles, nodding to Kei and to Gem. She returns her champagne glass to her hand, freeing her other, at last, from her escort. He should not feel obligated to hold her hand literally as well as figuratively. "Grazie," she says. "A pleasure." And thus she has exhausted her English. She places a hand to the garnets at her throat and sips the champagne.
Damien shakes his head. "No, you aren't the only one. Christopher Quintan is also all for the idea. As far as having someone to take over in case something happens to the mayor, couldn't we handle it just as well by, say, letting him appoint a deputy mayor? Or perhaps have that office go to the person who gets the second highest votes for mayor?"
Elise offers a bright grin to Eugenia and inclines her head, closing the lid on the basket as she ventures back to the crowd. Another pause as she considers who next to approach. The writer apparently chooses Tucker and moves to stand nearby and wait for acknowledgement.
Letitia says, "Better late than never, as the saying goes." Her eyes twinkle as she greets Rick. "Merry Christmas." Looking past him to Caitlin, she smiles, "And to you, too, Mrs. Lockhart! Thank you for coming."
Eugenia moves back to Jack and simply grins at him when he gives her a questioning look.
Rick accepts a glass of champagne from the boy, and idles. :(
Caitlin arrives, a bit later than intended. She wasn't going to come at all, but her brother pushed her into it. She feels self-consciously underdressed looking around at all the finery, but nonetheless manages a smile to Letitia. "Thank you, Ms Taylor. Merry Christmas to you. My, this is so grand."
Tucker looks as if he is about to respond to Damien, but as Elise creeps up behind him he looks over his shoulder and raises an eyebrow questioningly. What's this? An Item?
Thierry glances around to espy who else has arrived. Ah. Then he turns back around and goes back to admiring the workmanship of the place.
Elise speaks in soft, inquiring tones to Tucker, a grin pulling on her lips. In truth, this job seems to make the woman feel a little ridiculous, but its all for fun. She lifts the basket up for emphasis of her words.
Letitia doesn't really care a whit what Caitlin is wearing. The hostess truly is glad to have her at the festivities. "Thank you very much. It's been a lot of work and I'm still not finished, but enough has been done to have a party!"
Tucker smirks back at Elise, flashing the woman a broad wink. Alright then, he turns and as secretly as he is able, puts an item into the basket. "I want that back now..." He says unnecessarily, chuckling at Elise before returning back to Damien.
Elise laughs and inclines her head, "I would not dream of stealing it from a man in your position." Her eyes sparkle as she catches sight of Caitlin and moves to inquire an object of Mrs. Lockhart.
Caitlin smiles and nods, seeming relieved to have passed muster (or at least, passed without comment). "It'll be amazing when all's done. You've done a splendid job." She steps out of the doorway, still attentive to Letitia but not wanting to monopolize the hostess. Elise distracts her. "Hmm? Oh..." After a moment's indecision, she hands something to the other woman.
Damien grins to himself as he continues to sip his champagne while watching Elise go from guest to guest.
Eugenia moves away from the Sheriff as he listens to the other men talk politics. She makes her way toward Thierry, evidently to show off just how good she looks in her new dress.
Juno takes a moment to wander around. She sips the champagne, she looks at the decorations, she listens to the conversations. It is all rather operatic. Voices speaking at the same time, about different topics, all coming together in a single sound. She cannot help it. She starts humming.
Kei waves to Caitlin, after having given Miss Genovese a gentlemanly bow. "I did know you were coming!" he tells her very animatedly as he comes to her,
offering his white-gloved hand. "Oh, excuse me," he says, and takes off his topper, his hair being kept neatly underneath for once.
Thierry stands where he is, watching the Sheriff's wife make her way over. He'll wait there patiently.
Elise smiles warmly to Caitlin and murmurs her thanks before turning to scan the crowd once more. One hand is placed almost protectively over the lid of the basket to make sure none of the objects within are visible. Approaching Damien, she arches a brow, suspecting that she need not even explain her mission to him.
Tucker continues his conversation with Damien, not seeming to take much notice of Juno taking her leave. "Whelp, sure, that would be the least that should be done. But sooner or later Maddock could use a council, leastwise, if it continues to grow at the rate it has been." Besides, William Tucker isn't a big fan of having all the power in this town reside in one man. Maddock has had people attempt to buy off the Mayor elections in the past, could happen again. He keeps these thoughts silent though.
"Merry Christmas, Thierry," says Eugenia in her Southern drawl. "I haven't seen you in quite a while. You look to be doing well," she says.
Caitlin gives a puzzled smile in response to the departing Elise, and returns Kei's wave. She makes her way across to where the doctor is standing, and offers a cheery greeting to him and anyone standing nearby, "Merry Christmas."
Letitia eyes Elise and mouths, "How many more?" She is finally beginning to enjoy herself now that it seems the party isn't going to be ruined by a fire in the kitchen or some other disaster.
Thierry bobs his head in greeting as her answers, "Missus Barron." He continues with a faint smile as he remarks, "Marriage seems to agree with you."
Damien starts to reply to the marshal but then looks to Elise curiously as she approaches him. He actually wasn't told about this in advance and so he waits to see what she wants.
Eugenia looks over to where Barron stands amongst the political discussion. "So far, so good," she admits with a laugh. "I'm still not used to living in town, though."
Elise grins, apparently pleased that Damien will be as surprised by this as all the other guests. She murmurs her request to him quietly, before raising the basket once more.
"I'm sure that must be rather unusual for you," Thierry replies. He adds, "Might I add my congratulations to you, on the occasion of your wedding."
"And Merry Christmas to you," Kei says politely to Caitlin, having left Gem discussing something or another with one of guests. That doesn't mean
Miss Trotters isn't entirely failing to pay attention, as she offers Caitlin a wave from across the lobby. That distracts the Doctor, who keep looking at her very oddly in that red Chinese dress.
Damien hmms to himself and proceeds to pat down his coat and vest pockets, slipping his fingers inside one or two before shaking his head slightly and walking over to where he deposited his greatcoat and other belongings. He picks up his hat and reaches inside, palming something that he then slips into Elise's basket with a wink. "Here you go."
Eugenia smiles to Thierry, pleased. "Thank you. I heard about... Theo," she says in a more somber tone. "She doing okay? I've prayed for her."
Caitlin blinks upon seeing Gem dressed like that, but gives a small wave in return. Her attention then drifts back to the doctor, and she smiles, "Don't you look dandy." Somewhere between an amused observation and a compliment. Letitia strolls toward the doors to the dining room, pausing there to look over her guests in glad approval. She watches Damien give his item to Elise and her mouth tugs as she tries to make eye contact with him.
Thierry says gravely, "Theodora is doing well. She doesn't like being confined, as I am sure you can imagine. And with the aid of the doctor in terms of diet and exercise, there is a hope that she will be able to walk without a cane or crutches. But thank you for your warm regard. I shall mention it to her."
Murmuring her thanks to Damien, Elise raises her head once more, even going so far as to raise on her tiptoes to see over the group of people. Her brow furrows and after a moment she lowers and approaches Thierry, standing to the side and waiting to be acknowledged.
Genie cannot help but grin when Elise comes over to Thierry. She knows what's coming because she was first.
Kei murmurs, "At least you didn't say /a/ dandy." He smiles softly to his apprentice. "I did not wish to seem as though I were entirely opposed to Western clothes. SO...I thought this a good opportunity to wear my tailcoat. To my surprise, Miss Gem decided to compliment me by wearing a chi'pau. I am, of course, flattered." He grins.
Thierry arcs a brow at the grin, but as Elise seems to be waiting some response, he addresses the woman, "Yes, Miss Montgomery, might I help you?" Elise casts a mischievous glance to Eugenia before murmuring her request for an item to Thierry and lifting the basket.
Well, that, too. But Caitlin didn't /say/ that. "It's an interesting reversal. How are you enjoying the festivities?"
Juno tilts her head as she moves around, her champagne finally finished and she returns to Tucker's side. She is more interested in listening, in trying to understand what they are saying, their stories. She looks around for a place to set the empty glass, taking time to remark upon the hotel again. "...is lovely..." she says, to no one in particular, but within earshot certainly. She sets her empty glass upon a nearby surface.
One of the young boys is near at hand as soon as Juno's hand is empty. He looks at her encouragingly as he offers her another drink from his tray.
Damien returns to Tucker, missing Letitia's attempts to make eye contact. He nods to the marshal. "I agree that the town is going to need a council, if not now sometime soon. As it grows there's going to be more and more work to be done governing it and, as we saw with Mayor Randolph, it can become enough to overwhelm a man. I just think we should have a council in addition to the mayor rather than instead of."
Thierry raises a brow at Elise, but pulls out his handkerchief before that and his hand go into the pocket of pants. The object and the piece of cloth that hide it go into the basket, then the kerchief is refolded and put back in his pocket.
Shaking her head in amused exasperation, Letitia moves away from the door and approaches the gaggle of politicians. She pauses by Damien's elbow, looking at Tucker with a merry smile.
Genie tries her best to see what Thierry puts into the basket, but the handkerchief was a very good ploy.
Juno smiles at the young boy and takes another glass. Oh, she will regret this tomorrow!
Elise grins to Thierry and inclines her head in silent thanks before moving spotting Letitia and moving to her side. A glance to Juno and Elise whispers something quietly to Letitia.
Rick finds his way over to Damien and Tucker, since Elise seems to be busy. "Politics even on a holiday, I see."
William Tucker smiles at Damien nodding his head, "Whelp, Ahrm not dead set one way or another I suppose. Ahrm not sure why some folks are so ungodly worried about a council fighting amongst themselves rather than getting a job done. But as I said, Ahrm not above the idea of an elected mayor and council either..."
In the midst of talking to Caitlin, the Doctor is approached by Gem, who whispers something to him, some sort of gentle reminder. He looks at her with wide eyes -- and that's hard to do for a Chinaman. "Oh," he says softly, and politely takes her arm, clearing his throat. Smiling politely, he bows his adieu, and murmurs, "If you will excuse, I've an appointment Miss Trotters has reminded me of."
The two are off, onto the street, Gem laughing and something, and Kei
looks...well...embarrassed and relieved at the same time.
Damien nods to Tucker before looking over at Rick with a chuckle. "I'm afraid so but then this is the first opportunity I've had to talk with the Marshal since the town meeting and with the elections coming up..."
Letitia's voice gently interjects, "And it is Christmas. Couldn't you save this for later?" She softly smiles to the men in an attempt to charm them out of being upset with her request.
Tucker smiles at Rick, "Good to see you Mister Porter, mighty glad that you could come tonight. Ya, you will have to forgive me too. Seems like I talk politics all the time now adays." William gives a small shrug and finishes off his champagne. "Mostly its real nice to be able to socialize with friends."
Damien grins at Letitia. "As you wish, dear."
Caitlin watches Kei and Gem depart, raising an eyebrow. Then she looks around, for someone else she knows. She spies the group over by Elise and Thierry and wanders over tentatively.
Letitia looks to Elise after smiling gratefully to Damien. She half-turns and reaches up to touch her hair by her ear as she listens to the whispering. Grinning, she takes Elise's hand for a brief moment and says, "I can try to help. Perhaps Latin would be a good intermediary language?"
Rick shrugs with a grin, "I didn't even get started yet." He looks around the room, "Place looks really nice, 'specially all fixed up for the holidays."
Thierry bobs his head after Elise. He sips his cider once more as he tries to decide what the heck is going on. Watching the
doctor and Gem depart, he adopts a bland expression, though he does smile at Caitlin's approach. "Missus Lockhart."
Juno lifts a hand to her forehead. Just for a touch, a glance of gloved fingers. The champagne going to her head perhaps?
Eugenia smiles as Caitlin approaches. Is Barron is content to hang out with the men, she'll find her own conversation. "Hello, Mrs. Lockhart."
Damien nods, taking a sip of his champagne. "Indeed. And you should see the upstairs. Letitia has done quite a job here."
Tucker follows Rick's gaze around the room and nods in agreement, "Yep, sure is. Mighty purty, and quite large too. Letitia has a good eye." William finds the boy with the tray and sets his empty glass upon it. He quickly grabs another to take its place.
Elise shrugs to Letitia. Like she has any idea. Still she offers a cheerful grin, "Well, it should be tried." Elise slips something from the palm of her hand into the basket, offering Letitia another smile.
Letitia looks around, flashing a smile to Rick in the meantime, and spies Juno. "Miss Genovese?" she calls, quickly correcting, "Signorina Genovese?" Her violet eyes sparkle.
Caitlin returns Eugenia's smile. "Mrs. Barron," she greets pleasantly, "Merry Christmas. How are you this evening?"
Juno turns to her name, and more importantly the sound of a familiar language. "Si?" and she smiles, again with warmth. She seems to have a most congenial personality.
"I am doing very, very well," the newlywed admits with a smile and a rush of color to her cheeks. "Merry Christmas to you, too."
Letitia approaches the Italian woman with a warm, reassuring smile. "Do you speak Latin?" she asks her, repeating the phrase carefully in the other tongue. It has been a while, but Letitia -did- have good schooling.
Elise moves to stand near to Letitia and Juno, glancing between the two. The basket is now held before her with both hands, the spinster waiting patiently.
Thierry stands, glancing around for the 'waiter' for another drink of apple cider.
"Good that you are well," Caitlin replies. "I see the men have taken to their talk of politics." This said with a glance over at Eugenia's new husband and a sympathetic smile.
The boy bustles up to offer Thierry more cider, grinning impishly. So far, the game of playing waiter hasn't gotten old. We'll see if it lasts through the night.
Eugenia says, "Oh, yes. Maybe now they'll be more festive. Doesn't the food smell good? I swear I can smell it from here."
Rick sips his champagne. "She did all this, and I never even managed to build my own shop, I'm still just renting space." He grins at Damien, "Of course, on cold days like we've had lately, it's nice not having to go outside to get to the saloon."
Thierry flashes a smile at the boy as he exchanges an empty glass for a full one.
"Parlo il Latino?" Juno seems somewhat surprised. Perhaps at being asked. Perhaps at the notion that anyone would speak it outside of Church. She smiles, "Little... Ah... a little?" Juno laughs a little. "Church Latin..." Being Catholic helps a little. At least in this.
Cautiously, Letitia says, "I know a little Italian, but not much. You will forgive me, if I make a mistake?" in English. Smiling, the young woman very slowly says a few Latin phrases to Juno, taking her time.
Damien nods with a chuckle. "I quite agree. Right now I'm very happy that I have almost everything I need there in the saloon so that I don't have to go outside all that often. I don't know if I shall ever get used to just how cold it gets here."
Long distance to Juno: Letitia tries to explain that she is collecting small, personal items for a parlour game after dinner. And that Juno will get the item back. It might be difficult to understand. Juno pages: oh, cool :) alrighty
Caitlin nods, "Yes, indeed. The entire hotel is grand. And the party." She notices Thierry standing alone with his champagne nearby, and offers him a polite nod. "Hello
Mr. Marcel. Merry Christmas."
Juno leans in to listen. It does take some translating, but in the end she nods her head and beams. "Aha... si, si..." Removing her hat, she reveals an architecture, for it is nothing less than a construction, of curls and braids, pinned, held in place by several lovely combs, one of which she removes. A very fine comb indeed. A gift from her travels. "Accipe," she says, Latin. Accept this.
Eugenia laughs, looking over the room and then down at her dress. "Can you believe Jack bought this for me? I don't know where he thinks I'm going to w ear it after tonight, but I swear I feel like royalty. Men. Sometimes, they have no sense."
Letitia turns and tries to hide it from the others in the room, grinning to Elise as she passes it over. "Grazie, Signorina," she says with an inclination of her head.
Thierry had been standing near Eugenia in truth, but is used to being ignored. He's got a daughter. Inclining his head, he murmurs, "Joyeux Noel, Missus Lockhart." He might say more, but Caitlin and Eugenia are talking, and well, he'd hate to be so typically male and interrupt them. No, he'll listen to the Latin conversation with interest.
Elise smiles brightly to Juno before turning to look over the room once more. Well, that takes care of everyone except Rick. Elise approaches the barber, patiently waiting nearby to wait to be acknowledged. She's been doing a lot of that tonight.
It doesn't require a lot of patience, Rick has been watching Elise most of the time he's been here, so he sees her approach and smiles warmly at her. "Merry Christmas, Elise. You've been rather busy with that basket. What's in it?"
Settling her hat back in place, tucking the curls that want to fall down now that the comb has been removed, Juno smiles grandly and curtseys, "Prego," she says. You're welcome.
Elise grins impishly to Rick, "Merry Christmas, Mr. Porter." Her voice drops to a soft murmur as she requests the object from the barber, lifting the basket a bit.
Hesitating, Letitia says to Juno, "Verresti a cena con me?" Will you have dinner with me? It isn't -exactly- how Letitia would have put it had she truly known what she was saying, but it is time to begin herding the guests to the dining room.
Rick nods to Elise with another smile, and takes an item from his shirt pocket, hiding it in his hand, and slips it into the basket. "Here you go."
'Alone' was more in the figurative sense, being outside the conversation. Caitlin chuckles lightly, nodding to Eugenia. "It's quite beautiful," she agrees. To Thierry, making another attempt, "Is that French? Joyeux Noel?"
Juno smiles, about to answer something else, she sees the motion toward the dining room. Her smile remains
unchanged. "Grazie molto..." She pauses. "Thank you... very much..." English, Juno! English!
Letitia flashes a smile to Juno, pleased she made herself understood. "May I have your attention, please? Dinner... is served!" she merrily calls over those gathered.
Thierry remarks to Caitlin and Eugenia, after a moment, "I believe it is time to be going into the dining room, according to Miss Taylor." Then he nods at Caitlin, "Literally, Joyous Christmas. I hope that you've been well?"
Damien looks over to Letitia as she speaks up and then nods. Returning his attention to those who stand near him he
gestures towards the dining room. "Shall we?"
Her mission completed, Elise grins once more and closes the lid on the basket. She smiles to Rick looking about to speak before Letitia's announcement distracts her. The spinster moves to catch up with Letitia, murmuring something softly to the other woman.
Rick grins at Damien, "It's that or go hungry, it seems."
Letitia says, "Gentlemen, if you would escort the ladies?"
Tucker looks around for Juno, making sure the young lady is still making her way safe and sound. He takes his leave of the men with a nod and approaches Juno. He offers his arm again and waves his other hand towards the dining room, "I bet you are hungry after your trip. Shall we go to the dining room?"
Eugenia looks to Barron in amusement, waiting for him to come and get her. She feels very much like she's playing dress-up, but she's having a grand time.
Damien moves over to offer his arm to Letitia with a smile.
"I have, thank you," Caitlin replies as she starts toward the dining area, doing that half-waiting thing to see if Eugenia and/or Thierry will walk with her before getting out of conversation range. Ah, but Eugenia is waiting on Barron. Caitlin stops after a step or two. "And yourself?"
Juno smiles to Tucker and nods. A gloved hand still carries a glass, her second. It seems reminiscent of La Traviata. And the thought of it makes her eyes sparkle. She half thinks of singing it.
Letitia murmurs, "There you are," to Damien. "You do realize that we are about to pass under an entire garland of mistletoe, hmmm?"
Rick finds his way to Elise's side, "I'm supposed to escort someone. Will you allow me to do my duty?"
Tucker moves into the dining room. Juno moves into the dining room.
Damien adopts a look of mock surprise. "I hadn't thought of that." Then he adds in a teasing tone, "Perhaps I should see if Miss Genovese needs an escort. Oh, I see that the marshal already has her well in hand."
Letitia very lightly, playfully and with utter deliberation... steps on Damien's toe. She grins. "Come now, Mr. D'aray. The feast awaits."
Elise glances to the basket in her hands before looking back to Rick. She chuckles softly and inclines her head. "I would not deprive you of your duty." Elise starts following Rick.
Letitia starts following Damien.
Thierry offers his arm to Caitlin, "Might I escort you, Missus Lockhart, it would be a great honor."
Rick moves into the dining room. Elise follows Rick.
Eugenia takes Jack's arm when he finally makes his way to her. She falls into line behind the others and they make their way inside. The pair stops ever-so-briefly beneath the mistletoe to exchange a kiss. Eugenia moves into the dining room.
Damien laughs as he leads Letitia into the dining room. "I just wanted to make sure she doesn't feel slighted by not being the most beautiful woman in the room." Damien moves into the dining room. Letitia follows Damien.
"Oh, that's very kind, Mr. Marcel," Caitlin says, taking Thierry's arm. Caitlin starts following Thierry. Thierry moves into the dining room. Caitlin follows Thierry.
IN THE DINING ROOM: North Maddock The Taylor Hotel Dining Room This spacious room is dominated by a semi-circle of tables before the fireplace, arranged in such a way to encourage conversation. Each table is round to allow maximum seating capacity and each is topped with fine linens, candles, and arrangements of beribboned pine boughs and cones. The tall walls are covered in warm, golden-yellow damask above the cherry paneling and chair rails. The dining room is quieter in the afternoons, though tea time does bring in a small gathering of local ladies on a regular basis. A pair of tall windows rest in each outer wall, the six of them insulated from the outside cold by the pale, heavy velvet curtains that are continually closed. A wisp of a draft occasionally stirs the golden fringe on the inner edge of the curtains. Centered in the long, northern wall is a tremendous fireplace that is decorated with pine garlands and ribbons. A large mirror above it reflects the light of the candles upon the mantle. Hanging from the mantle's edge is an array of whimsical red-and-white striped stockings that bulge with tiny trinkets, goodies and party favors. Each stocking is adorned with a sprig of holly and a notecard that protrudes enough to show the name of the guest written upon it.
Contents: Juno Tucker Appetizer Buffet Obvious exits: Lobby
Damien pauses under the mistletoe that hangs beneath the doorway to kiss his fiancée' before seeing her to her seat and holding the chair for her.
Juno looks around in wonder. These Americans, they do everything so grandly! Such style for such a holiday. They do not do it this way in Genoa...
Rick pauses just inside the doorway, looking at Elise, "I hear that we just passed under an entire garland of mistletoe."
Letitia gives Damien a soft smile as she takes her seat and waits. She sits upon the edge of it, prepared to rise again since she is the hostess. The youngest waiter bounces out of the kitchen, spies the group, and excitedly bounces back into the kitchen again.
Thierry escorts Caitlin in, though stopping of course, for those couples who pause beneath the mistletoe. He does not, however. Then he escorts her to the table, and thence her seat, his gestures courtly, even old fashioned. Though he doesn't ever display them except rarely, Thierry does exceptional manners. "Madame," as he holds out her chair.
Elise glances towards said garland before looking back to Rick. She raises up to give him a kiss on the cheek, as almost a warning that she will not accept more. Spinsters do have a reputation to maintain.
Caitlin directs a scrutinizing frown at the garland above the doorway as they approach. Someone certainly has a sense of humour, she thinks. She's content enough to ignore it, though, and nods gratefully to Thierry. "Thank you," she says, sitting down.
Tucker whispers to Juno, "I hope yer havin' a good time Maam. Ahrm not the type to enjoy walking into a room of strangers. I suppose bein' a performer, it comes with the job eh?" He passes under the sprig of mistletoe without paying it much attention. Doubtful that they have such a tradition in Italy, and giving the young lady a sudden kiss might be a quick way to a black eye. Rick smiles slightly, but it is with an odd expression that he escorts Elise to her seat, and holds her chair.
Damien takes his place at the chair next to Letitia but remains standing until all of the ladies have been seated.
Elise casts a bright smile in Rick's direction as she sits, her eyes shifting to scan the room. "My, Letitia. You really outdid yourself! It is all exceptionally lovely."
Letitia grins with pride to Elise, "Thank you very much." She waits until everyone is seated before taking up her spoon and tapping it against her water glass. Fresh glasses of champagne have been poured and left at each place setting. "Before we begin," she says, still sitting. "I would like to propose a toast." With that warning given, she elegantly rises from her seat.
Thierry murmurs, "You're welcome, madame." Then he seeks out his own place, and seats himself. It is a shame that Theodora couldn't be here. She'd enjoy it.
Juno looks to Marshal Tucker and smiles. "Si... ah... it is no trouble?... to me..." There is no notice for the mistletoe, nothing more than to notice that it is a nice plant. It must be a custom. She sees some people kiss, others do not. The meaning is lost on her. She sits just before the tapping of the glass, her gaze moving out across the table, to the people she is sitting with.
Caitlin focuses her attention on Letitia, but out of the corner of her eye is watching the people sitting nearby to watch what they do. Unlike Thierry, she seems ill at ease with the courtly manners and customs. But she's good at following along.
Tucker pulls back his own chair and takes a seat. Upon Letitia's pronouncement he picks up his own champagne glass and listens for the toast. William has manners that seem to follow the lines of simple politeness, rather than any formal training. He picks up his glass and awaits the toast, joining in when it occurs.
Rick turns to Letitia, keeping his glass in his hand. His "courtly manners" seem rather stilted, as if he is trying to remember what to do, rather than flowing naturally.
Juno lifts her glass. Ah! It is like when Violetta meets Alfredo for the first time. The chiming of glasses. The swirl of laughter and singing. Let's drink from the merry glasses adorned with beauty, Alfredo sings. Yes, opera -is- life. And not always is it the sad fourth act. Juno smiles.
Damien raises his champagne flute and looks to Letitia expectantly, waiting to hear the toast.
Elise casts a curious glance to Letitia, taking up the glass because its expected, but having no intention whatsoever of drinking from it once the toast is done.
Thierry readies his champagne glass, though he does wink at Caitlin. Then all his attention is on Letitia, waiting for the toast.
Letitia warmly and quietly says, "Today is the day that we celebrate the birth of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is also a time of to celebrate family and friends and to come together in peace and merriment. Tonight, I am very glad to have all of you with me to celebrate my first Christmas in Maddock. It is my hope that we shall share many more together." Smiling, she quietly says, "Merry Christmas."
Damien raises his glass to Letitia with a warm smile and a "Merry Christmas" as well.
Rick echoes "Merry Christmas," and takes a sip of his champagne.
Eugenia lifts her glass, quietly echoing, "Merry Christmas," with Barron. They both sip the champagne.
Thierry murmurs, "Merry Christmas," as he lifts the glass, before sampling the champagne.
"Buon Natale," Juno says in reply, a lift of her glass. "Ah...now is... my...prima notte.. first night to be ...here. Thank you... lovely welcome..." She looks to Tucker and to all of those around her. The nicest night in America so far.
Elise lifts her glass as well, "Merry Christmas." But then the writer discreetly sets the glass back down without sipping from it. Not that she doesn't agree with the toast, she just doesn't like champagne.
Caitlin smiles slightly, and raises her glass. "Merry Christmas," she says quietly. She takes a small sip, then sets the glass down again.
And, once the chorus of Christmas greetings are over, the temporary kitchen staff proudly begins bringing out the meal! At the head of the procession is a tall, greying man who bears a tray loaded with an artfully arranged roast goose with sage and onion stuffing. Behind him is a younger man with features
similar enough that he must be his son. He carries a platter bearing a roast turkey with chestnut stuffing. Behind -him- is a shorter lad who proudly carries in a lovely cut of roast beef! Each table receives one of the roasts in its center. A teenaged girl prances inward to
ladle out soup into the waiting bowls at the table. She grins, having just as much fun as the rest of her family.
Roasted potatoes, green peas and pearl onions in butter sauce, Bourbon-and-molasses glazed carrots, winter squash, and hot, crusty breads are all paraded out by the staff and placed upon the buffet that has been cleared of the appetizers. Letitia doesn't mind that the meal isn't served with rigid propriety, from the smile upon her face, she is just glad that everyone is having fun.
Damien smiles as he watches the good being brought out. He leans over to speak to Letitia in a soft voice. He mutters to Letitia, "... all... it you've... some... problems?"
Letitia quietly laughs and shakes her head to Damien with a rueful smile. Letitia mutters to Damien, "... just... were a little... on... were very glad to... letting them... in... coming... tomorrow... clearing..."
Thierry watches the food come out and he smiles broadly, oh he hasn't had this for quite some time.
Elise watches the food come in, looking rather impressed by the assortment. She finally looks away from the parade to grin to Rick, "How have you been lately, Mr. Porter?"
Caitlin tries to hide her amazement at the elaborate meal, but can't resist an appreciative, "My word.."
Rick turns from the parade of food to look at Elise as he answers, "I've been fine, Miss Montgomery. Busy at work, and with the elections." He grins. "And busy
trying to keep warm. I'm not used to the cold here."
Juno goes wide-eyed at all of the food. Oh, certainly she has seen lavish displays before, but she has been on the road for a couple of weeks. It has been since San Francisco. "Tutto osserva cosi buon!" She smiles, looking to Laetitia. "Thank you," she says appreciatively.
A fire crackles merrily in the tremendous fireplace, chasing all chill from the room. Candles give a soft glow to the tables and the
mantelpiece as well as the buffet, adding to the room's warmth. Letitia gifts Juno with a smile almost as large as the fireplace. She takes her champagne and sips it. It is her first taste of it for the evening. Now that everything is done, she can finally relax and hold court.
Elise nods in sympathy to Rick, her lips curving up into a rueful smile, "I do not think it is possible to get used to the cold, quite honestly." She chuckles softly before inquiring, "Have many people dropped by the shop, or have they been scared off by the snow?"
Eugenia tastes her soup and finds it to her liking. She eats maybe half of her's, but Barron all but picks up his bowl to lick out the last of it. Casting him a glance, she lifts her eyebrows and almost begins laughing. The Sheriff just grins and shrugs.
Damien smiles and politely thanks the girl as she serves him his soup. Setting his napkin in his lap, he tastes the soup and then nods slightly in approval as he continues to eat.
Thierry places his napkin in his lap. After thanking the serving girl for the soup, he sips at it slowly.
Letitia eats a few spoonfuls of her soup, but she is careful not to fill up on it too much. The young woman turns her gaze to Damien as she sits back in her chair and her smile is both soft and quiet.
The education of European households reveals itself with subtle touches, the way she holds herself at the table, for example, the way she
ladles the soup in her spoon. Juno takes a first taste and, smiling, slowly begins to eat. Her napkin is folded upon her velvet lap.
Rick nods to the girl serving the soup, and eats for a bit before answering Elise, "I still get a lot of people dropping in, but mostly the men who live closer into town. I expect that after the elections, business will drop off sharply."
What a fine holiday meal, truly exceptional. The Marshal obviously attempts to give the sheriff a run for his money in the eating department, for he attacks the soup like a man dying of thirst. He does pause, at least, to take a breath and make pleasant conversation.
Caitlin eats quietly, and a bit timidly, afraid of making some kind of social blunder. But she manages to muddle through and after awhile quits worrying about it and just concentrates on enjoying the fine food.
Elise lifts her spoon to her lips, tasting the soup before lowering her spoon slightly to regard Rick, "Ah, well, who can say what the future holds. I hope for your sake that business does not drop off too badly."
When enough soup has been eaten, Letitia merrily asks, "May I prevail upon a few of you gentlemen to make the first forays into carving the roasts? Marshal Tucker? Will you do the honors on the goose? Damien, the turkey? Mr. Marcel, the beef?"
Damien chuckles before leaning over to whisper something to Letitia. Color enters Letitia's cheeks at Damien's whisper, but she looks at him with merriment in her eyes.
With a smile, Damien sets down his spoon and lays his folded napkin on the table before rising to his feet. "I'd be delighted." He moves over to the turkey and picks up a carving knife and fork, then goes to work.
Thierry rises from his seat as he inclines his head towards Letitia, "As you wish, Miss Taylor." He moves towards the roast, and once there, begins to slice it.
Tucker smiles at Letitia, "Sure thing Maam... be glad too." He picks up a knife in one hand and a large fork in the other. Obviously those years of working for the law have come in handy, for he does a brisk, clean work on that goose, making sure it will never trouble anyone, ever again. Slices are dolled out to whomever wishes it.
Rick grins at Elise, "Too many men, not enough roasts."
Eugenia is eager to lift her plate toward the goose, but Barron is eyeing the roast beef like a longlost lover. The former widow grins at the Marshal as her plate is passed to him. The Christmas waiters bring out gravies and cranberry sauce to place at each table.
Laughing at Rick's jest, Letitia says toward him, "I thought you might be tired of cutting things, Mr. Porter."
Once he's done, Thierry returns to his seat, so that he might partake of some of his 'labor' such as it was.
Letitia will take some of the turkey when it is finished. The waiters and the lone waitress return to fill the plates with the side dishes. They take each plate and quietly ask the guests if they want some of everything before going to put it on the plate.
Juno lifts the napkin to her mouth, a dab, a dab and her spoon is set aside. Soup done, she waits upon the next course, her eyes flickering from gentleman to gentleman, knife to knife.
Elise grins at Rick and inclines her head in agreement with Letitia's words. "Besides, if there were more roasts there would be no way for all to be eaten."
Damien happily serves turkey to anyone who wants some before getting some roast beef for himself. He nods to Elise with a smile. "Something tells me we're going to have a fair amount of leftovers as is."
Eugenia has some goose. She has some turkey. She even gets a little roast beef, passing her plate along the tables. She isn't shy about trying all of the side dishes either. After all, this is Christmas!
Rick nods, "Well, yes, there is that." Once his plate is loaded with some roast goose and trimmings, he goes to work eating. He's doing his part to eliminate the threat of leftovers.
One of the boys hurries out of the kitchen and eyes the glasses on the table. Timidly, he walks up to Elise and asks over her shoulder, "You want something else to drink, ma'am?" with his very best manners.
Juno indicates the goose, and a little of the beef. The side portions, of course. The gravy, certainly. The cranberry, she is not sure about but she will try anything once.
Thierry gets several different things, going the way of Eugenia, that one should enjoy themselves. Then it's eat quietly and possibly converse with either one of his dinner partners.
William helps himself to a bit of everything. Even with that, there is more on his plate than one man could possibly eat. He tries though, Lord knows he tries.
Damien really doesn't mind leftovers. The cooking at the Golden Phoenix is edible but nothing special. He wouldn't mind having roast beef or turkey sandwiches for a while. Before he's done he makes sure to sample everything himself.
Elise offers a warm smile to the boy before murmuring softly, "Some apple cider would be wonderful, please." She offers him another brief smile, inclining her head politely. Good manners should be repaid with politeness, after all.
Beaming at her and glad to be of help, the boy -races- to the kitchen, but returns with the cider at a more sedate pace. A pair of plump older women in aprons appear in the kitchen doorway to survey the progress of the meal. They both look pleased.
Eugenia isn't shy about food, but she's not wearing a corset either. Jack Barron has never been shy about food a day in his -life-. He'd eat the tablecloth, if it weren't weighed down by the plates.
Letitia stabs a fork into a bit of carrot and lifts it to show Damien. "Do you like these? I thought you might. I was assured that it was a very 'Southern' recipe."
Elise accepts the cider with a quiet thank you, sipping from it before placing it on the table. The writer then begins to work on her own plate of food with impeccable manners.
Damien chuckles, looking at Letitia with a grin. "Yes, I do though not because they're 'Southern.' I may sometimes get
nostalgic but I do like other things as well."
Rick mmms, "This is all pretty good." He isn't hesitant about getting seconds of some of the side dishes, and some of the beef this time.
Juno is not shy, but she has costumes she must fit into in a month. Though she is slender, she's far from being pencil thin. She has a healthy enough appetite, for all that. Juno listens to what conversations there are amid all of the shoveling,. She feels no need to talk just now, broken English or not. Her thoughts go to her family, to Genoa, as she partakes of the goose in particular.
Eugenia sits back after eating her fill of the meal, lifting her napkin to dab at her mouth. Jack is looking around as if trying to spy out some desserts.
A nod from Letitia has the staff returning to begin clearing away the side dishes from the buffet. She waits until most everyone seems to be slowing down. Her plate is taken, as she has finished what little she took, and gradually other plates are removed.
Elise really doesn't eat all that much, mostly sipping on her cider and watching the others. She nods politely as her plate is removed, offering a smile to Letitia.
Damien minds his manners as he eats and tries not to have too much though it's hard with such a variety to sample.
The roasts are removed from the tables with a minimum of fuss and the younger children take away the gravy boats and cranberry sauce.
William leans back, suddenly thinking this cumber bun is a lot tighter than he remembered. He inquires of Juno, "Do you like this American food? Is it much different than food in Italy?"
Another procession begins from the kitchen as the guests finish up their meals. This time, a Christmas cake is brought forth, whimsically decorated with marzipan. No less than -four- mincemeat pies are paraded forth to be placed upon the buffet. However, the centerpiece of the desserts is the flaming plum pudding that is carried from the kitchen and placed in the center of the middle table where Letitia is seated.
Juno leans in toward Tucker. A moment or two passes and then she smiles and nods, dabs her mouth with the napkin again and sets down her fork and her knife. Unlike most Americans, she does not switch her fork from hand to hand to cut with her right hand. "Is... very good. And... si... different. Mangiamo i pesci.... fish? Fishing... very important to Genoa...but... this is... good, very good..."
Eugenia's eyes widen. A dessert that's on -fire-? She looks at Jack and chuckles.
Elise raises an eyebrow as she catches sight of the desserts. A smile tilts her lips as she murmurs to Rick, "Letitia certainly knows how to give a feast."
Thierry eyes the dessert with faintly widen eyes. Goodness, it has been a long time if he's amazed by this display.
Damien grins, lightly patting his stomach as he watches the desserts being layed out. He tried to save some room but not that much. Oh well, there's always leftovers.
William looks down the long table to Letitia and nods his head at her, obviously appreciative of her efforts. This probably is the biggest Christmas feast he has ever had. A shame Wilona was ill and missed it. He makes a note ask Letitia if he can take home some leftovers for her.
Marzipan is something with which she is familiar, and mincemeat. These Juno recognizes. The flaming plum pudding, too. She has had that in London. Touches of familiarity. It does not make home seem as far.
Rick nods in agreement. "It's amazing." Then he grins, "Usually, when a cake's on fire it's an accident."
By the time the plum pudding is set before the hostess, the alcohol has burned out of the rum and it ceases to flame. She grins as she takes up the knife. "The plum pudding was a tradition in my family since the Taylors are descended from some of the first settlers to come to America from England. We brought it with us when we crossed the ocean and now I share it with you. Inside of this pudding are hidden four items. If you find a coin, it bodes well for you to have a wealthy future. Finding a thimble means that you shall never marry, but have a happy life." Pausing, Letitia looks meaningfully at Elise. "I -do- hope that you don't get that one. You'll gloat about it until next year," she teases.
Elise laughs as she shakes her head to Letitia. "It shall not make a difference, you know, but I can only hope I receive it." She quirks a brow up, mirth in her eyes. "To have tradition agree with me would be a rare thing indeed."
"The button means that you will be a bachelor and the ring means that you shall marry and be exceedingly happy. At least that is the story." Letitia grins and considers the pudding. It is too dense for any of the hidden items to be visible, however. Luckily, none of them ended up on the outside. The hostess sets to slicing the dessert after removing the sprig of holly that sat atop it. She places each slice upon a dessert plate and says, "Pass that on around until everyone has some. I'll -try- to cut it to where we each have a piece..."
Damien chuckles, glancing at Letitia. "Well, you'd better not find that thimble either. The ring would be okay though."
Rick chuckles as the plates are passed. He says to Elise, "I can see it now, you'll get the ring and I'll get the button."
Thierry takes the plate, passes it along.
Elise grins at Rick mischievously. "If I do get a ring, it will simply mean I am completely married to my work." She looks down at the pudding dubiously. "And I've never followed tradition."
Letitia pours a rich cream sauce atop each slice after cutting it. There's an extra one leftover when she is finished because she didn't want to take a large chunk for herself. Laughing, she settles back into her seat. "Merry Christmas!"
Eugenia eyes the pudding and decides that it doesn't look too bad. She glances to Jack to watch him try it first. God help him, he might just swallow one of the items whole and not even know it.
Thierry digs into the pudding with enthusiasm. Eh, it's not like it /really/ means anything, right?
Juno looks at her slice of plum pudding, as if she hated to ruin the picture of it with her small fork. But that lasts for only a moment or two. She cuts into the pudding with her fork, glancing to Tucker. There seems to be a lot of theater around this dessert. First it is on fire, now what?
Tucker bites down on something hard and rubs his jaw. He spits out a thimble. "What the hel... er... Well what do you know... a thimble seems to be a pretty durn good thing for a fellah to get. Happy life, and never have to hitch my horse to the same post." He lets out a small laugh and winks all around.
Elise is stalling in actually eating her pudding. The spinster doesn't give a fig about tradition, but she also doesn't want to deal with -Letitia's- goading. Watching Tucker get the thimble, Elise casts a glance to the hostess, arching an eyebrow.
Juno blinks at the...thimble Tucker finds then peers into her pudding. She pokes at it with her fork, not knowing that only a few of the pieces had something tucked inside. Better to be safe than sorry.
Damien hmms to himself as he probes the pudding with his fork. He takes a couple of bites and then digs out the button with a chuckle. He carefully lifts it free and wipes it clean with his napkin.
Rick studies his piece closely before eating it. Would it be too much of a faux pas to smear it on the plate to flatten it out? Probably, so he just picks up his fork and starts eating. When he feels something solid, he carefully lifts out a button? coin? He dabs at it with his napkin, then a look of relief breaks out on his face. Just a coin.
Letitia chuckles after eating her first bite of pudding. "The thimble is supposed to symbolize a spinster..." Trailing off, the young woman spies Damien's button and she arches an eyebrow at him.
Only a few bites into her own pudding, Elise makes a face and discreetly removes something from her mouth. Considering all else has been found, its no great surprise that its the ring. The writer lifts her eyes with mock-dismay to Letitia. "I surely hope you do not hold much in these traditions." She lifts the ring, but glances quite significantly to the button in Damien's hands.
Damien winks at Letitia. "I suppose it's true. I shall be a bachelor for a little while yet." He grins, "Unless you've got a minister hiding back there in the kitchen."
Thierry notes that everything seems to be found. Oh good, that means he's safe, so to speak, to enjoy the dessert.
William chuckles at Letitia and wipes his mouth with his napkin. "I think there is a fine line between a spinster and a good time charlie. But that ain't a proper conversation for the dinner table, now is it." He gives the woman a sly wink - family traditions indeed. "Can't say Ahrv ever had anything that tasted like that before... whatcha say that was? Plum pudding? It was good..."
Juno eats her pudding without such incidents! She is happy to say that her pudding is simply a pudding. Maybe she has never found a prize in her food, not even in London, where they seem to stick just about everything in a dish except for flavor.
"Yes, Marshal Tucker. Plum pudding. If you've still an appetite, there's cake and pie," Letitia points out. She turns her fork upon Damien in a mock-threatening manner. "If you leave me to marry Elise, I'll... I'll... well. I'll just have to marry Mr. Porter or another of these fine gentleman." She turns up her nose at the Southern gentleman, but her eyes are twinkling.
Rick laughs. "If you're goin to be a bachelor, then maybe I'll marry Miss Taylor, and then I'll be wealthy." He shows off the coin.
Eugenia eats a few bites of the pudding, but it doesn't really seem to be to her liking. It's probably the raisins. She's never liked them very much.
Elise raises both eyebrows in surprise. "Me? Marry a saloon owner?" She considers this but shakes her head woefully. "No, no. Such a husband would be wasted on me. I do not drink." She reminds Letitia, her eyes glinting with laughter.
Damien laughs, shaking his head. "You said it signified that I was to be a bachelor, which I shall be until the day we marry. If I were to marry Miss Montgomery I wouldn't be a bachelor now would I?"
Letitia eyes Damien, but slowly begins to grin. "No, so I suppose that's alright after all. It means that no one else will have you if I cannot."
Barron settles back in his chair and loosens his gunbelt and a few buttons on his vest. Eugenia looks at him in wry amusement, but he just gives her a grin.
Rick falls silent to finish eating his dessert.
Elise finishes as much dessert as she is going to have, glancing about at the rest of those gathered. "Well, that was a wonderful meal, Letitia."
"Elise! We have games to play, do we not?" says Letitia with far too much enthusiasm after such a heavy meal. She made sure not to eat too much, however. "Would anyone like coffee or brandy? Oh! And I do believe that St. Nicholas left stockings for everyone."
Thierry peers down the table at Letitia with a faint smile, but murmurs something about having some coffee would be nice.
Rick nods, "Some coffee sounds good, thank you."
Out come the brothers and the girl again, the boys having cream and sugar for each table and the girl bearing a pot of fresh coffee. She pours for anyone who shows interest in the hot liquid.
William smiles and nods, "Brandy first... then maybe some coffee to finish it off. Really Letitia...this was quite an affair. Ahrm sure I speak with everyone when I say how impressed and grateful I am for such a wonderful dinner. I hope you tip those serving folks well too... they have done an excellent job tonight."
Elise returns Letitia's enthusiasm with a grin of her own. "So we do. If any should not like to play, do warn me now so I may return your item to you. But you must say it now or you shall be forced it to playing." A threat in jest, really, coming from the spinster. She hardly seems capable of -forcing- anyone to do anything.
Damien nods in agreement. "I'll have coffee as well. And speaking of old Saint Nick, I believe he left presents for everyone out in the lobby as well. We can hand them out with the stockings I suppose."
Juno smiles, eyebrows lifting. "Cafe...would.. be lovely...thank you, si..."
"It was a wonderful dinner, Miss Taylor, thank you so much for having me," then he indicates his interest in the coffee. "Thank you."
The youngest boy very proudly carries in a crystal decanter full of brandy. He's very nervous about pouring some for the Marshal, but he does. Letitia gifts Tucker with a very warm smile. "They have done very well, haven't they? I think that I'll offer them the opportunity to return tomorrow to do the cleaning up. For extra pay." Coffee is given to everyone except Letitia and Tucker and then the hostess rises. "Shall we return to the lobby? I believe that St. Nick snuck back inside to light the candles on the tree as well," she says with a grin.
Elise rises when Letitia does. She moves to join the hostess, commenting with an impish twist to her lips, "If he has done so, we should not tarry. No sense risking the tree catching on fire."
Eugenia pushes up from her chair and beckons Jack who is a little slower as rising. She laughingly takes his elbow and makes a show of helping him up.
Damien rises as well, offering his arm to Letitia.
Tucker rises to his feet, stretching a bit. Whew, that was one of those meals so big, he almost feels top heavy. He beckons Juno to rise as well, so he can escort her to the other room.
Juno rises after finishing her coffee, hands smoothing over her skirt as she rises.
Tucker heads into the lobby.
Thierry rises from his seat, ready to escort Caitlin back in if needed or any other unescorted female type.
Letitia takes Damien's elbow and nods in approval to the boy who moves to collect the stockings from the mantle for the guests.
Juno heads into the lobby. Eugenia heads into the lobby. Damien heads into the lobby. Letitia follows Damien.
Elise quite contentedly moves to lobby on her own. It seems the woman is just determined to defy the ring of doom.
Elise heads into the lobby. Thierry heads into the lobby. Caitlin follows Thierry.
IN THE LOBBY
Eugenia pauses with Barron beneath the mistletoe for another kiss.
Damien enters from the dining room. Damien has arrived. Damien is followed by Letitia. Letitia has arrived. Elise enters from the dining room. Elise has arrived. Thierry enters from the dining room. Thierry has arrived. Thierry is followed by Caitlin.
Letitia says, "Marshal Tucker? I would like to send something to Wilona since there's plenty of food. And a stocking? Would you be so kind as to deliver it to her later?" Letitia grins.
Tucker nods his head, half bowing to Letitia, "Maam... you read my mind completely. Ahrm sure she would be very grateful for it."
Eugenia turns her attention to Elise after finally ducking out of that kiss at the mistletoe. She blushes at Jack, but he just grins.
The boy that brings in the stockings nods to Letitia when she catches his eye. He heard the exchange and he grins as he runs back to the kitchen.
Damien nods, offering Tucker an extra package like those he handed out to the women. "And take her this as well, would you?"
Tucker takes the package from Damien with a smile, "Yer a kind man Damien. This is just what Wilona needs to cheer her up. She was mighty sad not to be able to make it tonight. But she is just starting to get better from that flue, and I didn't want her out in the cold in case it starts up again."
Thierry glances towards Tucker with interest. He hadn't heard the man was married. Huh.
Eugenia is very pleased with her scarf, but she's already making plans to hide that box of cigars that was given to Barron. Either that, or he'll have to take them to the office...
Juno is content to listen and watch. It has been a lovely evening, but a long one. She covers her mouth with her hand, then smiles.
Letitia makes sure to take a stocking to Juno and she gives it to her with a smile. Carefully, she says, "E stato un vero piacere incontrarti." It was a great pleasure to meet you. See? She does know a -little- Italian.
Elise smiles warmly at both Letitia and Damien upon receiving the scarf. "Thank you. You two really went through a lot of effort."
The boy returns in a moment with a small, covered basket to give to Tucker. He's grinning at helping to make another person's Christmas be special. Wilona even got the last slice of pudding.
Tucker takes the basket from the boy with a thanks. He is now pretty laden down by gifts. "Whelp, thank you again for hosting such a wonderful night. Better believe this is one that goes down in the books. I had best take Juno with me as well, her manager insisted that I not keep her out to late." He turns to Juno, "Are you ready to leave Miss?" He offers his arm to the attractive young woman once again.
Damien nods with a smile for the marshal and the opera singer as he stands beside Letitia. "Thank y'all for coming."
Letitia says, "Oh, yes. Thank you very much, and..." Hurriedly, the crimson clad socialite moves over to the Marshal and tiptoes up past his load of packages to kiss his cheek. "Merry Christmas, Marshal Tucker."
Juno smiles warmly to Tucker and stands. She nods and turns to Letitia, and for her Italian, she grants as much English as she knows really. "Thank you....for...inviting me...ah...into your home..." She looks to Tucker again and nods. "Si...si...I am ...ready?...to go."
Tucker bids his farewells to all the remaining guests, wishing them all a Merry Christmas. He then heads home to give Wilona a pick me up in the form of these nice gifts presented here.
Juno turns as she goes, smiling, waving...
Eugenia and Barron make their goodbyes as well. From the looks they keep giving each other, they are going to go home and do a little more 'celebrating'. Eugenia goes home.
Thierry appears startled by both the stocking and the boxes given out. Even puzzled by them. Still he does smile when he gets the leftovers and the extra stocking. "Thank you so much. I'm sure that
Theodora will be pleased. I should be going as well."
Letitia gives the man a kiss on the cheek just like she did for Tucker. "Merry Christmas, Mr. Marcel. Thank you very much."
Elise offers a bright smile to Thierry, lingering with Letitia till all the guests are gone. After all, she was here before everyone else, might as well stay after them all too.
A kiss too? Whoa, just his lucky night, isn't it? "Thank you, Miss Taylor." Then to Elise, "Miss Montgomery, a pleasure, if you'll excuse me."
One of the older boys gets a step ladder and puts out the candles on the tree. Another of them carries off the three buckets of water left nearby just in case there was a fire.