July 15, 2006, at the Piedmont Cemetery
Our inaugural Lumieres picnic was beautiful! I had a most delightful time, and I must thank the most gracious Comtesse de la Valliére for her warm hospitality.
The Comtesse, my cousin Cecily, and myself ventured out early — around noon — to the far reaches of the Valliére estate. This location was splendid, somewhat secluded (although a few peasants strolled by, they kept their gawking to a minimum and were no trouble at all).
We had a view of a rustic lake filled with geese and wee goslings. Amid quite romantic stone ruins and obelisks, Sophie’s manservant set up our table and chairs. We spread out some blankets upon the soft grass as well. This servant is also something of an artist, and he furiously sketched each of us and will turn these rough cartoons into full portraits later.
We dined upon crusty French bread, mellow cheeses, sweet fruits, a fine gallette, and decadent chocolates. Sophie’s fine crystal was filled with many champagnes and cordials all afternoon long. I had brought some of my fine English silver, which glistened in the sun. Snowy linens covered the furniture too. The weather was sublime, not too hot for a stroll along the hillside, and perfectly cool under the shady oaks.
Of course, we were all arrayed in the most fabulous garments! Sophie wore a gown of printed Indienne stuffs in the English style, along with her charming capote hat. Cecily was attired in a blue and white print with brilliant blue silk petticoat. I wore an older style, a pink gown a la Francaise. I had planned to wear a new striped cotton gown, but alas, it seems to be in a trunk misplaced during my voyage between England and France this season. My husband Armand went off to Paris that morning to deal with the shipping company and our solicitors — which is why he could not attend our picnic.
Soon we were joined by the Marquise de Montesson. She wore a delightful country ensemble and a straw hat to ward off the sun. We all toasted the fine day, then I read a little poetry aloud for the ladies.
Charlotte and I promenaded down the hillside and discovered ruins of a most gothic nature. These stone edifices appeared to be terribly old, perhaps remnants of an early Valliére castle? We also glimpsed a great stag and heard hoofbeats in the distance. Surely the Comte was out hunting that day.
As we strolled back to our picnic spot, we greeted the Raja of Kafiristan and the Comtesse de La Forte, recently arrived. The Comtesse had brought a most intriguing chilled Turkish drink and she was attired in sparkling gems that set off her blue gown and red hair. The Raja regaled us with tales of his travels and the exotic goods he has found in far-off lands. I also learned a little secret about Genevieve’s business dealings, and I may make use of this information in exchange for certain goods I am interested in acquiring…
Sophie brought out copies of a very amusing new play, the School for Scandal, and we each read parts. My goodness, what an arch production! We only read the first act, but that set us all into gales of laughter, so certainly we must read the next act at a future gathering.
After we finished the play, we were joined by Miss Laurie and a friend whose name sadly escapes me. They had both traveled all the way from Scotland, and Cordelia’s friend was traveling even farther onward soon. Both were in charming country garb and had brought a beautiful cake to share.
As the sun declined in the sky, many in the party began to depart. Sophie’s manservant returned to cart away our goods, and about that time the Comtesse d’Hivernage and Monsieur Chamfort arrived. Apollonie wore a lovely anglaise gown in deep red with a pretty new hat, and she showed us the most curious transfiguration cards.
Alas, we were quite tired from the day’s exertions, so we bid our adieus and alighted the carriage back to the chateau. What a charming and elegant event this was! I cannot wait until we can repeat the pleasure!