Balls and the Reverend Dr Halse make an odd conjunction–yet there it is; the invitation, propped up on the mantle for all the world to see.
“The Reverend Dr Halse…
(’twas but he, Mrs Halse having died of shock several years previously, while attending the first assizes of the newly elevated Reverend and seeing him in his new judicial wig).
George and Carey Warleggan respectfully request the honour of your presence at the Warleggan Ball, Tuesday the…. “
One doesn’t easily imagine the grumpy bench sitter tripping off to dance the light fantastic with the crème de la crème of Cornish society!
Rather one pictures him, as he is now, deep in his throne-like armchair at Halse Hall, a beautifully crafted balloon brandy glass cupped in his mean and boney hands, re-running recent trials over which he presided–chiding himself on his leniency.
Indeed, the idea of gracing Hugh Bodruggan’s pile with his presence at the opening Hunt Ball of the season, sends such self-righteous shiver down his spine, he nearly spills the vintage brandy.
The stories of debauchery!
Sir Hugh slavering over young innocent girls. How is one supposed to maintain standards of decency and order when those that should know better are too drunk to give a damn?
(“Good subject for my sermon, Sunday next.”)
The Warleggans, however–upstarts though they certainly are–(nouveax riche as the French so aptly call them) are a different kettle of fish.
They are proving worthy additions to Society–and they know how to throw a party.
The Warleggan Ball is now the event of the year in the social calendar of Cornwall.
A not-to-be missed, must-be-seen-at festivity–with a table of delicacies unrivalled in the whole of the South West.
Fine card room to boot!
It is rumored that an invitation has been sent to that renegade Ross Poldark (traitor to his class!) and his wife.
Married his parlour maid indeed!
It’s against the natural order. It offends! It is dangerous!
“I have a duty to see for myself this parvenue, this sally-come-lately, this abomination–what’s her name? Demelza?”
“I shall go!”
This decision taken, he snoozes off, letting the brandy glass slip through his fingers and upend itself, spilling the precious liquid into his lap–soaking his trousers to the flesh!
You too are invited to attend the Warleggan Ball in the 6th episode of POLDARK–Sunday (26th July) on PBS’ Masterpiece!
A barely audible mumble from the armchair:
“Evensong would be a wiser choice.”
Robin Ellis 