Christmas Eve Ball, 1675
From Age of Intrigue Wiki
This royal event was hosted in the opulent setting of St. George's Hall at Windsor Castle on December 24, 1675. The Earl of Shaftesbury, his faction, and other opponents of the Crown were conspicuously absent. The new French Ambassador (Henri de Massue, Marquis of Ruvigny) and the Archbishop of Canterbury were in attendance. The Queen remained listless and ill, but made an appearance.
Highlights
- A rash of fainting ladies... First, Elisabeth Killington (nee Seymour), wife of Louis Killington, Earl of Basildon, who was subsequently determined to be with child. Second, Frances Liddell, who was overwhelmed with the excitement of the evening. And lastly, Claudia van Leyden, a newly-arrived Dutch debutante, who overheated. Perhaps the wine was tainted?
- Adam MacGregor and Catriona Parham, Viscountess Patterson and known mistress of the King, were publicly affectionate, prompting quite a bit of curiosity, and leading to the revelation of their recent, clandestine marriage and Adam’s appointment as Earl of Alyth.
- Giles Moore, Earl of Breckland, and Charles Sackville, Earl of Middlesex, viciously vied for the attentions of Isabeau de Vere, Baronness of Lismore.
- James Stuart, Duke of York and heir to the throne, set his sights on Althea Dawes, inviting her to dance and arranging a late-night meeting after Christmas Mass.
- The King played the match-maker yet again, arranging a betrothal and midnight marriage for Charles Blount, Viscount Mountjoy, and Ursula Hildebrandt, Magravina of Saxony, as well as a early morning carriage ride for Owen Langland, Baron of Brynfield, and Bridget Vaughn of Brenockshire.
- Richard Newport, Earl of Bradford, was also infected by the holiday romance, and offered a more discreet proposal to Isobel Courtenay.
- Just before the first dance, the King was informed of the death of Abdul Basir Mustafa, Prince of Tunis, at the hands of Nigel Harrington, Viscount of Blackheath.
- Alexander Merriweather attempted to take advantage of the desperately naive Claudia van Leyden, but was thwarted by Frances Liddell, Agnes Kyteler, and Benjamin Keene, Viscount Farington.
- Henry Cavendish Jr. had the crotch of his pants doused with wine by Sabrina Rowle, in retaliation for his lewd advances. The lad was subsequently taken under the wing of Giles Moore to properly learn the ways of the rake.
- With the help of Agnes Kyteler, Middlesex boldly bestowed a Christmas kiss upon the addled Queen. Agnes’ participation garnered the disapproval of her French beau, Francis Beaujolais.
- The periwig of Henry Howard was maliciously set aflame by Giles Moore, so that his new protégé, Henry Cavendish Jr., might have the attention of Julia FitzRichard.
- The honor of choosing the gentleman who would light the Yule Log was given by the King to Sabrina Rowle. She chose James Chesterford, brother of Darlene Chesterford.
- Louis Killington spent time currying favor with both the Duchess of Portsmouth and the Duchess of Cleveland.
- Charles Whitehurst, ostensibly performing his duty as Major of the Life Guard, spent a great deal of time in the company of Princess Mary.
