Last weekend, I was lucky enough to be a guest at the latest of Lord Fawcett’s wonderful annual house parties. As ever, I invented a new character for the weekend-long roleplay:
Sir Abel Sheraton’s textile mills dot the landscape of Lancashire. Since taking the helm from his father – and assuming his baronetcy – the operation has grown considerably in size, and is now reportedly the largest such in the country.
Despite his use of the latest technology, such as Cartwright’s power loom and Johnson’s dressing frame, the mills continue to employ many thousands of women and children. Indeed, Sir Abel was an influential figure on the committee that set up the Factories Act in 1802, fighting hard for the rights of employers.
His home life, however, is far away from the strict and harsh conditions of the northern mills, which he visits rarely. His fine Oxfordshire seat is recognised for its parties and its wine cellar, as well as his collection of unusual books from the continent.
His recent marriage to the younger sister of the Earl of Pembroke took many by surprise, perhaps including his new bride herself, given their not-inconsiderable age difference. Sir Abel takes great delight in showing off the beauty of his youthful new spouse, and radiates pride from the attention that she is invariably shown by all around. Yet it is rumoured that, behind closed doors, he is just as strict with her as her governess was back at Pemberly before their wedding.
Sir Abel and Lord Fawcett have met at a number of events in recent years, but an invitation to a Fawcett Hall house party came a something of a surprise. No doubt his Lordship is interested in learning more of the textile industry, as well as making the close acquaintance of the young Lady Georgiana.
To stay in character pretty much non-stop for 48 hours is a remarkable experience – especially when surrounded by such beautiful ladies, looked after by a wonderful chef and hard-working staff, and in the company of a group of gentlemen whom I like and respect immensely. The event’s a tribute to the organisational skills of the Archduchess, whose passion for creating such an amazingly authentic and detailed experience – and ensuring its smooth running – never ceases to amaze me.
Aside from the great company, there was some lovely play over the weekend. Lady Georgiana received a sound six of the best before dinner on Saturday evening; I loved teaching Miss Bennett lessons in how to behave in company and on the need to focus on finding a good husband. And gambling with two of the gentlemen as to whether the ladies for whom they were ‘champions’ could take twelve full-strength strokes of the cane without crying led to two very intense scenes. (One honourable draw, if you’re wondering, with victory for the other young lady – who then broke when I gave her another six straight afterwards).
Such a great weekend. So many thanks to all who were there, and especially to our two wonderful hosts.
In 1811, the Luddites began their campaign of smashing up textile factories, because they believed the new machinery would put so many men out of work. (Nothing changes much.)
As far as I know, they were all men.
Just suppose, however, that a girl went out with them one evening, carrying a sledge-hammer that she could just about carry. They were caught.
Due to the seriousness of the situation, the Magistrates Courts were convened that night, to hand out the sentences.
In her case, it was twenty strokes of the birch. Delivered on the bare bottom while she was held over a table. Her screams could be heard for miles around.
The house party sounds amazing. You put so much thought into your character and it is evident that there is a huge amount of organisation to set up the weekend. The most exciting thing appears to be that you all stay in character over such an extended period of time during which you get to play such intense scenes.
I so enjoyed reading this – thanks for sharing. It sounds like an amazing experience. Being a novice at role-play, I can’t imagine staying in character for 48 hours. Incredible!