Dearest Duchess . so many gentlemen have said they'd been honoured by dancin' with you - you just wouldn't believe! And weren't the Hobbits fun? They're men after your own heart - or perhaps just a bit below. You're known to appreciate a good mine, and miners, as well as men who work in stone, or so I've heard, and they appreciate a fine patch of earth! . Lorna certainly is proficient at the polka, despite flying curls coming loose and pelting Sir Stevie in the back of his head! . Are you going to inspect some of the better-run mines before departing? I don't fancy climbin' ladders (what does one do with the petticoats?) but with your boots, and a candle in your cap, you might enjoy a peek "down under", so to speak. . Some of the agriculturists thought you uninterested in participating in the celebrations, what with your knitting and straight laces, but you've certainly managed to change that perception!! Although I'm sure it was difficult to perch on some knobby knees - especially when the menfolk couldn't help but tap their toes to the music - you did an admirable job. Only fell off once, that I noticed. . And now, with the grand banquet being served (as it's the bewitching hour, midnight) so full of dainty delicacies and good Cornish fare (my compliments to the cook!) it's time to take a moment and Breathe, along with Jayne, whilst I partake of the seafood. Lobster and crab, even virtually, are so marvelous!! The Wyrm has done wonders with the char grille, as well. Roasted beast for two, please! No, let's make that six or seven; we have some dogs, cats, and ratty rats to feed as well!! Could you grab a slice of fruit-cake for everyone, please? Those oranges look go good....do you think they came from the most recent wreck? Ed looks as if he's just opened Aladdin's cave; hope all this largesse won't overwhelm him!! He really should try the oysters, and the star-gazey pie, but as he's had a limited diet in the recent past, he shouldn't eat too many rich dishes. . oh my, we have had a grand time, haven't we? . I believe Mistress Agnes said Mr. P. couldn't attend, unfortunately; he had Naval business, and young ladies, to attend to. Therefore Mrs. P. is having a bit of a holiday, so to speak. Let's hope it reminds Mr. P. how lucky he is to have her! (I've heard her house is so well run that every sort of ingredient for medicines might be found in her pantry, all neatly labeled.) And she's ordered the house to be swept with brooms covered with linen, which catches the dust admirably, and as she has rosemary added to the arrangement, her whole house smells delightfully. She is great fun, is she not? And so up-to-date with the latest trends in fashion! Truly, a model lady. . I do believe I've caught a glimpse of John O. disappearing round a corner; John Carbis, him in Scarlet, might have been with him. Leastwise, I caught a glimpse of scarlet coloured cloth rounding that same corner. If it wasn't John with John, who might it have been? 'Tis a puzzlement. . All my Best!! . Julianna and the Girls . West Briton Transcriptions, 1836-1856 at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~wbritonad St. Austell Area History and Genealogy at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~staustell ---------------------------------------- > Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2012 17:49:13 -0500 > From: epistles@q.com > To: cornish@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: [CORNISH] Party 2012 - what a party!! > > What a party indeed, Julia! I've attended many Cornish Christmas parties over the years and this I think will be known as the wildest one of all! I used to spend them mostly sitting in a corner knitting but, my goodness, that Mistress Agnes and Mrs. Pepys have really led me astray. Did Mrs. P. bring husband Samuel with her? If so, I'd love to whirl him around in a dance, though I must confess my stays are killing me, whether laced criss-cross or straight up! Oh my, is that John O. I see over there? > > Best wishes, Duchess Daft