The new morning is about to come to life, but the nobility is still awake!

The Marquise and his wife have retreated to the company of a strangely intriguing guest from a distant land. Though the audacity of the newcomer to dismiss the proper court dress and the offered delicacies stir up the couple greatly.

He is so unusual.

The Marchioness senses the promise of the much longed for freedom in this man. The escape from the cold and passionless arranged marriage could be hers. The ruse starts to unravel in her keen mind.

Can the aloof husband notice the attraction between those two?

The Countess du Gracieux lets out a loud pig like squel - the dashing young man next to her has made some witty comment. The Marchioness shifts her attention to her "beloved" cousin. The mockery and irony that the plump and daft Gracieux gets to have the wealth of both clans due to the passing of the Count. If only her Marquise would be so considerate to her as to depart from this world to the next one. The great aspects of being a widow were displayed right in front of her nose.

Foolish Graci with a bit cream on her chin - and the handsome male whispering sweet suggestions to her pearl decorated ear.

The Countess was even way past her graceful youth. At 30 the charms of a female were long gone as to the ruling beauty standards and preferences of the society.
After the superficial charms diminished, the main currency will only be the person's political, economical and financial assets.

The Marchioness turns to glance at her husband. Their eyes meet. Heads tilt and at the same time they raise the corners of their lips into a vain imitation of a smile. The short contact breaks as one of the maids go by.

Unknown to them at the end of the table a pair of eyes have regarded the silent exchange with undisguised amusement.

(to be continued...)

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Original photo by Sakari Mäkelä
Edit by Aron-Ra

The characters at the table from left to right:

- The newest find of the Dutchess du Gracieux. A slimy golddigger
- Countess du Gracieux - A scandalous flirty sloth and the too-well-of cousin of the Marchioness
- The maid - a poor girl who gets to know the happenings amoung the aristocracy. Is often being harrassed by Nobel Men.
- The Marchioness - Cold-blooded, power hungry, bold minded lady, who knows what she wants and gets what she wants. No matter the cost.
- The Marguise - Distant natured husband of Marchioness'. An august and sly man by heart.
- The Stranger - A fiddler who has a thirst for something else than a grand position in court. Has eyes set on Marchioness throat.

The Nobel Lady's costume as a whole was designed and created by me.
Make up and the two Nobel Men's clothing was done by Aron-Ra.
Delicacies at the table and characters Hair were done by Kristiina.