Emma Orczy

Petticoat Rule Emma Orczy

Great activity reigned in the corridors and kitchens of the old château. M. le Chef-the onlytrue rival the immortal Vatel ever had-in white cap and apron, calm and self-possessed asa field-marshal in the hour of victory, and surrounded by an army of scullions and wenches, was directing the operations of dishing-up-the crowning glory of his arduous labours. Pies and patties, haunches of venison, trout and carp from the Rhine were placed on goldand silver dishes and adorned with tasteful ornaments of truly architectural beauty andmonumental proportions. These were then handed over to the footmen, who, resplendentin gorgeous liveries of scarlet and azure, hurried along the marble passages carrying themasterpieces of culinary art to the banqueting-hall beyond, whilst the butlers, more sedateand dignified in sober garb of puce or brown, stalked along in stately repose bearing thehuge tankards and crystal jugs. All of the best that the fine old Château d'Aumont could provide was being requisitioned tonight, since M. le Duc and Mlle. Lydie, his daughter, were giving a farewell banquet toCharles Edward Stuart by the grace of God-if not by the will of the people-King of GreatBritain and Ireland and all her dependencies beyond the seas. For him speeches were made, toasts drunk and glasses raised; for him the ducal venerieshad been ransacked, the ducal cellars shorn of their most ancient possessions; for him M. leChef had raged and stormed for five hours, had expended the sweat of his brow and theintricacies of his brain; for him the scullions' backs had smarted, the wenches' cheeks hadglowed, all to do honour to the only rightful King of England about to quit the hospitableland of France in order to conquer that island kingdom which his grandfather had lost. But in the noble salle d'armes, on the other hand, there reigned a pompous and dignifiedsilence, in strange contrast to the bustle and agitation of the kitchens and the noise of loudvoices and laughter that issued from the banqueting hall whenever a door was opened andquickly shut again.