Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Invitation to the Waltz



You've caught me! in the midst of preparations for the Manor Ball.

After a long search, I finally found my special dress--where else but in a book:

"She slipped off her mother's fur coat into the footman's hands, and gave a touch or two to the white dress. Floating, transparent and fragile, swathing itself lightly over breast, waist and thigh and sweeping backwards and out in a wide flaring line, it was a romantic, pretty, waltz-like frock. Inside it she felt drastically transformed, yet at home with it, able to suit it..."*

And what else but the light, fragrant white Gardenia tucked behind my ear, a contrast to my rather somber, slightly frowning dance partner, whose name I need not tell you.




*from "The Weather in the Streets" by Rosamond Lehmann

35 comments:

Kat Mortensen said...

Lovely choice of gown, Leah. (You really DO have a thing for old Alan, don't you?) I loved him in Sense and Sensibility the most, I think, but he's a winner anywhere. (I'm not trying to steal him from you, never fear!) I'm rather occupied with Bertie and Jeeves at the moment. By the way, if you happen to see me in the corner, come over and please call me "Kitty". I'm Kitty Mangleword for the duration of the ball. Okay?
See you at the Manor!

kylie said...

hi leah,
it's a beautiful dress, beautifully written......

enjoy the ball :)

and i hope you're less bluesy today

kylie said...

actually it doesnt say much about the dress, does it?
i know it's beautiful tho

and gardenias.....
gorgeous

The Mistress said...

I love the scent of gardenias.

Karen ^..^ said...

Ah... The description of the dress sounds so familiar... I think I've read this before.

Very thought provoking post. Actually, very FANTASY provoking post.

Have fun at the ball!!

Skip Simpson said...

Leah, my dear! How lovely to see you! You look absolutely enchanting! May I humbly ask you to pencil my name in our your dance card, or is it already full?

Brian Miller said...

beautiful, the flower adding just the right touch. you and mr. s have fun. smiles.

Betsy Brock said...

A gardenia in your hair...ooooh...I wish I would have thought of that! It's the finishing touch! And I see you got the signet ring...it looks beautiful on your hand! I saw you earlier having a waltz with some dashing gentleman....you looked lovely!

nick said...

I will of course be there, with my very dear friend, the world-famous supermodel Voluptua Trinket. I've told Jenny I'll be away hiking in the Cairngorms. I think I shall wear my gold lamé suit and topper. See you there!

Tess Kincaid said...

((((sigh))))
the dress and gardenia are just exquisite.

The rose gold signet ring is just devine, as well. You have marvelous taste, my dear.

Unknown said...

Oh, beautiful Leah, do bring Alan around to the scottish dance hall just north of the manor for a waltz or two. Linda#53. You can try a martini and our chef will be happy to prepare a nibble or two. Sense and Sensibility is one of my all time favorite movies.

The Good Life in Virginia said...

oh your gown sounds divine...and the gardenia...heavenly scent.
looking forward to meeting you this evening.

Mr. Shife said...

Today is the big day. Hope you have a blast.

Frances Tyrrell said...

"A woman can never be too fine while she is all in white. ..", you must be that romantic figure dancing across the room.
But as for Alan/Colonel Brandon, I thought to have left him safely in Barchester/Puddingdale. Mr. Slope,you have escaped me!

Anonymous said...

I always find something very erotic about a woman clad only in white. As for the flower... there is definitely a sexual connection that I find very alluring indeed.

Candie said...

I would have expect you to get your dress from a book!That is SO you!Nice one!;)

Skip Simpson said...

I'm ready for our dance, if you are so inclined...

Leah said...

Indeed I am!

*adjusts gardenia, smooths dress*

Madame DeFarge said...

Sounds divine. I'd love to get dressed up for something flash, but rarely have the chance these days. I shall sigh forlornly.

Totalfeckineejit said...

Twas a great hop n'est ce pas?

Barbara Martin said...

Excellent taste in wearing apparel and men, my dear.

Lyn said...

My mind's eye sees the perfect, ethereal sweep of the gown..the fabric, a whisper against the hand...and the gardenia looks so elegant as you sweep by!

Mike said...

Sarge will let me have one dance, right??? :))

Nancy said...

So lovely, dear, as you whirled and twirled around the dance floor. What a night it's been!

Leah said...

Otin--Sarge doesn't care, but I can't speak for Snape! He's awfully quick with that wand sometimes...

MLG said...

Oh my, you look smashing in that dress. The gardenia is the finishing touch. Now whenever I smell Gardenia's I will be thinking of the two of you waltzing about the floor. What wonderful memories I will have from this beautiful swoiree.

Leah said...

Oh thank you all for the fun and sweet comments!

It has been a real journey of the imagination this evening...

Butternut Squash said...

How romantic! The dress and the gardenia suit you perfectly.

Lynette said...

The waltz is by far my favorite and there were so many lovely waltzes tonight!

Cynthia Pittmann said...

Well! I need a bit of that transparent floating magic to lay on my gardenia bush...not one flower and it's the second year! I keep visualizing the white creamy petals to no avail! You look divine with that blossom tucked behind your ear!

Ms Scarlet said...

Nothing like dressing up to raise the spirits. And dancing.
Sx

Maria said...

I always wanted to wear a flower in my hair, preferably a gardenia.

I just don't have the properly shaped head to pull it off.

Damn it all to hell.

Skeeter said...

Hi Leah,

Very nicely done. yes, very nice!

Best wishes,

Skeeter

Old Knudsen said...

Don't forget to bring a 6 pack and a dip.

Baino said...

MY gardenias are just budding and almost ripe to bloom. . saucy vixen. . .short, sweet and sensual (as I suspect are you!)

On a serious note. I have a hedge of gardenias and in summer, as I walk from the front to the back verandah I'm overwhelmed by this perfume that just oozes summer . . one more month . . .