Chapter 93
Ten days later, Randolph Winters hosted a grand banquet for Thalia at Great Fosters, his newly acquired estate in Surrey. Although the event was scheduled for seven in the evening, Thalia rose at eight that morning to begin her preparations.
At a previous Blackwood family dinner, Lady Blackwood had insisted that proper British girls wear traditional evening gowns. Thalia initially considered commissioning a bespoke gown from a prestigious London couturier, but remembering the banquet hall's Medieval European Rococo aesthetic, she opted for something more elaborate.
She chose a light blue, Rococo-style, off-the-shoulder gown inspired by Marie Antoinette's dress in the 1956 film, "The Queen of Fashion." The gown featured numerous petticoats and a pannier, creating a magnificently wide silhouette. A structured corset underneath accentuated her waist and décolletage, showcasing her figure perfectly. Crafted from luxurious silk and adorned with intricate lace and pearl detailing, the gown was both elegant and regal.
Her stylist completed the look with a platinum blonde wig styled in period fashion: the upper portion swept back, the lower section cascading in European-style curls, adorned with hair ornaments matching the gown. Light blue contact lenses transformed her eyes, completing the blonde-haired, blue-eyed look that perfectly complemented the Rococo style. Thalia's naturally porcelain complexion needed minimal makeup—a light foundation and subtle lip color sufficed to create an angelic appearance.
Great Fosters was approximately an hour's drive from Thalia's Tribeca apartment. At five o'clock, Asher arrived at the stylist's salon to collect Thalia, momentarily stunned by her transformation.
Thalia smiled gently. "You're here."
Asher, impeccably dressed in period-appropriate formal attire with subtly waved hair, looked every inch the aristocrat. Thalia sat at the dressing table, adjusting her reflection. Asher approached, bowing slightly and extending his hand. "My little princess."
Thalia placed her hand in his. Asher raised it to his lips, kissing it reverently and speaking in flawless French: "Ma princesse, puis-je avoir l'honneur de vous escorter ce soir?"
Thalia returned his smile, replying in equally perfect French: "Mais bien sûr."
An hour later, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan arrived at Great Fosters. The car glided along the broad driveway, lined with majestic plane trees whose bare winter branches created a delicate lattice of shadows against the grey sky. The magnificent Tudor-Gothic mansion was visible from a distance.
The estate, larger and more magnificent than the Powell residence, encompassed over two hundred acres. The main building, an imposing historic structure, was complemented by several period cottages and guest accommodations. Evergreen landscaping provided lush greenery even in winter, and the expansive gardens contained numerous rare specimens and architectural follies. Amenities included a helipad, ornamental lake, swimming pool, private cinema, tennis courts, gymnasium, equestrian facilities, and more.
Randolph, having studied in France and traveled extensively throughout Europe, spoke impeccable French with a genuine Parisian accent. His formal attire and gestures exuded French aristocratic quality. He favored Rococo and Baroque architectural styles, and this estate, recently purchased as part of Thalia's dowry, hosted its inaugural reception today.
Luxury vehicles continuously arrived, with uniformed security staff at the entrance verifying invitations and identities. The Cullinan was allowed to pass without inspection; security had been instructed to recognize the registration plates of vehicles frequently used by the Blackwood and Winters families, including Asher's. The car proceeded unimpeded to the main building, while other guests were directed to a designated parking area. Only Winters, Blackwood, and Powell family vehicles were permitted to stop at the entrance.
After the chauffeur parked, Asher opened the door. The estate butler, already waiting, bowed respectfully. Asher offered his hand to Thalia, who gracefully alighted.
The mansion doors stood wide open, a red carpet stretching far into the unseen interior. Dozens of staff, lined up in two rows in formal livery, bowed and called out in unison: "Good evening, Miss Winters! Good evening, Mr. Blackwood!"
Arm in arm, Thalia and Asher walked elegantly along the carpet into the mansion. The ground floor banquet hall, designed after the Versailles ballroom, was magnificent and splendidly decorated. Enormous crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, adorned with Renaissance-inspired murals. Entering felt like stepping into a royal French palace. The grandeur rivaled even Versailles.
Inside, a gentle classical melody played as guests conversed animatedly, champagne flutes clinking. Thalia and Asher's arrival immediately captured everyone's attention. The crowd parted, creating a path as they walked hand in hand into the hall, elegant and noble as a royal couple.
Grace Bennett, attempting to please Lady Blackwood, wore a traditional British evening gown that clashed conspicuously with the French aesthetic of the banquet hall. While there was no formal dress code, seeing Thalia and Asher, she felt a wave of jealousy and resentment. Their entrance eclipsed even the most meticulously dressed guests.
Watching them mingle, Grace whispered to Lady Blackwood Sr., "Grandmother, look at Thalia. You said her attire was inappropriate at the family dinner, that she should embrace her British heritage, but this is even more elaborate! A blonde wig! Isn't she simply putting on airs? It seems deliberate, doesn't it?"
Lady Blackwood, decidedly traditional and conservative, had always been wary of foreign influences and held strong opinions on preserving British traditions. While times had changed, her traditional views remained deeply entrenched, and she still harbored prejudices against what she perceived as foreign affectations.
Grace's remarks incensed Lady Blackwood. She glared at Thalia, who was cheerfully conversing nearby. "She deliberately appears before me like this, knowing my views, and she's influencing Asher as well. His styling is utterly foreign now. Having someone with so little respect for tradition as my grandson's wife would bring nothing but discord to our family!"
"Indeed, Grandmother," Grace added with feigned concern, "Asher never used to dress in such theatrical costumes. Thalia must have insisted."
Lady Blackwood's expression darkened further. "What a waste that I even apologized after the family dinner. This behavior shouldn't be indulged. Perhaps I wasn't firm enough."