Her Majesty's Royal Court Ball 2007

Notes from the Nobility

To Her Majesty and the Honorable Lord Scott,

Thank you so much for the wonderful time at this last ball, "Her Majesty's Grand Ball." The evening was filled with quality fellowship and enchanting dances. One of my new favorites is, "Come, let us be Merry!" Without your dedication to providing these balls, my life would lack some much needed sparkle! Thank you so much, you are in my heart and prayers.

In Christ,

The Countess Renee of Saxony

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Lord Scott,

My sisters and I request that you convey our sincere regards to Her Majesty and our appreciation for her royal ball held this past Saturday evening. As always Her Majesty’s ball was a splendid affair, and it is our great pleasure to enjoy the dress, manners, and conversation of the nobility of Her Majesty’s kingdom. With exception being drawn at the four spies who infiltrated the royal assembly, the assembly contained persons of as fine a caliber as to be found in any gathering in the realm. We would especially like to convey our appreciation for the great honor of being asked to sing for the enjoyment of the court. It was a great privilege and honor just as it was our honor to have our young sister, in alliance with a Dutch friend, expose the treachery of the Prussian spies. May the enemies of Her Majesty always so fail in their attempt to undermine Her Majesty’s kingdom! Once again thank you for a splendid and memorable evening.

Sincerely Yours,

Jessica, Natalie, and Stephanie M.

Gilbert, Arizona

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Lord Scott,

You have such a gift with words! I applaud you! I admire people with such a gift that is so rare today. It's lovely to read your e-mails. It brings beauty to the mind and soul, helping us overcome the mundane daily chores.

I hope one day you will consider writing some historic novels for young people and for the not so young.

May the Lord enable you to expand your dream and work. The world needs it.

Her Majesty always graces the evening with her presence.

Keep up the good work.

Yours in Christ Jesus

A Lady of Lisbon

--------------------------------------------------------

To Her Majesty and to Lord Scott:

We wish to express our gratitude for the invitation to "Her Majesty's Ball" that was so graciously extended to us. The evening was filled with splendor, elegance and intrigue! We had the pleasure of meeting both familiar and new acquaintances, the nobility of Spain, England and France. The dancing was exhilarating and the entire evening was charming, especially when we were graced with the performance of the lovely trio. Thank you for the opportunity to step back in time.

Yours Sincerely,

Jenny and Mandy N.
Cheyenne, Wyoming

------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Lord Scott And Her Majesty,

The fine gathering at the annual Ball left no doubt of the strength and resolve of Her Majesty and Her Loyal and Gracious Subjects and Friends
from kingdoms afar. The mercy shown to those three agents of espionage -- even after they were forced to dance like commoners -- should be
proof to the world of Her Majesty's kindness.

Once again, I had opportunity to dance with a number of charming Princesses, Duchesses, and Countesses. I only wish time had allowed me
to dance with /all/ of them! But I shall remember forever one dance of the evening. I had spotted a fine lady cavorting in a set dance -- by
herself! No, no, no! This must not be allowed to continue!

I sought her out with urgency when the time came for the final waltz, bended my knee, doffed my chapeau, and offered myself as her partner.
The dance was most graceful, and feeling the warmth of her countenance brought tears to my eyes.

To Her Majesty, Your Lordship, and All The Fine Nobility, my deepest thanks and appreciation.

Blessings To You All!

Your Friend And Humble Servant,
Viscount Christopher

---------------------------------------------------

Lord Scott,

I usually enjoy Her Majesty's Ball because the dances are genteel, formal, and conducive to graceful movement. This last ball was no exception. It was, however, also the most enjoyable and memorable ball I have ever attended. It was a ball where I began to relax more, kept consistent, yet appropriate eye contact with most of my partners, and truly enjoyed dancing more than I ever have before. It is a beautiful thing when two people partner to create an orderly experience such as dancing.

With found memories of one very crowded and long set (a Lady), the beautiful waltz (a Lady), and the graceful balances (a Countess)--

I Remain Faithfully Yours,

Lord Goring

-----------------------------------------

Dear Majesty (and Lord Scott),

The evening of the ball was the most beautiful I ever beheld. Every time I looked around there was not anything to match it for grace and grandeur. It was magnificent. :} The manners matched and the hospitality was astounding. Though there were many ladies in beautiful colors, the gentlemen were in equal beauty, I'm sure they danced all night. I'm sure their feet were quite sore. The ladies were beautiful in long new gowns and the gentlemen did not let them down. Needless to say there wasn't a lacking in beauty, grace, and visions of grandeur.

Though, I believe it was either because of my disguise or my, should I say, my double identity, I did not dance very often, but it was so enjoyable to watch the dances and see how well everyone moved together. To watch the dances as they played out and in unison, was just wonderful. :}

I regret spying on such wonderful people, I was only being loyal to my King and doing my duty. Though now I wish we'd met under different circumstances, it was still a glorious night. I thank you again and again for such grace and forgiveness before the assembly. To be so forgiven and let to go free, was to say the least, my greatest pleasure. I was very happy to receive my punishment of a jig. :)

Thank you again and again for your hospitality and grace. My regards to your Majesty and to you, Lord Scott. Thank you for the grand night and wonderful pleasure of being in such good company. (Also for the good conversation afterwards at the "IN-N-OUT". It's one of my favorite's. The conversation is unexplainable and always enjoyable. :} )

Baroness Von Breslau, of the King Frederick the Great, of the royal court, of Prussia. :}

------------------------------------------------------------

To dearest Lord Scott and certainly to the Majesty whose ball we attended;

Thank you so much again for a delightful time in which we could all visit the "royal court" and meet with those representing other regions. It is always a pleasure to experience such a charming crowd, thrilling dances, and gifted music.

This was the first "masquerade" ball for the General and I, and the party with which we attended found it quite amusing that the General bore a striking resemblance to a certain highwayman that had attended the Pride and Prejudice Ball...

Perhaps the best memories from this ball were the smiles and laughter from the newcomers in our party, three new representatives from the Prescott area who found these balls to be a treasure. And they are certainly that- a treasure.

Most humble thanks,
Lady Kristen of Prescott
General Sean, Duke of Tanager

------------------------------------------------------------------

Lord Scott - There is no doubt that the royalty and subjects attending Her Royal Majesty’s Ball outdid themselves, helping to make the evening magical.

I Remain

YMOS

-Squire Sancho Panza

---------------------------------------------

Your Majesty and Family,

I want to start this letter with an apology for coming to your ball last night with the intent of seeking out information on how to bring down your Kingdom. I have always been loyal to King Frederick and the Prussian Kingdom, but the generosity and kindness I received last night, after I was exposed to the whole assembly as a spy, has caused me to rethink about where my loyalties lie.

Now, on to brighter things. The entire ball was a wonderful experience and one that I will long remember. It was wonderful to renew old friendships and make several new ones. I loved the dances and enjoyed the gracefulness of the steps. I extend many thanks to her Majesty for hosting such a grand ball, and greatly appreciate being allowed to remain for the extent of the evening.

I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon. Please let me know next time you are here in Prussia.

~The Baroness von Brandenburg

---------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Lord Scott and Her Royal Highness,

Thank-you for a most enjoyable and oft exciting evening this last Saturday at your Royal Court. The very long carriage ride from Upper Leamington was a small hardship for so a delightful evening with the most splendid gathering of international nobility. Fortunately, the cleverness of the young princess from Holland led to the discovery of Prussian spies amongst us! The dancing, conversation, singing, and fashion were perfection.
With humble appreciation,

The Earl of Warwick and family

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello, all of We Make History this last ball was amazing! I met up with old friends and made some new ones and I can't wait to see how the new ball works out.

Sincerely Lord Lucas

-------------------------------------------------------

My Dear Lord Scott,

We were so happy to have the opportunity to attend Her majesty's ball. We quite enjoyed ourselves, as we always do. The only way our evening could have been better is if we had not been late! We missed our favorite part of each ball, the Grand March. From what I observed through the evening, we missed quite a fine sight. I have never seen so many lovely ball gowns and excellently dress gentlemen collected in one place! I must admit, one of my favorite pastimes when at the head or end of the set, as I wait to begin dancing again, is to view all the wonderful finery as it steps and twirls around the ball room. I would especially like to compliment Her Majesty on her excellent taste in fashion and, if I could be so bold, inquire as to the name of her seamstress. I find my self very much in need of a new ball gown. We look forward with anticipation to our next opportunity to be together in such a lovely assembly and with such amiable people.

Yours &c,

Viscountess Von Durda of Moravia

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday, January 14, 2007

In Her Majesty's Elegant Service

The Royal Family of We Make History gathers for an evening of courtly manners, graceful dances, high fashion… and some intelligence work.

As experienced and related by Viscount Christopher

Spies are among us!

The warning from His Lordship came as little surprise to the gathering of nobility from kingdoms afar, with rumours floating through the air as did the chill of a January evening.

“They are here looking for signs of weakness in Her Majesty’s Realm, but Her Majesty’s strength is resolute,” he reassured. “Their efforts shall be doomed to futility.”

Indeed, Her Majesty’s very presence exuded strength, her warm and steadfast countenance framed by a magnificent dress of red and gold. It instantly caught the eye of the Viscount as he stepped into the hall, his journey from Great Britain complete.

“Your majesty,” he offered with a deep bow, sweeping his gold-trimmed tricorn into his hand.
The Viscount adorned himself in fine blue silk and lace over floral print waistcoat. Others chose colours of cream and royal red, or dark shades of green and brown, topping themselves with the whitest wigs they could find, ambassadors of nation and fashion. Many conversations began with the choices of garment and inquiries of the maker.

“I am working with a new tailor,” the Viscount answered. “What he showed was perfect for me.” Perfect and a bit French, one observed.
He hoped it would charm many ladies seeking a dancing partner, and he did not wait long. A princess summoned him to her side to lead her about the hall for the procession, and then into the first dance, a lively circle of skipping about. The dancers stretched nearly to the perimeter of the room.

When it ended, he gathered she did not have a partner for the next dance. Although he knew he was flirting with the boundaries of decorum, he offered his hand once again, resolved that she not be ignored.

“Christ’s Church Bells!” the Royal Caller announced.

“This is one of my favourites!” the Viscount exclaimed to his partner in the long set.

Yet he had not danced it in awhile. He found himself a step or two off in some figures, as did others, many new to the styles of Her Majesty’s Royal Court. Perseverance being the hallmark of the gathered, the fog of confusion soon lifted, uncertainty falling to laughter and a determination to move and enjoy the beauty of each other’s company through any missteps. Several lords and ladies were so eager to dance they forgot to rest for one iteration once they progressed to the end of the set leaving random couples temporarily stranded during figures of four when the geometry did not resolve itself correctly. Nevertheless, the song and revelry continued undiminished.
“Remember to use all of the music!” the gracious caller reminded, lest the dancers complete figures too hastily and end up with little to do but smile and share a moment of standing admiration and honour with one another.

Many other dances would invite such moments of warmth, in steps where the Princes and Princesses, Lords and Ladies, Counts and Countesses would all change places about the set. They looked into each others eyes as they rounded one another, not holding hands but perhaps holding hearts if only for mere seconds.

If the joy of the dance was not suitable motivation, perhaps a glance into the pupil might reveal a spy… or three. The Viscount found his attempts fruitless, overwhelmed by the beauty of all the noblewomen. He smiled often as he cavorted, often raising his free hand to the air in an open display of happiness.

With looks deceiving, the gathered relied on their skills of courtly interrogation, politely asking each other their country of origin. Her Majesty’s Secret Service confirmed all three spies hailed from the same nation. Then word came they were all ladies.

The revelation discomforted the Viscount, having met two charming young ladies from Russia this evening. Surely the frigid land of the tsars had not plunged to the depths of using nobility -- especially young nobility -- for espionage. Yet he had heard of Peter the Great’s desire to rid his country of backwardness and align itself with the West. Information bred power. Power stoked conquest. Conquest abetted war.

He needed to find the third member of this treacherous troika, preferably during a pause for refreshments, but His Lordship summoned.

“Viscount Christopher!”

“My Lord?”

“It is an outrage,” the host lamented. “Are the men of Great Britain becoming so effeminate that they cannot dance with a fine lady about to turn 16?”
He indicated a countess seated across from him. She blushed at the fuss over her as His Lordship chastised the lack of willing partners for such a woman of beauty.

Shocked, the Viscount needed no prodding. He bowed low before her in his highest court manner and offered her the next dance, appropriately titled, “Come Let’s Be Merry!”

Merry they were as they danced in a three-couple set, honouring each other, casting off and down the middle, and leading each other in a graceful short procession between the other couples, catching each other’s eyes on alternating steps -- a fine birthday gift.

“You know you get more dances if you smile,” one nobleman told a lady during another pause for refreshments.

“I do,” she explained, but added the gentlemen looked too serious.

The Viscount, privy to the conversation, nearly dropped his ale.

“It is an outrage!” he grumbled. “Are we not capable of enjoying the dance?”

Hopefully they would be capable of enjoying fine song, he thought, as Her Majesty’s Royal Court Singers entertained and uplifted the assembled with a heavenly rendition of a Christmas carol, a harmonious farewell to a joyous season until the days of December passed over the horizon once more.

The façade of the three spies soon ended as well, unmasked by a team of young noblewomen working together for Queen and country. The resourceful duo picked the impostors from the crowd to the astonishment of the guests.

All three of them stood before the court, two wearing masques. They had gone to great care to blend in, but their origins gave them away. His Lordship revealed they hailed from Prussia -- obviously sent to pry information on behalf of that conqueror King Frederick II. Justice should come swiftly, those gathered agreed.
“JIG! JIG! JIG!”

For almost a minute, they were forced to perform a dance of the lower classes. They seemed to enjoy it, raising the possibility they were commoners as well as conspirators.

Prussians, not Russians, the Viscount mused as he watched it all. One letter and three ladies off. Hopes of joining Her Majesty’s Secret Service faded into the night as the duo collected their prize of fine chocolate for their heroic efforts.

“Queens never make bargains,” the great author Lewis Carroll would pen many years later. But Our Beloved Majesty, both merciful and resolute, granted all three spies unconditional pardons, sparing them the dark and freezing gaol to enjoy the remainder of the festivities. The assembled royalty did not hesitate to join hands with them and welcomed them all into the world-famous Pineapple Dance, the simplest and yet most joyous frolic of the evening.
During the final set dance, the Viscount made a disheartening sight over the shoulder of his partner: a noblewoman in blue, dressed in a beautiful full gown, dancing a set dance… alone. She extended a hand to open air where a nobleman should have been, surrounding by nothingness, bowed to by nobody, turning and facing and curtsying to a void.

The Viscount felt his heart breaking as he watched it, almost losing track of his place in the set. As soon as the dance ended, he made haste to set things right.

“I cannot stand to see you dancing alone!” he proclaimed to her before bowing. “Will you share a waltz with me?”

She graciously accepted, and the two shared the final dance of the evening, one that would officially not come into fashion until many years later. But this was the time to ignore such anachronisms.

Her face brightened as they stepped back and forth in gentle motions, the Viscount and his beautiful partner losing themselves in harmony and elegance, friendship and smiles. Her gentle eyes pierced his heart.

“I could dance all night,” the Viscount said to her. “These are my favourite moments.”

His eyes misted over. “This makes up for so much in my life.”

When the dance ended, he bowed to her as he did before, thanking her profusely for the moment of shared peace.

His Lordship encouraged the gathering to return to their home kingdoms and times with the spirit of the evening intact, remembering their duties as members of Her Majesty’s Elegant Service. No oaths or pledges were required, for all the nobility knew their mission: a life in service to others, at any time, any place.

For the good of our world and ourselves, everyone deserved the royal treatment.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lords & Ladies

Nobility of the Realm

Foreign Emissaries

The happiness has fallen upon me of conveying to you Her Majesty's good pleasure in the Nobility of We Make History at Her Majesty's Ball. Your grace, gentility and wit are all to be expected and we were not disappointed. But the enterprise of the young Ladies of the Court who formed an Anglo-Dutch coalition (as it were) to successfully expose and bring to naught the Prussian spy ring was remarkable.

Her Majesty and all those in Her Majesty's service may take confidence in knowing that even the most youthful and innocent among us are vigilant, watchful and of good courage.

Of renowned dignitaries there were many present, attending from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Denmark, Holland, France, Spain, Portugal, Bavaria, Saxony, Russia, Austria, Sicily and yes ... Prussia.

Your servant Lord Scott had the rare pleasure of missing never so much as a single dance and was honoured by such distinguished partners as Her Majesty the Queen, three Princesses of Denmark, from England the Duchess of Dorchester, from Saxony the Countess of Dresden and from Prussia the Baroness von Brandenburg. No doubt all who participated may also recount excellent fortune in dancing partners.

Some among you have been kind enough to send us sweet missives recounting the glory of the evening. We hope that perhaps there are a number of other letters still to be forthcoming.

We have been quite busy sorting and reviewing the many portraits from the Ball, but not wanting in any way to fail to fully reflect the beauty of all present we have also taken adequate time refining and perfecting the images before making the work public. Proudly, we unveil here to all the fine likenesses from Her Majesty's Ball.

And now those in Her Majesty's service have the opportunity for a diplomatic mission. As our relations with the new American Republic are excellent, an invitation from President Washington has been received requesting that our finest attend a Ball in honour of that august personality's 275th birthday, which celebration shall take place the evening of the 17th of February, 2007.

The invitation may be reviewed here.

Washington's Birthday Ball 2007

Her Majesty's 18th century subjects will also no doubt desire to attend our annual 18th century picnic on the 14th of April, 2007 in Prescott.

I remain

Her Majesty's Servant

and the

servant to all

in our noble, grand and glorious cause.

Lord Scott

We Make History

Dream this Dream with us!

A Grand Vision

Please also see our “Etiquette & Expectations” page as well as our "All About Us" page.

WeMakeHistory