![]() ![]() ![]() The new housemaids-hired from London-were busy cleaning mirrors, walls and tables, and the floors would be washed in the afternoon, when the other tasks were completed. A hundred would light the ballroom itself. They were to be used throughout the public rooms, the hallways and the privy rooms. Three hundred beeswax candles had been ordered for the ball, at a shocking cost of fifteen pounds-more than Priddy’s annual salary. New candles had also been placed in various sconces and candelabra around the room, and would ensure the ball was brightly lit. Charlotte was excited at the thought of the effect tonight, when the darkness would be banished beautifully by crystal candlelight. They were beautiful, delicate pieces of bronze doré, with myriad pieces of cut glass to reflect the light and make it dance. They still rested on soft cloths on the floor, and two housemaids were inserting dozens of long candles into each of their lights. Two large chandeliers had been imported from France before the wars, and these had been lowered for cleaning earlier in the week. The floor was of Italian marble, and featured a herringbone pattern around the edges. ![]()
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