| The Duke's Descent |
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| It is September 1931 at an English country estate. The 13th Duke of Airesborne has invited his eight possible heirs Duke's accident. The Guest List Spendwell P Roppwash: An “ace” pilot who distinguished himself during WW1 flying combat missions over Germany in the legendary Sopwith Dromedary. Credited with shooting down seven enemy aircraft, he acquired the name “Spinner” from the acrobatic aerial maneuver he performed to escape the clutches of the dreaded Fred Barron. Since the war, he has been involved in various air-transport ventures and is currently raising fund to launch a commercial airline, Spinnair. Costume suggestion: Flying jacket with “wings” insignia. Aviator cap. Goggles. Scarf. Heavy canvas trousers. Boots. Melissa A Loudbanks: An internationally respected aviatrix, Melissa’s ambition is to be the first pilot to fly around the world. Her marriage to G. Rynde Loudbanks, a wealthy banker, brought together the heritage of the noble Aireborne family and the “new” city money of the Loudbanks. Tragically, her husband died shortly after the marriage in a fall from her airplane. Undaunted she continues to pursue her goal with great fortitude. To her friends and family she is known as “Misty”. Costume suggestion: Flying jacket. Aviator cap. Goggles. Scarf. Leather trousers and boots. Lance Sallot: A young aristocrat of noble bearing and inclination, Lance is the future eighth Duke of Sallot, a family with ancestral links to the Airesbornes. His father, the seventh Duke, is frail in body and spirit, and Lance has already been managing the family estates for several years. Fair-haired, handsome, and an excellent swordsman, he will be a magnificent catch for some fair maiden, but, is as yet, unmarried. Costume suggestion: Sword. Elegant attire, possibly featuring the Sallot family crest. Black tie would be appropriate. Damselyne D. Istresse: Damselyne, known as “Dame” is the older sister of Misty C Loudbanks. Delicate and beautiful, she has been courted by some of the world’s finest young men, some of whom have performed heroic deeds to rescue her from the many difficulties she constantly experiences. They have all earned her thanks, but none has won her heart. Costume suggestion: Evening Gown. Fur coat or stole. A Tiara. Rogan S Coundrell: A successful entrepreneur, Rogan has overcome the financial disadvantage of being born to the younger branch of the family tree by earning his fortune in the building trade. He is influential and highly regarded due to his skillful combination of distinguished heritage and business acumen. An elegant dresser, he frequently wears a long black cape and is usually seen smoking a cigar. He has recently acquired a Rolls Royce motor car. Costume suggestion: Elegant attire, possibly black tie. Long black cape. Cigar. Slicked back hair. Wads of “money.” Gwendolyne O. Veere: When Duke Lofty Aires married the young, beautiful and spirited Gwen, all England rejoiced at her happiness. To become Duchess of Airesborne had been Gwen’s life-long dream, and she was doubly rewarded when the 12th Duke gave her the magnificent Airesborne Jewellery on their wedding day. Though he was over twice her age and she was his fifth wife, Gwen did all she could to make a success of the marriage. Sadly they did not live happily ever after, and she had been living apart from the Duke until his death when she returned to the castle. Costume suggestion: Evening gown, masses of jewellery – the Airesborne Jewelry – the more absurd, ostentatious and pretentious the better. Lonsford Glost Aires: A descendant on a long-lost line of the family tree, which he believes has precedence over the existing heirs, “Lon” read in the newspaper about the death of the 12th Duke and has returned to the family seat to make his claim. He has been well-schooled in preparation for assuming his rightful position, being an excellent hunter and avid sportsman. He is also an expert on genealogy, having studied at the Institute d’Affairs Genealogie in Paris under Professor Throux D Agees. Costume suggestion: An extraordinary “hunting hat”, for example a rubber duck stuck on the top of a hat. Hunting jacket to go with it. Evonne B.N. Aires: Lonsford’s voluptuous wife, who has accompanied him on his quest to return the Airesborne line of succession to the correct branch of the family tree. “Eve” clearly has the attributes to make a fine Duchess and has been quietly supporting her husband as he makes his claim. Of French ancestry herself, she still has a lilting French accent. Costume suggestion: Evening gown. Some prominent jewellery. Lord & Lady Ind Waiteing: Friends of the Airesborne family and almost neighbours to the Airesborn Estate, knowing the delicacy of information that may be aired in discussion this evening have graciously offered to be on hand to assist where necessary and thus relieve the servants who may overhear information privy only to the family. Lord Ind will see that the evenings events are conducted with propriety Lady “Always” will serve the meals eliminating the need for maid service. Costume suggestion: An evening suit and vest for Lord and a rather glamorous flowing short evening frock for Lady Always.. |
