As winter approaches, invitations are sent out from Winterbourne Stoke to many knights and lords of Salisbury.
At first, responses to the invitations are a little better than average, which is a mixed thing. Less cost, but fewer respondents means fewer lords and ladies, so less glory.
Then, two weeks before the feast is scheduled, Earl Rodrick sends a message that he will be delighted to be there. The next day, messages arrive from all over Salisbury with knights and lords indicating their intention to attend. When all is said and done, it appears the house will be full to the rafters, so arrangements are made for braziers and a pavilion outside to house the feasting.
The house, already a place of frenetic activity given Sir Cedwyn's plans for the summer, turns into a kicked anthill as peasant workmen rub elbows with household servants and hired temporary staff to prepare for the feast. By all accounts, this is a banner year for Winterborune Stoke - a year of prosperity unseen in living memory. Spirits seem to be up, though there is the usual grumbling among the common folks. But peasants will grumble, it is what they do.
With all the spending going on, Sir Cedwyn's reputation seems to have risen, especially among the many merchants that have been to the manor recently. True, merchants are easily impressed by gold, but good words spread and such visibility is good for a young knight.
With his steward overwhelmed, many day-to-day matters consume more and more of Sir Cedwyn's time, and he feels distinctly the absence of a wife, who would naturally deal with all of these details.
Finally, in late September, the day of the feast arrives. Attendees start arriving in the early afternoon, many setting up camps in the wastes around the manor.
[Actions?]
It's not customary to greet anyone until they present at the manor itself, so your staff would normally sort out who is staying where and such things, but you can take a more active hand if you wish. There's plenty to keep you busy in the kitchen and out in the pavilion if your steward is left to handle the informal greetings.
