Caught momentarily out, you send for your steward, who rushes off to make arrangements. Fortunately, Haydn shows up and offers to take the ladies on a tour of the grounds, highlighting the proposed changes to the manor, which leaves you free to continue greetings your important guests.
By the end, the Earl and his retinue have all but taken over the manor. It will require some adjustments, but Haydn seem to have the matter in hand.
Next up on the official invites is Sir Elad, the Earl's Marshall and Castellan of the Earl's fortress at Vagon. He has a lovely woman on his arm that is not the wife you recall. He greets you. "Sir Cedwyn, a pleasure to see you again. My wife sends her regrets - she was ill and could not attend. However, let me introduce you to lady Adwen, the daughter of Sir Bles, who fell in battle the summer before last." She is a remarkable creature. Young, modest (if her bearing is any indication) and beautiful. "Sir Bles was akin to a brother to me, so Lady Adwen is the niece of my heart, if not of my blood. She has been hiding in her manor for far too long, so I encouraged her to come out and socialize."
She blushes slightly, but demurely says nothing.
Following closely on Sir Elad's heals is Sir Hywel, banneret of West Lavington. The young lady on his arm is introduced as Lady Dilys, his daughter. You know of Sir Hywel. His wife died in childbirth. Such was Sir Hywel's love for his wife he swore never to marry again. His daughter will inherit a substantial estate.
And finally, Sir Amig arrives with a smile. Following the recent campaign, he was appointed castellan of Tilshead Castle to the northwest, and charged with protecting the county from the dangers of Blakemore Wood and Crokwood. He claps your shoulder warmly. "It warms my heart to see you, young Sir Cedwyn." He arrives with a few lesser knights in his company but no wife - it is known that his wife is not fond of social gatherings.
That deals with the important guests - the rest can be handled by your uncle and Haydn, so you double check that preparations for the Earl's staff and guests are being made. Finally, the Head Steward catches you. "M'lord, we are ready to begin."
The presentation in the spacious tent starts, with people being announced by rank. Haydn handles that part, and does and admirable job. At length, everyone is seated. Your companion, Sir Rodric, is some distance away, seated down the table according to custom, but you as host are at the head table.
With the everyone seated, and the meal ready to serve, it falls to you to give some opening remarks.
[OOC: I need a speech here. Generally, thanking everyone of importance and speaking to the reason for the gathering. Ending with a grace would also be appropriate. I'll need a Courtesy roll to make sure you didn't forget everyone and did everything according to protocol. Also, you can attempt to impress your guests with a speech, which will require an Orate roll. You can choose to keep things simple, which would not require an Orate roll.]
