Sebastian St. Clair, known far and wide as the “Rogue Marquess,” has lived a life of audacious escapades and scandalous affairs. With rumors swirling and creditors closing in, he concocts a daring plan to flee the country. But before he disappears into the night, he decides to throw one final soirée: “The Final Hurrah.” Invitations are extended to those who have been entangled in his tumultuous life: his former flames, Arabella and Dahlia, his current flame, the enigmatic Countess Lavinia, his prodigal son, Alexander, and his estranged confidante, Theodore. Sebastian hopes to use the masquerade to settle old scores and erase past regrets.

As the event approaches, guests from near and far converge on the grand estate, each harboring their own secrets and desires. The local vicar, eager to recruit souls for his dwindling congregation, mingles with the aristocracy, while the charming Captain Tobias Thornhill, a master of disguise, flirts shamelessly with the ladies. Meanwhile, Reginald, the Marquess’s unflappable butler, ensures the festivities run smoothly, and Montgomery Green, the eccentric groundskeeper, tends to his mysterious botanical experiments.

But just as the revelry reaches its peak, a shocking revelation shatters the illusion of merriment. The arrival of the police, determined to uncover the truth, sets off a chain of events that will unravel long-held secrets and test the bonds of trust and loyalty. And amidst the chaos, one question hangs in the air like a lingering perfume: who among them is capable of murder?

Remember: costumes are not required, but really do add to the fun

For Victorian women, being delicate and ornamental matters more than being able to move. Being able to breath is a luxury. Corsets, of course, are supposed to go with everything. But only because lycra hasn’t been invented yet. Do yourself a big favour – pretend it has!

Your hat or bonnet can be small to show off that chignon or those ringlets. Or it can be the size of flowerpots. And easily mistaken for one.

Poorer women might wear a calico dress, a petticoat, a woollen shawl, a cotton blouse, a hat and some hobnail boots.

Other style choices:

• Long gloves. Big, feathery fans. Lots of jewelry. Lace. Frills. Puffed-up shoulders and sleeves. Jacket bodices, worn tight.
• Skirts are as much architecture (crinolines, hoops, bustles) as items of clothing.
• Ankles are kept covered…. (ya right! lol)
• Multiple layers and huge swathes of fabric are topped off by shawls the size of small bedspreads

Here are some examples

Remember: costumes are not required, but really do add to the fun

Stick to black or white (or grey). A white shirt with a cravat and black tail-coat or frock coat and waistcoat will do fine. In at the waist is good. With all that on, you certainly won’t get cold…

If you must have a bit of color, put on a fancy waistcoat.

• Trousers are tight in all areas and high-waisted.
• Collars are as stiff as your upper lip should be.
• Nearly every gentleman will have some connection to some branch of the army, so feel free to wear a uniform.
• A top hat if you are posh, a bowler or flat cap if you’re not.
• A mighty beard. Mutton chops.
• Collarless shirts and sturdy boots (if you’re hard-working and poor).
• Other style choices:
• A smoking jacket. A blazer. A three-piece lounge suit, preferably in Harris Tweed (meant for “lounging” in).

Here are some examples