Gallant Banter

Powdered marquis and bold cavaliers bow to female guests, kiss their fingertips and offer them a rose as a respectful compliment to their eternal beauty.

A short but flavoursome dialogue between the Marquis of Aÿ (a white Champagne wine) and the Countess of Bouzy (the only red wine from the same region).

More than a mere artifice, the beauty patch is a code. It expresses a lady’s mood or passions. A “generous” goes on the breast, and a “kisser” at the corner of the mouth, promising love.

It is now the turn of male guests to receive the favours of a duchess, an actress or a maidservant. Each personally, and secretly, receives a scented love letter exuding with sweet hope.

Affectionate, voluptuous, respectful, ardent or stolen, kissing is an art form when it is requited. Gentlemen learn this lesson at their own expense.

In 18th century salons, fans fluttered endlessly. Their movements conceal hidden messages. They express hidden desire, the fear of being discovered, or sadness upon seeing a gentleman change. They say, “I abhor you” or “When will I see you again?” and convey an infinite variety of amorous discourse.