Mulgrave's Apartment

Earl of Mulgrave's Apartment

Once a bachelor's domain, the chambers of the Earl of Mulgrave and his wife were obviously touched with a feminine hand. The dark, utilitarian furniture favoured by the Earl was adjusted, not overly changed by his wife's hand. More colourful pillows graced the settee done in a hunter green. Lace doilies dotted table tops that were anchored by floral displays set in blue on white vases. Chairs meant solely for a man's comfort were replaced, one by one, with more delicate seating that was more pleasant to the eye, though one overstuffed leather chair remained by the fireplace. It clashed with the more feminine décor, but it remained. Curtains of forest green and cream graced the windows, allowing in the Southern light, though the windows mostly remained closed as it faced the Thames and the aroma that wafted up on some days could drown out the fresh flowers. There was a lady's writing desk as well as a gentleman's, so that both could keep up with their correspondence. There was also a fully stocked bar, though brandy seemed to be needed more often restocked than other beverages.

Off the right of the parlour was Lord Mulgrave's room. It was done in dark panelling and wood. The match of the leather chair in the parlour resided in this chamber. The closet was large and held quite a bit more that just clothing. Several 'sentimental' items from the Earl's bachelor days resided here, including books that he'd rather his wife not find. The bed was large and four posted, its curtains done in a navy blue. Only the required number of pillows graced it. Some how, one of the vases from the parlour had ended up on his bed table. He had them removed every night, yet somehow a fresh one appeared by the time he returned to his rooms later in the day.

Connected via a door closer to the entrance to the room, was Lady Mulgrave's chambers. It was quite a difference between the bedrooms. Mary's room was done in much more feminine colours. Rose and cream, with green ivy giving contrast to the bed spread, curtains and upholstery. A delicate netting topped Mary's four posts, though a heavier curtain was available for cooler nights. Her closet was full of all the fripperies that a lady might need, as well as squeezing in two cots for her maids.

A third bedroom, off on the right side of the parlour, currently was unoccupied, though a cradle may have been snuck in after one of Lady Mulgrave's shopping trips. There is also one of the old couches that used to reside in the parlour, one that matches the leather chairs that are mostly hidden from sight.