The Gala Ball Proposal: SEASON ONE - EPISODE FOUR

Perceval Lamb and Dirk are shown into the rectory. Lamb puts his proposal to the archbishop. Dirk accompanies Lamb, as part of his training. The reader becomes aware Archdeacon Alfonso may also be ‘in’ on Lamb’s unusual charity arrangements. In the room, exotic deacon-servants serve dinner to Lamb, Dirk, Garibaldi and Alfonso. The archbishop and Lamb 'chortle' together as the archbishop slurps his peacock stew.

Before Garibaldi will allow Lamb to hire the most prestigious heritage venue in the state, he interrogates Lamb politely. Lamb attempts to win favour with Garibaldi, by showing him secret documents, smuggled out of the Dominus Regis. They are the equivalent of cabinet papers, which the archbishop is keenly interested in. Although Garibaldi has a moral choice not to take or read them, he doesn’t hesitate to digest them. The Gala Ball is approved so that preparations can be commenced.

This tongue in cheek episode uses a language and tone that is a throwback to traditional drawing-room scenes of the Victorian era. The Regina series to a limited extent, borrows elements of language from that era. It's placed with restraint and gives the scene a subtle sepia or vintage feel. Karmalade’s admiration for writer, Evelyn Waugh (1903-66) is apparent in his writing style and choice of words. Both writers have an affinity for words in and of themselves. Even allowing at times, words to take precedence over the insights and movements of the characters.