Indeed, the torch light can be blamed for the cause of enchantment. As could the actors and enthusiastic fair guests.

"Ah, yes. I do believe Miss Austen can pull off any colour she wishes," he says - and he may be laying it on thick, but he hardly cares.

"Red," he says. "It is bold, independent, looks lovely against the dark, and compliments green quite nicely."

And look at that: he's wearing green.