From Fitzroy's Private Diary (Extract 31)
The art of assuming another persona is a complex and intensive study. However, when one is required to go undercover for a one-off event, such as a dinner party or a ball, rather than building an identity designed for use in the long term, it is surprising how utilising the most basic of tropes can allow one to blend into the background. The key to inveigling oneself into any group is not to stand out in any way. One must be the epitome of dull, ordinary and reliable. Indeed, one must become so typical of the type of man one is portraying that, afterwards, one will have left no real impression on any other person there. The aim is to be easily forgotten. Below are my basic tips for playing such a character for an evening.
1) A Gentleman
Regardless of birth, the right accent and air of confidence, or, dare I say, arrogance, can convince most gatherings that one is, in fact, a gentleman. It is also useful to be able to dance, talk knowledgeably about various forms of hunting (which I personally abhor), understand table etiquette (though only ladies properly observe good table manners) and be dismissive of the presence of servants (acting like they are part of the furniture rather than fellow human beings).
It is also useful to conjure up a cover story as to why no-one recalls you from school, or from when you were at Oxford (after all, a gentleman of the truly upper classes would never go to Cambridge), to be aware of who the local Unionist candidate is, and support him as being a jolly fine fellow, although be unable to quote any of his policies, and to talk about one’s club (that one seldom attends as one rarely ventures into town from one’s country estate).
Last, but by no means least, flirt outrageously, but with limited competency (regardless of whether your character is married or not).
2) A Self-Made Man
Accent is much less important. In fact, having a slightly rougher edge to one’s tone is better. Bring into the majority of conversations whatever it was that made you rich - be it coal, steel or even selling boots to the military. Be a little clumsy at the table - use the wrong item of cutlery but carry it off with a devil-may-care attitude. Smoke a large number of cigars and carry a supply to offer to others. Enquire about the vintage of any wine your host offers you, brag of the superior ones in your own cellar, but don’t give the impression that you are knowledge about wines. Those who come from new money are inclined to buy the most expensive options without any understanding of quality.
If posing as married, ignore other women. If posing as single, pay attention only to the heiresses or the eligible ladies of the highest rank (self-made men tend to have a tiresomely bourgeoisie outlook on life).
3) A Man of the Cloth
Speak in a slow and slightly ponderous manner. Be prepared to quote scripture but do so in a very limited manner. Most clergy invited to an elegant dinner tend to be more interested in the food than converting souls. The higher one is in the church; the less interest one generally shows about religion. Only a simple vicar ever mentions mundane things such as church roof repairs.
4) A Servant
This is the most useful of roles, and the most difficult to do successfully. If an event is of any significance, outside staff may be used, but these are generally looked down on by the household staff, who frequently exhibit a strange mix of jealousy and suspicion. This can be such that they will not be eager to help you navigate your way around. Therefore, in your pre-planning stage, you must have already mapped out the servant passages and state rooms in your mind and show yourself to be a quick learner when asked to do any task. Never do anyone else’s job for them but be so efficient that you are able to offer your help to any servant who is either struggling, or eager to have an easier time of it. Do not be subservient to other servants but show them respect. Hold your own and prove your worth. Only by doing this will you be allowed into earshot of your quarry.
Sometimes a household will refuse to allow a temporary servant to gain access to the inner workings of an event. In this instance you must be prepared to target the household servant who is weakest at their job and, by use of diversionary tactics, including sleight of hand, arrange for to this servant to be seen as incompetent, allowing one to step in to replace them. It is imperative in taking such action that you have ensured it cannot be traced back to you. It is not for the novice to attempt.
Whatever role one is portraying, one must have a number of exit strategies, firstly to explain why one is leaving, if questioned, and secondly to know which doors or windows it may be most efficacious to use if one is rumbled. Even a master at creating personas may be caught out by the vagaries of fate. However, it is never acceptable if one is caught-out to actually be caught. Come what may, any agent captured in the field will always be disavowed by the service - and it serves them right for having done such a shoddy job.