major-domo, house-steward.
nonchalance, cool indifference.
nolens volens, willy-nilly.
outré, exaggerate.
parti, a "catch" (a desirable husband or wife).
prestige, glamour.
piquant, lively.
protégé (m), protégée (f), one under the protection of another.
parvenu, newly enriched.
partie carrée, two couples having a pleasant time.