CHAPTER ONE
-
1876The letter was full of warmth and affection.
It seems a long time since we’ve seen you, Cousin Edward. Much too long, my dear wife says, and I agree with her.
“So do I,” the Earl of Ringwood murmured, a smile spreading over his broad, kindly face. “I should like nothing better than to see my family after so long, and Scotland is very beautiful.”
When he thought of the splendid highland scenery the walls of his library seemed to crowd in on him, making him long suddenly for wide open spaces.
He loved his magnificent London home, and the life he led there. He enjoyed his place at court, his status as a trusted adviser, almost a friend, to the Queen.
He also enjoyed the fact that his beloved daughter, Lavina, was the belle of the ball wherever she went. Beautiful, fas
