CHAPTER THREEThe Duke of Mountheron was having breakfast with his host and hostess the Marquis and Marchioness of Exford.
He and his host had been out riding around the estate since seven o’clock and he had much enjoyed the fresh morning air and exercise. He had ridden one of the Marquis’s most spirited and well-bred stallions.
They were discussing what they would do in the morning when a servant came into the room with a note on a silver salver.
He offered it to the Duke, who took it with some surprise.
He immediately recognised the handwriting and read the letter swiftly.
Then he turned to the Marchioness,
“This is a letter from Lady Barker. I had no idea that her home was in this vicinity and that her father is a Vicar.”
“He is indeed,” the Marchioness replied “and a very charmin
