It had in fact surprised him that, unlike most of the beautiful women in the Marlborough House Set, Jennie had remained faithful to the Marquis for so long.
As the fashion for promiscuity had been set by the Prince of Wales, it was accepted that the famous beauties, after they had presented their husbands with an heir and been married for at least ten years, should have discreet love affairs.
It was also accepted that their husbands should turn a blind eye to what was happening.
Lord Mere had always suspected that, if the situation in his sister’s case arose, the Marquis would do nothing of the sort.
In fact he was sure that his brother-in-law would take up the attitude of a dog in the manger and, if he could not give his wife what she wanted, she would have to go without it.
At the s
