Talk of the Ton (Free Fellows League 5)

Yours with affection,

Gil

March 19, 1817

Lady Flaskell to her sister, The Hon. Emma Loudan

Dearest,

I was suffering from a stomach upset and so missed the initial flurry of news about Kerr. Darling, I’m so sorry! But we must move quickly, Emma, given that your betrothal obviously must be terminated. You are all of twenty-four now, and fiancés, especially those with a hefty fortune and title, do not grow on trees. You have been immured in the country so long that you have no idea what it is like here. Women are considered decayed at two and twenty. You must come to London at once and find a husband. I shall arrive tomorrow and expect to find you packed.

With love,

Your sister Bethany Lynn

March 19, 1817

The Earl of Kerr to Mademoiselle Benoit

Madeline, ma cherie,

While I naturally adore you and kiss your feet in pure admiration, it would not be prudent for me to accompany you to the opera tonight. The Puritans are out in force. In fact, I am very much afraid that I shall have to forgo the pleasure of your company in the future. Please accept this ruby as the smallest hint of my regard for you. Tu seras toujours dan mon cœur même si tu ne seras pas toujours avec moi.

Kerr

March 19, 1817

The Countess of Bredelbane to the Earl of Kerr

Kerr:

I can’t force you to abide honorably by the vows that your father made on your behalf. I take your behavior much amiss though, and I say that to you seriously. I shall write Emma myself and try to soothe her feelings. I’ve no doubt but that she’s hearing the same as I: that you intend to marry some rubbishing Frenchwoman with putative claims to being a lady. Do so, Kerr, and you will never darken my door again.

The Countess of Bredalbane

March 20, 1817

Gilbert Baring-Gould, Earl of Kerr, to the Countess of Bredalbane

Tsk, tsk, dearest Godmama.

You who know your Shakespeare so well should avoid clichés about darkened doors and such like. When my sainted godfather was alive, did he object to your sharp tongue? I go about my business with a rejoicing heart, knowing that you will soothe Miss Loudan’s troubled brow. You needn’t worry about Mademoiselle Benoit. While I shall always find a French accent irrésistible, I concede that the country charmer is my fate. I also know that you, my sainted godmother, would never wish for me, her beloved godson, to be unhappy, so you will forgive me if I cease to think about marriage this very moment.

Yours & Etc.

Gil

Chapter Two

March 21, 1817

The Countess of Bredelbane to Gilbert Baring-Gould, Earl of Kerr

Kerr:

You were always an impudent child; I shall never forget how you made me laugh when you first arrived in my house, and your parents gone but a month. Still, there is an edge to your jests that gives me concern. How dare you speak of being unhappy to marry Emma? The poor girl will surely have need of valor, given that your foolish quotation has gone so terribly awry. I am surprised that she has not yet terminated your engagement. Expect me tomorrow after nuncheon.

Yours & etc.