1st October, 1815
My Dear Devoted Readers,
Well, I’m not certain if this is a scandal of epic proportions or not, but there is
something decidedly odd going on in and around the vicinity of Harcourt House, the Mayfair residence of Hugh deLancey Harcourt, the Earl of Beauchamp.
Where on earth is the man’s wife, the lovely Elizabeth, Lady Beauchamp?
I have it from a trusted source that the good lady has not been seen in Society for at least three weeks, if not more… Which is very unusual given the countess’s devotion to charitable causes. Many of you might know Lady Beauchamp is a patroness of that most admirable of charities, The Widows of Waterloo Trust. A particular person (in a position to know such things, but shall remain nameless here) has whispered to me that Lady Beauchamp has not been seen at any of the meetings during the last month—which is most unlike her. The countess is reported to be most reliable and always sends word if she is unable to attend or is out of Town…
Said source has also heard rumors that Lady Beauchamp has not been receiving or making any morning calls during the last month. As expected, the staff at Harcourt House remain tight-lipped about their mistress’s whereabouts. Lord Beauchamp is known to still be in Town. By all accounts, he continues to frequent White’s and his other usual haunts as if nothing is amiss…
Elizabeth, Lady Beauchamp
Now, one might suppose, Lady Beauchamp has simply been indisposed with illness all this time … but Dear Readers, this particular author has just heard whispers of strange goings on in and around Harcourt House in the early hours of one particular morning in mid-September. A heavily cloaked person of slight stature—most likely a woman—was seen scurrying from the servant’s entrance at some ungodly hour and climbing into an awaiting hansom cab. I do not know about you, but I for one, find this most peculiar…
Of course, one does not like to speculate on the state of a ton marriage, but, Lady S. has often wondered why the dashing Lord Beauchamp does not appear to be an overly attentive spouse considering the beauty, refinement and considerable accomplishments of his young wife. According to those who attended the occasion of their wedding three years ago, the Earl and Countess of Beauchamp seemed like the perfect pair—a shining love match. But since that time, they have rarely been seen together at social functions. And then of course, their union has not yet produced an heir…
Dear Readers, I can hear you gasping as you read my audacious musings, but as you well know, I am ever-curious! I just pray that Lady Beauchamp is safe and well wherever she may be at this moment in time…
Lady S.
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Elizabeth, Lady Beauchamp is the heroine from Amy Rose Bennett’s award winning Regency noir style romance, Lady Beauchamp’s Proposal.
A runaway countess finds love when she least expects it… but she can’t hide from her past forever.
Elizabeth, Lady Beauchamp, fears for her life. When she discovers her dissolute and long-estranged husband has syphilis—and he wants to beget an heir no matter the cost—she flees to a remote part of Scotland to begin a new life as the widowed governess, Mrs. Beth Eliott at Eilean Tor Castle.
When Mrs. Eliott unexpectedly arrives on his doorstep, the reclusive and recently widowed Marquess of Rothsburgh is both irritated and intrigued. No longer in need of a governess—his young daughter now resides with his sister’s family in Edinburgh—he proposes the beautiful widow fill a position of a different kind…Torn between staying true to her marriage vows and her wanton attraction to the devilishly handsome marquess, Elizabeth struggles against the temptation to become his mistress. But living a lie is not easy when you have fallen in love. And secrets always have a way of coming out…
Buy Link: Amazon
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Amy Rose Bennett is one of the Bluestocking Belles. You can find out more about Amy’s books here and how to connect with her on social media here.
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