Chapter 1Endlecot House, near Newbury, Berkshire, 1794
For heaven’s sake, Matthew thought crossly as he dressed for the evening. If it wasn’t bad enough to be stuck at a Christmas house party, I am doomed to take part in wretched amateur theatricals.
He took his annoyance out on his tawny, collar-length curls by brushing them down firmly, checking in the mirror that despite his mood his appearance was unexceptional, before descending the stairs to join the rest of the party.
As everyone gathered in the vestibule, ready to engage with whatever entertainment their hosts had laid on before supper, Matthew chatted with his fellow guests, attempting not to show his displeasure. After all, he thought, I have no one to blame but myself.
At a gathering in London during the Little Season in ear
