‘It would be intolerable. I could not endure such insipid banality.’
After three days of riding round the farms, visiting his tenants, discussing improvements with his Agent and exercising his horses, the Earl returned to London.
“Where on earth have you been, Osric?” Lord Yaxley asked when he called at Helstone House to find that the owner had returned.
“I was required in the country,” the Earl replied.
“Good God, at this time of the year? You have missed the Richmonds’ ball, which was attended by the Queen and there have been amusing dinner parties you were notably absent from.”
“I am glad people were aware that I was not present,” the Earl said.
“Of course, when the news appeared today, everybody thought you were suffering from an aching heart,” Lord Yaxley remarked.
“What news?”
