10When Maria called her in the morning, Caroline was sitting at the bureau writing. As Maria set down a cup of chocolate beside her, Caroline said,
“Take this letter and arrange to have a groom carry it immediately to Mandrake. I would not have Mrs. Edgmont learn of my marriage from other sources before I inform her of it myself.”
Maria gulped.
“Oh, m’lady,” she said, and Caroline, looking up in surprise, saw that there were tears in her eyes.
“Why, Maria,” she asked, “what has upset you?”
“‘Tis not that I’m upset for myself, m’lady,” Maria replied, ‘‘but for you – for your ladyship.”
“Why?” Caroline asked. “What has occurred?”
“‘Tis only something I’ve heard this very instant,” Maria answered, wiping her eyes.
“Well, tell me,” Caroline commanded.
“Twas his lordship’s valet who to
