Chapter One
In Strictest Confidence
18 March 1816
The Countess Pandross to Lady Patricia Hamilton
... my dearest, as to what you tell me of the exploits of
Earl Godwin, I can only say that nothing will ever
surprise me. The former Countess Godwin (who was, as you
know, one of my very dearest friends) would turn in her
grave if she knew that her son was entertaining opera
singers in her house! And I shudder to think that one of
these infamous women may actually be living with him. How
his poor wife is able to hold her head high, I shall never
know. Helene has always showed edifying composure,
although I did hear a whisper -- just a whisper --
suggesting that she may request a divorce. I can't imagine
how much that would cost, but Godwin must have at least
fifteen thousand pounds a year and can probably afford it.
At any rate, my dear, what I am truly longing to hear
about are your plans for sweet Patricia's debut. Didn't
you tell me that you were planning a ball for the weekend
of the fifth? Mrs. Elizabeth Fremable tells me ...
21 April 1816
Helene Godwin, Countess Godwin, to her mother, currently
residing in Bath
Dear Mother,
I am most sympathetic to your distress over the continuing
debacle of my marriage. I fully recognize that my decision
to elope with Rees brought scandal into the family, but I
would remind you that the elopement was years ago. I am
equally aware that a divorce would be far more grievous.
But I beg of you, please accept my decision. I simply
cannot continue in this fashion. I am heartsick when I
think of my life.
Your loving daughter,
Helene, Countess Godwin
22 April 1816
Rees Holland, Earl Godwin, to his brother, a vicar in the
North Country
Dear Tom,
Things are all right here. Yes, I know that you are
fretting over my infamous reputation, but you will simply
have to overlook my slurs on the family name. I assure you
that my sins are even more plenteous than your pious
correspondents have told you. Women dance on top of the
table in the dining room daily.
Yours with all proper sentiment,
Rees
22 April 1816
Miss Patricia Hamilton to Miss Prunella Forbes- Shacklett
Dear Prunes,
It is too bad of your mama to bury you in the country!
When is she planning to bring you to town? I assure you
that it is already very crowded here, and if one does not
make an appointment, it is impossible to find a mantua
maker who will even discuss a court gown. But Prunes, I
met the most absolutely fascinating man yesterday. He is
apparently quite, quite notorious—a veritable rake! I am
not going to put his name here, in case my abominable
little brother obtains this letter before I mail it, but
he is an earl and his initials are RH. You can look him up
in Debrett's. Apparently he threw his wife out of the
house some years ago, and now lives with an opera singer!
My mother (as you can imagine) was in a flurry of anxiety
and told me later not to even think of dancing with him,
as there is talk of a divorce. Imagine: me dancing with a
divorced man! Naturally I shall do it if the opportunity
ever presents itself ...
23 May 1816
Rees Holland, Earl Godwin, to Helene Holland, Countess
Godwin
Helene,
If you'd like to see me, you'll have to come to the house,
as I'm trying to finish a score that's needed in rehearsal
directly. To what do I owe this charming, if unexpected,
pleasure? I trust you are not going to request a divorce
again, as my answer will be the same as the last. I'll
tell Sims to wait for a reply as I think it doubtful that
you will find the backbone to enter this den of iniquity.
Rees (should I say,Your Darling Husband?)
23 May 1816
Mr. Ned Suffle, Manager of the Royal Italian Opera House,
to Rees Holland, Earl Godwin
Without putting undue pressure on you, my lord, I must
have the score of The Quaker Girl by the end of this month
latest.
23 May 1816
Helene Holland, Countess Godwin to Rees Holland, Earl
Godwin
I shall visit you this afternoon at two of the clock. I
trust you will be alone.
