He had been a macaroni of the eighteenth century, and the friend, in his youth, of Lord Ferrars.

What of the second Lord Beckenham, the companion of the Prince Regent in his wildest days, and one of the witnesses at the secret marriage with Mrs.
Fitzherbert?
How proud and handsome he was, with his chestnut curls and insolent pose! What passions had he bequeathed?
The world had looked upon him as infamous.

He had led the orgies at Carlton House.
The star of the Garter glittered upon his breast.

Beside him hung the portrait of his wife, a pallid, thin-lipped woman in black.

Her blood, also, stirred within him.