It is speculated that Lord Hartley purchased a special license to wed in Derby, where he has a fine estate. But others whisper that the wedding took place in Gretna Green. Shocking, if such is true.

Compounding the scandal further, Lady Alice, Lord Hartley's only sister, wed the new marchioness's brother, Mister Colin Benchley. Rumors associated with the second couple had abounded in recent weeks, but as in the case of Lord Hartley, no announcement was made prior to the wedding.

This writer went so far in the search for the truth as to question Clarence Benchley, Viscount Geffen, regarding the sudden marriages of both his niece and nephew into the exalted Hartley line. There was no mistaking Lord Geffen's shock to hear of it, nor his extreme pleasure at the advantageous matches the younger Benchleys had made.

Advantageous, indeed! The Benchley siblings come from a long line of eccentrics who seek out mates in unlikely quarters. However, the current generation seems to have come to its senses. (Though whispers of arriviste ate bound to be heard.)

As for the Hartley siblings, one must ponder the reasons that led them to the altar. In Lord Hartley's case, he has exercised the right of any well-fixed young lord to marry beneath him if he so desires, assuming the lady is presentable in society. For that same lord to allow his sister to make such a match, however, is far less comprehensible.

However, your faithful correspondent has discovered the true reason for the hasty weddings. The handsome Benchley siblings have apparently captured the hearts of Lord Hartley and his sister. Lord Hartley did not respond directly to my queries, but as he escorted his bride up the steps of her new home, he paused, and in plain view of neighbors, journalists, and servants alike, kissed her.

A love match? Draw your own conclusions, dear readers. But remember always that you have read it first in the Sunday Times. Harrison Stirling, Marquis of Hartley, former rake and man-about-town, has been landed by an eccentric country miss, with love as her only bait. A curious situation, indeed. A veritable scandal.

It remains now to be seen whether this year's crop of eligible misses will take a page from Lady Hartley's hook. While the mamas angle for titles and the papas root out deep pockets, will the daughters chase after love? This writer certainly hopes so. For the fact remains that this season has, until now, been frightfully dull. Ah, la barbel A trifle more love in the London air might liven matters up considerably.

Rexanne Becnel

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Jill Jones

Emily LaForge is the pen name of romantic suspense author Jill Jones, recipient of the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Georgia Romance Writers prestigious Maggie Award for her novel

Brenda Joyce

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Barbara Dawson Smith