"Extra, extra! Read all about it!" The tiny ink faced newsboy shouted the headline in his soprano voice. "Lord Peacham finds his long lost son! New heir for Landsdowne! Lady Worcester's sordid past exposed!"
It was all over the papers. Every soul in London was now made completely aware of Charlotte and James's story and how the Peacham's and Lady Worcester were related and Charlotte was relieved.
As part of the damage control plot, Lady Susan hired the best society writer in London to tell the tale, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, just softened and ornamented like a fine dress for a ball. It really was quite an excellent piece and the prose made it quite scintillating. The plot twists, the people involved and the outcome all carefully crafted to illicit the ton's sympathy and acceptance.
It was a triumph.
"Look at this Sidney! Can you imagine! What an odd situation." Eliza Campion Parker tossed the newspaper at her husband.
"How extraordinary! We should call upon them and offer our support."
"Oh no! Not on your life. I wouldn't associate with that harlot for all the tea in China! No. I forbid you."
"Whether you like it or not, Eliza, I am still friends with Mr. James Stringer and I, for one, am not going to allow you to tell me who I may or may not consort with."
"Are you? Are you friends with James Stringer or are you still in love with his wife?"
"How dare you! I married you. Not her. And I do my best to make this marriage a success. Do not make it harder."
He stormed out of the house and into his club only to hear the gossip of the day being bandied all about. The general consensus being that James Stringer is an asset to society and his elevation to heir of Landsdowne makes him a man to know.
"Ho! Parker!" It was Babbington "Is this not the epic of ages! I can not wait to visit Lady Denham and get her opinion!" They both erupted in laughter. "Esther will be eager to pull Charlotte into her circle."
"Ah, Babbers, Miss Heywood was doing quite well all by herself. Being the special friend of Lady Worcester elevated her, at any rate. Now to be the next Mistress of Landsdowne. I am happy for her. It is so odd to think of James Stringer in the club. I admire him. His elevation is the real story."
"Let us drink to the Stringers!"
Crowe found them about to toast and interjected..."The Heywood-Stringers! I hear they are combining their names and starting an architecture and fine art firm."
"To the Heywood-Stringers!"