There are three residences in England that might be preferred to it, and, of those, two are ducal." The letter was a piece of that easy diplomacy which comes from habit.
The "of those, two are ducal," was masterly.

It affected the imagination of Brookfield.

"Which two ?" And could Besworth be brought to rival them?
Ultimately, it might be! The neighbourhood to London, too, gave it noble advantages.

Rapid relays of guests, and a metropolitan reputation for country attractions, would distinguish Besworth above most English houses.

A house where all the chief celebrities might be encountered: a house under suave feminine rule; a house, a home, to a chosen set, and a refreshing fountain to a widening circle! "We have a dispute," they wrote playfully to Wilfrid "a dispute we wish you or Lady Charlotte to settle.