As a hostess, she was notorious for her originality and energy, and though some of the county families disapproved of her, she always knew how to secure as many guests as she desired.

Lady Brooke had known her previous to her own marriage, and she clung to this friendship, notwithstanding Sir Roland's very obvious lack of sympathy.
He knew Lord Blythebury in the hunting-field.

Their properties adjoined, and it was inevitable that certain courtesies should be exchanged.

But he refused so steadily to fall a captive to Lady Blythebury's bow and spear, that he very speedily aroused her aversion.

He soon realised that her influence over his wife was very far from benevolent towards himself, but, save that he persisted in declining all social invitations to Blythebury, he made no attempt to counteract the evil.