RUMOURS OF MARRIAGE 61 



reasons were suggested, but the real circumstances 

 which kept this couple asunder have never been 

 publicly known. 



The Earl of March and Ruglen's marriage at this 

 time would have exercised a marked effect on his 

 future career in one instance — much curtailed my 

 narrative. But whatever prevented the marriage, 

 a singular fact remains — that neither ever married. 



Lord March was thought to be fortunate in having 

 escaped the union, as Miss Pelham possessed 

 gaming propensities to a marked degree, but was 

 destitute of his prudence and caution. In fact, 

 this lady became one of the most infatuated 

 gamblers of her day, and dissipated her fortune at 

 the card -table — so hopelessly, that in her latter 

 days^ she became dependent for support on her 

 relatives, 



Claremont, at Esher, in Surrey, is said to have 

 been left by Mr. Pelham ^ to his two unmarried 

 daughters, Frances and Mary. 



Lord March's racing record for 1758 does not 

 come up to the average either in entries or per- 



^ She predeceased her old lover five years — 1805. 



" This may be correct, although the estate is generallj^ recorded 

 as belonging to Thomas, Duke of Newcastle, who, on his brother, 

 Mr. Pelham's marriage, in 1726, generously assigned him half the 

 property he inherited from his father. 



