AN EARL'S PECCADILLOES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 258, 22 March 1913, Page 2 (Supplement)

AN EARL'S PECCADILLOES

THREE TIMES A CO-RESPONDENT. ERRING WIFE'S VISIT TO PARIS. Henry Arthur Aloniington Weliesley, (Earl Cowley), made his third appearance as co-respondent in the Divorce Court recently. The petitioner on this occasion was Air. Geoffrey Charles Buxton, of Beverley, Yorkshire, who sought a divorce on the usual grounds, from his wife, Clare Elorence Mary. The suit was undefended.

Mr. Barnard stated that Mr. and Airs. Buxton were married in April, 1002, at St. Peter's, Pimlico, and there was one child. They lived happily until last year. In April they were on the Riviera, and Lord Cowley was also there. After their return Lord and Lady Cowley were invited to pay them a visit, and during this visit it was noticed that the Earl paid a good deal of attention to his hostess. Mr. Buxton spoke to his wife about it, and requested that Lord Cowl(s should not be asked to the house again. During last summer, as a result of information that Mr. Buxton received, he consulted Sir George Lewis, and it was ascertained that in. November Airs. Buxton and Lord Cowley were both staying at Claridge's Hotel in their own names, but in different suites. The wife returned home and admitted they were very fond of one another. The husband left home on November 13, and the wife left on the following day. Apparently she went to Claridge's Hotel, where Lord Cowley was staying, and on November 18 Air. Buxton received the following letter from his wife:—

"Dear Geoff.—l have come to the conclusion that our life .together is quite impossible. So, after due consideration, I have decided to throw in my lot with "Toby" (that was Lord Cowley. Air. Barnard explained).— Your affectionate Clare.

This letter was taken to Sir George Lewis, and Air. Lister, one of Sir George's clerks, took rooms in the Hotel Bristol, Paris, and found that Lord Cowley and Airs. Buxton were staying there. Mr. Buxton, who gave his evidence in quite a matter of fact manner, is a man of almost youthful appearance'. He was not in the witness-box many minutes—all he had to do was to corroborate counsel's opening statement, and this lie did chiefly by brief answers. Air. Barnard read the affidavit of the manager of the hotel, showing that Airs. Buxton and Lord Cowley stayed at the Hotel Bristol from November 17 to November 20, and that they returned on December 3, staying until December 7.

Sir Samuel Evans, the president, granted -Mr. Buxton a decree nisi, with costs against Ear! Cowley, and gave Mr. Buxton the custody of the child. LORD COWLEY'S CAREER. Lord Cowley, who has just entered his 47th year, was first married in 1889, his wife being Lady Violet Neville, one of the beautiful daughters of the Marquis of Abergravenny. He then bore the title of Viscount Dangan. Ladv Violet obtained a divorce in 1897. Five years later Lord Cowley was co-respondent in the suit brought .by Sir Charles Hartopp, seeking a divorce from his wife, Millicent. daughter of the first Baron Nunburnholme. There was a crosspetition. and after a protracted hearing both were dismissed. Sir Charles Hartopp brought a fresh suit in 1005, and as neither Lady Hartopp nor Lord Cowley entered any defence, Sir Charles was granted a divorce decree. Soon after the divorce Ladv Hartopp was married to Lord Cowley at Colombo. As Viscount Dangan Lord Cowley was sued for breach of promise of marriage by Miss Phyllis Broughton. the famous Gaiety actress, and mulcted in £IO.OOO damages.