The Palace Beautiful by L.T. Meade

"A most extraordinary thing has happened," said Mrs. Ellsworthy that evening to her husband. "We have lived for several years at Shortlands, and except when we have people in the house I have actually been without any society. My dear Joseph, you will forgive my counting you as nobody at all. Well, we have lived here, and I have often been dull beyond words, and yet the nicest creatures have been within a stone's throw of me."

Mr. Ellsworthy was at least twenty years older than his wife -- a reserved individual, with a rather long and melancholy face. Mrs. Ellsworthy was plump, and round, and pretty -- kittenish some people called her.