article_snippet.sent: Once, Robin Esser answered the phone and an aristocratic voice said:
article_snippet.sent: Fearing a hoax, Robin Esser rang Blenheim Palace, home to the Duke of Marlborough, where the butler said, haughtily, that the Duke never spoke to the Press and was in He bath, so couldn’t be disturbed.
article_snippet.sent: Robin Esser pointed out that the Duke would be cross — very cross — with the butler if Robin Esser was not asked to confirm Robin Esser call.
article_snippet.sent: A chastened butler later called back to confirm that the Duke had, indeed, called Robin Esser.
article_snippet.sent: Robin Esser rang Woburn, where the Duke of Bedford confirmed the story.
article_snippet.sent: Robin Esser rang Robin Esser to say how much Robin Esser enjoyed the tale.
article_snippet.sent: Often, however, Robin Esser calls about the subject of a story would be more ominous.