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indignantly. “Do you think for one moment that I want to give up riding Ajax? John Coachman and some of the stableboys will take all the horses to London before we go, and then will return to drive all of us to London, including Wellington and Nelson. You don't seriously think I'd leave those two mischief-makers here, do you? They would have the place all to pieces in no time, I daresay.” She continued wistfully, “It won't be as exciting to ride in the park for any of us, but we shall certainly ride. Who knows, you may make some new friends there. Of course we shall be sure to visit the Tower and Astley's Amphitheater. And no one visits London without tasting the ices at Gunter's. Perhaps, if we're lucky, there will be a balloon ascension.” By the time she had finished describing some of the delights to be enjoyed in the metropolis, the twins were reconciled.
    “And,” Frederick assured his twin, “if we're that busy, we can't have time for too many lessons!”
    Aunt Harriet was rather more difficult to convince. “Never heard of such a stupid notion! Leave Cresswell when the gardens will be coming to their peak? You are all about in the head, my dear. And you know that the aphids on the roses were so terrible last year that I must be particularly vigilant this spring.'' A cunning look came into her eyes. “You know that once people hear you are in town you'll be invited to balls, routs, and every type of frivolous amusement those fashionable fools can devise. Surely Kitty will insist that you accompany her to Almack's, at least the first time.”
    “Yes, but I shan't mind this time, now that I won't be disappointing the family if I don't snare some unfortunate for a husband. Having discovered I am not the romantic or marrying sort, I won't be the least bit upset if no one pays much attention to me. In fact, the less attention I attract, the better time I shall have. I don't believe a man I would enjoy marrying exists, so I shan't be hoping to meet him as I once might have done. Besides, I shall amuse myself observing the idiocy from the safety of the chaperones' corner. You see, you can't worry about me on that score. I thought we could have a few select dinner parties and invite Sir John Perth, now that he has returned from India. Perhaps he will have discovered some new horticultural wonder you know nothing about. Besides, he's a great friend of Sir Humphrey Repton and would perhaps agree to bring him along. Papa knew Sir Humphrey, but not well enough that I could invite him to dinner.''
    If Frances had counted on sparking some interest with the name of the botanist and noted landscaper, she was only partially successful.
    “That's as may be.” Aunt Harriet eyed her suspiciously. “But what about my orchids, miss? You know I can't leave them with Swithin. He thinks they're too outlandish.” Her aunt dismissed the head gardener, her chief crony at Cresswell, with scorn.
    “No, I had thought to take them with us. James will take them to the baggage coach when John takes the horses. You may have the front bedroom, which, in addition to being very sunny, has a dressing rom. If that's not sufficient, there is the breakfast parlor for the rest of your horticultural darlings.” A wicked little smile accompanied this generous offer. “And surely you would like to visit Kew again?” her niece quizzed her.
    “Very well, miss. I only hope you are not sorry you went to all this trouble for a silly chit like Kitty.” She continued, nodding sagely at Frances' raised brows, “You're going about things in your usual style, putting yourself to a great deal of trouble on someone else's behalf without the least thought for the inconvenience to yourself. Kitty's a very sweet girl, but even you will allow that she's rather flighty. Any number of eligible young men will do for her, and she won't need your help or support in finding them. I had certainly better come to London to protect you from your own generous