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intention to laugh at your friend. I had forgotten about her."
    "I cannot forget. I hate the whole circus of the marriage market."
    "Indeed? And yet you are becoming part of it." There was a touch of mockery in his tone.
    "How dare you say that!"
    "It's true. You're being groomed for the highest bidder. Intelligent as you are, you must have known that."
    Her eyes glinted at him.
    "And why not?" she demanded. "It seems to be something that men do every day. And, as you know, I believe in the equality of the sexes. Who says I may not do the same?"
    "Not me," he said quietly. "Of course, you were always bound to be a society lady. Now let me tell you something that will amuse you. Your Mama actually fancies that I am a threat to her plans. She as good as warned me off."
    Rosina found herself blushing.
    "I'm sorry," she said. "Mama should not have done that. I assured her that – "
    She stopped in some confusion.
    "Assured her what?" he asked, regarding her with a smile that made her feel awkward.
    "That you and I had no thought of each other, nor ever would have. We've known each other too long, almost like brother and sister."
    "And I've known you as a scrubby little schoolgirl," he agreed affably. "That kind of impression tends to last. I don't think I could ever quite see you as a great lady, not even when you become a Duchess. I would always remember the time you waded into that pond to rescue a cat, and came out covered in weeds."
    "You would have to remember that, wouldn't you?" she said crossly. "Anyway, it had nothing to do with being a schoolgirl. I'd do it now if there were a cat to be rescued."
    "Yes, you would," he said in a suddenly warm tone. "You always had a kind heart. But we are agreed in this, that I am no threat to your mother's plans."
    "I wish you would stop talking like that," she said. "You make my mother sound like the worst kind of conniving Mama."
    "I don't mean to do her an injustice, but she wouldn't like to see us talking together like this. See, she's coming now."
    Through the open door Lady Clarendon could be seen heading for the library. Rosina made a quick decision.
    "Mama, I'm just going out for a ride, and I'm trying to prevail on Sir John to accompany me. He spends too long poring over papers and needs the exercise."
    "I'm sure that your Papa – "
    "Papa is away today. He will not object. But Sir John is unaccountably trying to refuse, which I consider most ungentlemanly. Do order him to say yes."
    "My dear, your manner leaves much to be desired. It is a question of propriety – "
    "But he's practically my brother, and I can quarrel with him far more enjoyably than anyone else."
    Outmanoeuvred, Lady Clarendon was forced to yield.
    "If Sir John can spare the time, that would be very kind."
    "I am, of course, at Miss Clarendon's service," he declared, his eyes dancing. "It will take me but a moment to change."
    When he had departed Lady Clarendon said,
    "I don't know what you're thinking of, Rosina."
    "Merely to show you that your fears are groundless, Mama. While I am still not 'out' he is an acceptable escort, and why should I not make use of him?"
    She finished with a shrug that was a masterpiece of indifference. Lady Clarendon seemed reassured by this common-sense view, and made no further problems, beyond reminding her daughter not to be too late returning.
    Left to herself in the library, Rosina tapped her riding whip against one elegantly shod foot, and felt pleased with the way she had fired the first shot.
    At one time, when she had been girlishly infatuated with Sir John, she would have been glad to know that her father favoured him. But that now seemed a long time ago, before he revealed himself as one of the heartless throng who condemned poor Miss Draycott to death.
    Now they were opponents, even if he had not yet realised it.
    Just the same, when Sir John reappeared in riding garb she had to admit that he looked splendid. He was smiling, too, in a teasing manner that, for the