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broke into one of the mills and destroyed the looms before turning their attention to the owner's house and setting it on fire.'
    'Nevertheless, I intend to take an interest in my inheritance,' said Rebecca firmly. 'Grandfather left me half the mill for a purpose and I don't want to let him down. Besides, he is right. I can't be content with sitting by the fire and knitting! I long for a challenge. I am too much like him to be content with idling my life away.'
    To her surprise, she saw a look of respect and understanding cross Joshua's face. But then it disappeared, and she could tell that, no matter how much he might understand her feelings, he was not about to give in. He did not want a woman as a partner, and it would take more than a flash of respect to change his mind.
    There was no time for anything further, however. The dance was drawing to its close. The last chords sounded and she turned to Joshua and dropped him a curtsey.
    He made her a bow and then, offering her his arm, he escorted her to the side of the room. Hetty was waiting for them. The three of them enjoyed a little light conversation before Joshua made his excuses and left their side.
    'My, you made a handsome couple,' said Hetty, unfolding her fan and wafting it in front of her face to create a cooling breeze. It's such a pity that Joshua is too young to marry.' She gave a sigh. 'He has too much drive and ambition to settle down. Perhaps, when he is older, and needs to set up his nursery . . . But never mind, there are plenty of eligible bachelors here tonight. Oh, look, here is Lord Henderton.' She caught sight of Rebecca's humorous expression and said ruefully, 1 know you don't like me to play the part of the matchmaker, Rebecca, but I would so like to see you settled.'
    1 promise you that if I ever fall in love I will be happy to marry,' she said. 'But not until.'
    Well, I can ask for no more than that,' said Hetty. She turned towards the young nobleman. 'Ah! Lord Henderton! How lovely to see you. I don't believe you know my niece.'
    Lord Henderton professed himself eager to rectify that sad state of affairs, and before long Rebecca found him leading her out onto the floor. Lord Henderton turned out to be a good dancer and an agreeable companion, and she enjoyed the cotillion they danced together.
    Hetty nobly refrained from asking her how she had found Lord Henderton when the dance came to an end, but Rebecca took pity on her, telling her that she had found him most agreeable.
    'And there are a number of other young gentlemen here tonight who are equally agreeable,' said Hetty, eager to promote Rebecca's happiness. You must let me introduce you to Mr Porter.' She wafted her fan in the direction of the gentleman in question. 'He comes from a very good family, and his mother and I are old friends.'
    Rebecca allowed Hetty to make the introduction, and then accepted Mr Porter's hand for the next dance. Like Lord Henderton, he was a pleasant and agreeable companion. But his closeness did not make her skin tingle ....
    After Mr Porter, Rebecca danced with a succession of pleasant and agreeable young men.
    It was whilst she was dancing with Mr Yunge, however, that she became aware of another gentleman watching her with a puzzled expression. As soon as the dance ended he accosted her, saying, 'Haven't we met somewhere before?'
    Rebecca took in his bland, slack-featured face and shook her head. 1 don't believe so.' Then, remembering that Joshua had been reminded of her grandfather on first meeting her, she said, Perhaps you knew my grandfather, Jebadiah Marsden. There is a family resemblance, I believe.'
    He shook his head. 'No, I never knew Jebadiah Marsden.' He regarded her closely. It was somewhere recently that I saw you, I am certain. You have been in London for the winter?'
    'No. I have only just arrived.'
    'And you are sure we have never met?' he asked curiously.
    'Positive.' Rebecca was firm.
    He gave a sigh. 'I could have sworn . . . oh, well I dare