Too much brain and spine.

As she walked to her Ship Street establishment, she mourned her pretty, elegant plan. Prove the will falsea" and entangle the Rogues in a murder charge at the same timea"and the new Lord Deveril would have the money.

Mrs. Rowlandas invalid husband would die, and after a short interval, the widow would become Lady Deveril. A little while longer and she would be a widow again, possessed of all that money. The son could have the paltry estate.

So delightfully devious. Whatever suspicions people might have, she would leave for the Americas legally possessed of the wealth. But she had failed to find evidence. Her only hope now was the Hawk.

If he did the job for her, the plan could still work. She had Squire Hawkinville in the palm of her hand. It had added spice to this rather tedious work to dance beneath the Hawkas nose and be overlooked. Perhaps it would be even more delicious if he squeezed the heiress dry for her.

She climbed the steps to her house and unlocked the door, sending Samuel off to put the things away, but with a look he recognized, that made him blush.

Ah, seventeen.

She went to her room and stripped off Madame Mystique, slipping into a silk robe that had been appreciated by Napoleon himself. Tomorrow, alas, she would have to return to Hawk in the Vale for a while, to be that dreary Mrs. Rowland. Her excuse for absence was that she was pursuing an elusive inheritance. But it would not do to be away too long.

All the more reason to enjoy tonight.

She rang her bell and summoned her dinnera"and her goat.

Hawk slept that night. If head not learned to sleep through external and internal turmoil, he wouldnat have survived a month in his army work. Head formed his plan anyway. Head found the way out, but it would be stronger if he could squeeze a bit more information out of Clarissa.

It was a way out that would mean that she would never speak to him again. He preferred to think of it as freeing her from him.

Over breakfast he felt Van observing him, but the talk was all gossip and chatter. Maria had received a letter with a new view on Caroline Lambas novel, Glenarvon. It kept her interested, as shead witnessed several of the scandalous incidents between the lady and Byron.

Con, Susan, and de Vere were to leave today, claiming that a little Brighton was enough for them. Everyone rose to see them on their way.

Then Maria said, aThe sunas shining! We must go out immediately before it rains again.a Van laughed. aItas not quite that dire, my dear.a aIs it not?a aIall send a note to see if Miss Greystone and Miss Trist wish to join us.a Hawk met Vanas look blandly and received a distinctly warning look in return.

aDonat worry,a he said as they left the room. aI have absolutely no intention of seducing Miss Greystone today.a It was, alas, damnably true.

Chapter Thirteen.

By the time breakfast was over, Clarissa had come up with and discarded any number of cunning plans for posting her letter. In the end, she chose the simplest. While Miss Hurstman was reading the newspaper, and Althea was writing her daily letter home, she slipped out of the house and hurried through the few streets to the post office.

If Mr. Crawford thought it strange to see a young lady alone, he made no comment.

Clarissa gave him the letter. aCan you tell me how soon it will be there, please?a He studied the address. aNear Yeovil? Tomorrow, dear lady. I will make sure it leaves on the earliest and best mail.a His benign smile said he thought it was a love missive. But then he looked at the letter again. aMr. Delaney of Red Oaks? Why, I am almost certain that your companion, Miss Hurstman, sent a letter to exactly that address not many days ago.a It hadnat occurred to her that a man like Mr. Crawford would keep track of letters passing through his hands. Lord help her, had she just done something else stupid?

But then the full meaning struck her.

Miss Hurstman!

Miss Hurstman in league with the Rogues?

She hadnat time to analyze it now, with Mr. Crawford smiling at her. She took the letter out of his fingers. aIf Miss Hurstman has already written to Mr. Delaney, then this is old news, Iam afraid.a She pasted on a carefree smile. aThank you, Mr. Crawford.a She hurried away, going two streets before she let herself pause to think. It was absurd, but she felt as if someone was watching her, looking for signs of guilt.

It was still early, so only the most hardy were out for brisk walks, but she couldnat stand here like a statue. And if she didnat get home, she would be missed. She felt like tearing up the letter and throwing the scraps into the sea, but she immediately thought of someone chasing after them and piecing them together.

Ridiculous. She was going mad.

At the very least, she was thoroughly rattled and needed someone to talk to. Someone to trust. First Madame Mystique, now Miss Hurstman.

She pushed the letter to the bottom of her pocket and hurried back to Broad Street, trying to make sense of things.

Crawford could be wrong, but that was outlandish.

So, Miss Hurstman knew Mr. Delaney.

There was no getting around it. It was likely that Mr. Delaney had arranged for Miss Hurstman to be Clarissaas chaperone here in Brighton. And she could see why. It must have worried him that she was moving out into the world, so he had installed what amounted to a warder. Miss Hurstman hadnat been a very good one or shead have stuck with Clarissa at all times, but perhaps the lady didnat understand all that was at stake.

The huge question was, What was Miss Hurstman supposed to do if Clarissa posed a threat?

What could the Rogues doa"except kill her?

She couldnat believe it, but she forced herself to be logical about it. They would have no other way of keeping themselves and their loved ones safe. It wasnat just the Rogues and herself. Beth Arden was at risk. Blanche Hardcastle was at greatest risk of all.

Madame Mystique had warned of deatha She came to a sudden stop, then stepped hastily into Manchester Street. After a moment, she carefully peered around the corner. On the opposite side of the Marine Parade, the distinctively straight and drab figure of Miss Hurstman was talking to a blond man.

To Nicholas Delaney!

He was already here, because Miss Hurstman had summoned him. And it must have been at least two days ago, perhaps because Hawk was courting her. The Hawk. Miss Hurstman had been alarmed to hear that he was a skilled investigator.

Clarissa headed up Manchester Street to come down Broad Street from the other end.

Mr. Delaney was here, so she could go to him and tell him about Madame Mystique. If she trusted him. She could also assure him that she was no danger to him. Would he believe her?

Head been kind to her once. Head been the only one to realize that night that she had been ignored. Beth was being comforted by the marquess, Blanche by Major Beaumont, but she had been left shivering alone. Head taken her in his arms and somehow given her the feeling that it wasnat so bad and that everything would be all right.

But still, what was she to expect of a man who entered a bloody scene of murder and complained that head amissed the actiona?

She paused outside the door to her house, vaguely understanding people who threw themselves into the ocean to escape a dilemma. She would not be so weak, though. She had to do the right thinga"the right thing for Beth and Blanche, and also for herself. She did not want to die over this.

She slipped in but did not make it upstairs undetected. Althea came out of the front parlor. aHave you been out? I thought it must be Miss Hurstman. She received a note and went out. Thereas a message here from Lady Vandeimen.a At least Althea didnat ask where Clarissa had been. Clarissa took the note and opened it. aWeare invited to walk with them again.a aAnd Major Hawkinville?a teased Althea.

Everything stopped for Clarissa, then moved again in new patterns. aAnd Major Hawkinville. I will send an acceptance and then change into a prettier dress.a As she went to the desk she asked, aWhere did Miss Hurstman go?a aShe didnat say. Where did you go?a aI wanted a bit of fresh air before the crowds.a Clarissa dashed off the note and summoned the footman to take it. Then she called for Elsie and went to change. She chose the rust-and-cream dress shead worn on the first day, and took her parasol as well. It had so little chance to be useful.

Hawk. The one person she could trust was Hawk. Well, she trusted Althea, but Althea was of no use in this predicament. In fact, she was another burden for Clarissa. Althea must not become embroiled in this.

With Hawk, Clarissa knew exactly where she was. He was a fortune hunter. Other than that, he was as honorable as could be. And he was the Hawk. He would protect her.

Especially, she thought suddenly, if they were married. Once they were married his interests would entirely match hers. She would have to tell him the truth, of coursea"but not until they were married. For Beth, and Blanche, and the Rogues, she could not tell him the truth before.

She grieved for that, for she would like to marry him with full honesty between them, but it was the only way. And she couldnat believe that it would be a terrible blow to him. After all, head said he wished he could kill Deveril for her. No one could look on Deverilas death as a wrongful act. Except perhaps a court of law.

So. Enough of playful games. She must bring Hawk to the point of offering for her hand, which surely could not be so very hard. Then she would have to insist on a rapid marriage. The thought of marrying Hawk, of capturing him for her own, was enough to put a golden glow around all the darkness. If she could persuade everyone, it could happen within the week!

Miss Hurstman returned and made no objection to the outing, though she declined to go herself. aMindless gallivanting,a she said, but she looked a little grim.

aWas there something in your message to distress you, Miss Hurstman?a Clarissa asked.

aNo.a But that was all she said, and since the Vandeimens and Hawk arrived at that point, Clarissa could not probe. She doubted it would do any good anyway, though shead love to know exactly what Miss Hurstman and King Roguea"as Nicholas Delaney was calleda" had discussed.

Soon Clarissa was alone with the man she needed to marry, but found herself alarmingly tongue-tied. Hawk could fluster her with a look, but she was generally able to keep her wits. Now, knowing she was hunting him, she couldnat think what to say.

She found a safe subject. aHow is the cat, Major Hawkinville?a He offered his arm as they went down the shallow steps. aThriving on a diet of liver and cream. It caught three mice last night, and has become the cookas pet.a aThen why didnat it please the ratters?a They turned to stroll down toward the seafront.

aPure pride. Would you have worked for them?a She returned his smile. aOh, I approve!a aI have called it Jetta from its color, and because it was thrown.a aJettisoned. I hope it has a better future.a aDo you want the cat?a aI? I have no place to keep a cat just now.a aYou have more of a place than I do.a Clarissa realized that theyad slipped into their usual easy exchange, which was not likely to take them to marriage. A conversation about homes might, however.

aBut you have a home in Hawk in the Vale, do you not?a she asked.

aThat is my fatheras.a A strange thing to say. aA fatheras home is generally thought of as his sonas home. Especially his heiras.a aPerhaps my years away have made it less homelike to me.a aThen where will you live, when you settle down?a There. That was a hint.

He didnat seem to notice it. aI have to live there for a while. My father is not well and needs help in managing his affairs. Jetta can return with me to Hawkinville when I go.a They crossed the road to the seafront, where the bathing machines were still doing poor business. Clarissa, however, was fixed on other matters. aDo you plan to return soon?a If her concern showed, all the better.

He glanced at her. aI cannot stay away for long periods. What of your home, Falcon? When the season ends here, will you go to live with your guardian?a When the season endeda"she hoped to be married to him. aI donat think so. I donat know what Iall do.a How exactly did a woman edge a man into proposing?

aWill Miss Hurstman stay with you?a Not if I have anything to do with it. aI donat know that, either. I havenat been looking very far ahead. After all,a she said with a twirl of her parasol, asomething might occuraa Like marriage, she thought at him.

As usual, Althea was being swarmed by suitors, and the Vandeimens had stayed with her. Clarissa wondered if she should go back, but she couldnat do much to help decide which gentleman should have the honor.

aPerhaps you will stay with Lady Arden,a Hawk said.

Clarissa stared at him. Surely shead never spoken of Beth to him.

aWhy do you suggest that?a But of course. He was the Hawk. And that was part of the reason she must marry him. If only head get around to asking her! He was doubtless acting the proper fortune hunter, but here she was, like a deer in his sights with a label on saying, Shoot me, and nothing was happening!

aShe was a teacher at Miss Malloryas,a he said. aIt was a simple assumption that she asked her father-in-law to oversee your affairs.a aI suppose I could stay with her for a little while,a she said. aBy then her baby should be born and past its first weeks.a aBut you do not want to? She is still the harsh schoolmistress?a Clarissa laughed at that. aShe never was.a aButa ?a She looked at him. aYouare very persistent, Hawk. What is this to you?a He smiled. aIt pleases me to see you challenging.a aDoes it please you to answer?a Something about his manner unsettled her.

aBut of course. I would not want you moving to, for example, County Durham.a His manner was flirtatious, which was promising at least.

Clarissa turned away, as if fascinated by the sea. aI have no relatives in County Durham, as best I know.a aItas surprising what you can find on the family tree,a he said in a tone that made her wonder what it meant. Before she could ask, he added, aBut you ease my heart.a Aha! She turned back. aHeart, Hawk?a But the moment was shattered by a sharp yapping and a tug at her skirt. A ball of white fur had its teeth in her dangling fringe.

aStop!a She tried to drag her skirt free, and Hawk swooped to capture the dog. But when he picked it up, the skirt came with it.

aHawk!a Clarissa shrieked, trying to hold her hem down.

He laughed and went to his knees, grabbing the growling dogas jaws to force them open. Clarissa was laughing at the absurd scene, but burningly aware of being the focus of all eyes and still showing too much leg.

aButton, no!a a woman cried, running over and leaning to slap the dogas muzzle. aLet go! Let go!a And the dog obeyed, wriggling frantically in Hawkas hands toward its mistress.

It was Blanche Hardcastle, dressed as always in white, but stunningly flushed pink with annoyance and exertion.

She held the small dog close, and she and Clarissa stared at each other. Major Beaumont and another couple were nearby, but everything was, for a moment, frozen and silent.

For a panicked moment Clarissa felt that Hawk would immediately know all the truth about Deverilas death. But then sanity returned, and her only concern was scandal. Blanche was an actress, and though she was highly regarded in her profession, the world knew that her past was not unblemished. Shead been Lord Ardenas acknowledged mistress, for a start.

However, it revolted Clarissa to think of snubbing the woman who had been so kinda"more than kind. aBlanche,a she said with a smile. aIs that monster yours?a Blanche looked a little worried too, but she smiled back. aAlas, I found him abandoned, and he is white, but I cannot teach him manners.a aThatas because youare not firm enough with him,a said Major Beaumont.

Blanche retorted, aYouad doubtless like to thrash the poor mite.a But the smile they shared took any sting out of it. Clarissa was genuinely delighted to see the two of them so relaxed and happy. She certainly couldnat let anything destroy that.

Major Beaumont turned to her. aMiss Greystone, you have to take some blame. That fringe of yours is designed to provoke madness in males.a It made her laugh, even though she was frantically thinking, He was involved too! Would there be anything in that for Hawk to weave the truth from?

aI confess it,a she said as lightly as she could. aDo you know Major Hawkinville?a She performed the introductions, noting that the other couple had wandered off. Probably other actors being discreet.

Hawk and Major Beaumont exchanged some comments about the military, which seemed to establish each other in a few words. There was time for Blanche to say, aYouare looking splendid, Clarissa, and your aHawka is very handsome.a Clarissa blushed to think that shead shrieked that in front of half the world, but she agreed. And here was someone she could go to for advice. Blanche knew all the secrets, and she had worldly wisdom for ten.

aCould I come to see you?a Clarissa asked.

Blancheas eyebrows rose, but she said, aIf it wonat get you into trouble. Iam in Prospect Row. Number two. Iam performing here at the New Theater.a With a watchful look, she added, aIn Macbeth.a Clarissa knew she gaped for a moment, but covered it. She smiled at something Major Beaumont said, but inside she was wondering whether she could even depend on Blanche.

Madness to play Lady Macbeth!

She was sinking into the past, to Blanche saying, aI have always wanted to do Macbeth.a Even Lord Arden had been shocked by that after hearing her quote from the play earlier. Who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him?

A squeeze on the hand pulled her back. It was Blanche. aI hope my little pet didnat frighten you, Clarissa.a She laughed. aNo, of course not!a And she told the story of the ratters the day before.

aSo that was you,a said Major Beaumont. aThereas an account in todayas Herald, but the names of the lady and gentleman are not given.a aNot known, we hope,a said Hawk, and after a little more chat, Blanche and her major walked on.

aMay I be curious?a Hawk asked. aA famous London actress is an unusual friend for a Cheltenham schoolgirl.a Clarissa had expected it, and had prepared a response. aIt is a strange connection, and slightly scandalous. Can I trust you with it?a To her concern, he seemed to think about it, but then said, aOf course. Iam no gossip.a They strolled back toward the Vandeimens and the well-attended Althea. aBlanche was the mistress of the Marquess of Arden until just before his marriage. You might think that this would create a rift between her and the marquessas wifea"a aIad think it would make any meeting impossible.a aAh, but you donat know Lady Arden.a aAnd how do you know of these things?a How did she explain that? She hadnat thought this through.

aIt slipped out.a It wasnat entirely a lie. She looked at him. aIam not an innocent, Hawk, and I wonat pretend to be with you.a His lips twitched. aI hope not. So, how did these two unlikely ladies meet?a aBeth heard about Blanche and contrived a meeting.a aStrange. Mrs. Hardcastle seemed unscratched.a Clarissa frowned at him. aYou would of course think that two ladies would fight over a man. In fact, they discovered they shared an interest in the rights of women and the works of Mary Wollstonecraft, and became firm friends. The marquess,a she added, awas somewhat disconcerted.a Hawk laughed. aAn understatement, Iad think.a aDefinitely.a Clarissaas smile widened and she lost herself in thinking how very handsome he was when he laugheda aAnd Lady Arden introduced you?a She collected her wits. aYes. Though I went to Blancheas house only once.a She prayed not to show how that once had changed her life.

He was studying her. Why? aAre you a follower of Mary Wollstonecraft?a She almost laughed with relief at such a prosaic concern. aWould you mind?a aI would have to study the ladyas writings to be sure. But the proof is in the product, I think.a He was looking at her, surely, with warm approval. She stopped, waiting, hopinga aAnd Major Beaumont?a he asked. aHow does he come into the picture?a Clarissa was hard-pressed not to scowl. aHeas a close friend of the marquessas from their school days. And as you see, he now has a special relationship with Blanche. According to Beth, he wants to marry her, but Blanche thinks it unsuitable. She clearly thought speaking to me unsuitable, too. Sometimes our world does not please me.a Especially having to play these silly games!

His brows rose at her sharp tone, but he said, aI see you as too much of a free spirit, Falcon, to be severely constrained by society.a That could almost be an opening for her to propose to him, but Clarissaas nerve failed her. What if he said no? What then? Perhaps he would say no on principle if she broke the rules so thoroughly.

She took a cowardly escape. aIam trying to be good for Altheaas sake. We should rescue her.a aFrom admirers? Will she thank you?a aDefinitely. She becomes flustered by too much flattery, and men will insist on saying the most absurd things.a Unlike you. Shead felt so certain that he was at least pursuing her fortune, but now sickening doubt invaded. Was he slow to capture her because he didnat find her appealing after all? Was she completely fooling herself?

aPerhaps men say absurd things because women like it?a he commented. aWould you be offended to be told you are like a golden rose?a She stared at him. aSkeptical, perhaps,a she said with a dry mouth and a racing heart.

aYou would accuse me of lying?a aOf flattering.a aIn fact,a he said almost prosaically, ayou do remind me of a golden rose. Not red, which is too deep and dark, nor white, which is too calm. Nor even pink, which is too coy and blushing, but golden, like warm sunshine, brightening what you touch.a She had to lick her lips, and she knew she was blushing. She should protest again that it was not true, but she wanted it to be. She wanted him for any number of reasons, but she wanted to be loved by him more than anything in the world.

Because she loved him.

Breath-stealing, panic-building, but true. She loved him. She could not bear to lose him.

In the end, she simply said, aThank you,a and prayed for more.

Hawk wondered what demented demon had taken control of his tongue. Head come out today to learn more about Clarissa and the Ardens, and had succeeded beyond his hopes because of that chance encounter.

He had not come out to break her heart even more. He feared he could read the glowing expression in her eyes.