"Of course not! You're my sisterafter all." His tone was indignant.

"So if it were to transpire that your Lord Sea brooke/s a scoundrel, you would allow me to cry off?"

Thomas paused at that, but then shrugged. "Yes. But he is no scoundrel, I a.s.sure you. Oh, he has a bit of a reputation as a rake, I'll grant you that--what red-blooded blade don't? Nothing you need worry about, though."

Frederica was smiling grimly now.

"I'll be the judge of that, Thomas. I plan to do a bit of investigating about the Earl of Sea brooke. If I can prove that he's got more than a 'bit of a reputation," that he's a fortune-hunter or in any way dishonourable, I'll expect you to hold to your promise. " ' Thomas was taken aback, but only for a moment. After all, what could she possibly discover that he would not have heard about in Town? He had asked his friends about the man before having the papers drawn up--he wasn't a complete nod c.o.c.k

Doubtless Frederica simply meant to write a few letters. And even if she went to London herself, which he thought unlikely in the extreme, he was confident that there was nothing really wrong with Sea brooke. He'd stake his own reputation on that, even after such a short acquaintance.

And if there were something--something that actually merited the label of "scoundrel" --well, he'd just have to find another way to raise twelve thousand pounds.

He owed his sister too much to do otherwise.

Thomas looked at her with affection, realizing for the first time what a prize she might be considered, with her cascading copper curls, wide green eyes and flawless complexion--and a fortune, to boot.

"Very well, Freddie," he finally said, "investigate away. You'll see Sea brooke is a right 'un.

And then I'll expect you to do your part. I'm sure you have no more desire to end up an ape leader--era spinster--than I have to see you one. You are twenty already and you still resist making your come-out in Town. I can't imagine how you ever expect to catch a husband holed up here at Maple Hill.

Why, you don't even go to the local a.s.semblies since Father died. "

"I'd rather remain unwed to my dying day than be bound to a man I can't love or respect,"

his sister retorted, her eyes glinting.

"And de. spite what you say, Thomas, no man who would betroth himself to a lady sight unseen can be all that he should be.

If he were as sought after as you say, why should he do so? I'll discover something to his discredit, never fear! And I shall hold you to your promise when I do. " Her face set, Frederica strode from the room.

Sir Thomas watched her go, a slight frown creasing his handsome brow.

All in all, the interview had gone better than he had expected. At least she had not refused outright, as he had feared. If she had, he doubted he could have forced her to the match.

Still, he could not recall Frederica ever failing at a task she set her mind to, and she had looked uncommonly determined this time. Could he possibly have misjudged Lord Sea brooke?

His brow cleared and he shrugged. If he had, no doubt Frederica would discover it for him. He had decided years ago that there was never any point in worrying about things one could not change, particularly if they were unpleasant. Accordingly, Sir Thomas put the entire matter from his mind and sat down to consume the remainder of Frederica's tea and cakes.

FRED InCA wE~r STRAIOHT to the study to pull pen and paper from her desk.

She knew Thomas had only made that promise because he thought she could have no way of finding out anything of substance about his precious Lord Sea brooke, but she had a secret weapon that he had doubtless overlooked--her old governess, Miss Mil- liken.

In the more than ten years Frederica had known her, Miss Milliken had gradually moved from the position of governess to that of friend and confidante. She and Frederica had enjoyed an unusually close relationship based on a similarity of tastes and a sincere affection for each other and it was only upon the death of Miss Milliken's mother a year ago that the woman had left Maple Hill to keep house for her father on the outskirts of London.

It was to Miss Milliken that Frederica owed a large part of her purposeful, organized approach to life's setbacks and challenges. A lifelong student of ancient military campaigns, Miss Milliken believed strongly that a carefully planned strategy could overcome any problem, from knotted embroidery thread to a fire in the stables. In addition, Frederica had discovered over the years that her governess was possessed of a vast network of friends and acquaintances in Town and elsewhere, whose varying experiences and.

expertise were occasionally sought, through letters, to clarify some point in her charge's education.

Frederica suspected that if anyone could a.s.sist her in her present quest, Miss Milliken could.

Quickly, she penned her letter.

To F~_. rmmc_&'s SURPRISE, Thomas really did seem intent during the next few days on learning the workings of the estate. Instead of growing bored and changing the subject as he had whenever their father had attempted to instruct him, he asked numerous questions and demanded to be taken over every farm and holding. Frederica, having no idea how far guilt and the bad scare he had received in London had motivated the sudden change, supposed that he must finally be growing up.

"Here is the school I've been telling you about," she said as they approached the long, low building at one end of the village, on yet another tour during his first week at home.

"I'm really very proud of it. In the two years since I 2~ opened it, nearly a dozen girls have lea rued to read, write and sew, substantially broadening their prospects. One has even obtained a position as a shop-girl in Broadgate."

"You teach them yourself?" asked Thomas in amazement.

"No, I've managed to find a schoolmistress, though I did so at the outset. I still try to spend some time here every week, teaching drawing to a few of the more talented girls and helping out with some of the youngest ones. Two of the older girls have started a nursery of sorts to allow their mothers a respite at home."

They entered the rear of the building as she spoke, and several children ranging in age from two to six ran forward to greet her with hugs and kisses.

"Good morning, Sarah! How are you today, Mary? Jane, is your cold better?"

She greeted each child warmly while Sir Thomas looked on in bemuse merit Rising after a moment, she spoke briefly to one of the young women in charge of the youngsters before opening a door to the main room of the schoolhouse.

"We won't go'in to disturb the lessons, but I wanted you to have a peek," she said in an undertone to her brother. Looking over her shoulder, he saw a dozen or more girls seated at small wooden desks, listening attentively to a matronly, bespectacled woman at the front of the room. Closing the door again, she turned to him.

"I feel this school has truly made a difference in the lives of these girls and their families. It's been extremely rewarding." Her look challenged him. Thomas led her back outdoors before rap lying

"I had no idea, Freddie," he said, shaking his head.

"But I promise to keep the school running if... when... well, you know."

Frederica gave him a lopsided discerning smile.

"That's very comforting, to be sure, but I fully intend to see to it myself."

It was the closest they had come to discussing her betrothal since that first conversation.

"I've not forgotten your promise, Thomas."

"Yes, well, I have been rethinking the matter, Freddie," he said slowly.

"Yes?" She felt a surge of triumph. He was going to call it off!

"I think you should come to Town with me for the Little Season at the end of September. Meet Sea brooke yourself. Who knows, you may discover you like him well enough after all."

Frederica glared at him.

"So that he may turn on his charm to bamboozle me as he evidently has you?

No, thank you. The face he'll show me as his wife will doubtless be quite different from the one he puts on for Society. Meeting him at a ball or a musicale will prove nothing."

Thomas let out a gusty sigh.

"It was just a thought. Have it your own way, then--but I warn you, Freddie, you cannot take forever to prove your silly theory. Sea brooke and I discussed a Christmas wedding."

"Christmas? This Christmas? Thomas, you did not mention that!"

Frederica was appalled.

"That's scarcely four months away I" "Well, if he's the blackguard you think, no doubt you can discover it in half that time," said Thomas, nettled.