"My dear, you must understand that there will never be any lack of people anxious to keep me informed about such matters."

"No, I suppose not." Prudence slanted him a speculative glance. "You aren't going to do anything overly dramatic, are you? It was all extremely unimportant."

Sebastian surveyed the canapes. He finally selected one that was topped with an oyster. "You need not concern yourself, my dear. I will handle things."

Prudence did not trust the coldness in his eyes. "Sir, I must insist that you do not attempt to punish or humiliate your aunt in any way because of the conversation she and I had. She was very overset at the time."

"No doubt." Sebastian bit into the oyster.

"She has only recently learned of our engagement," Prudence ex­plained. "The news has taken her somewhat by surprise."

"You mean it has alarmed her greatly." Sebastian picked up an-other canape. "She is afraid I might actually produce an heir which would make it even more unlikely that her son will ever assume the title."

"I believe," Prudence said meaningfully, "that Mrs. Fleetwood is genuinely concerned about the good name of the family and the repu­tation attached to the title."

"She is certainly concerned about it, I'll grant you that."

"Not without some reason, perhaps," Prudence said grimly.

Sebastian stopped munching and swallowed. "What are you imply­ing, Prue?"

"Merely that you have not gone out of your way to reassure her that the title is in safe hands."

"I would not go out of my way to assist my aunt across the street, let alone reassure her that I'll keep the title unblemished." Sebastian took Prudence's arm again and steered her toward the open French doors. "Enough of this nonsense, Prue. I have more important things to discuss."

Prudence looked up at him as he guided her out into the gardens. "My lord, I am not going to allow you to finish with this topic until I have your word that you will not retaliate against your aunt for what she said this evening."

"I have grown quite bored with that subject."

"That is too bad, sir, because I have not yet done with it."

Sebastian stopped beside a fountain and turned her toward him. "Damnation, Prue, why do you care what I do to Drucilla Fleetwood? She deserves to pay for insulting you and she will do so. That is the end of it."

"The insult was to me, not to you. I choose not to retaliate and I will not allow you to do so on my behalf. Do you comprehend me, my lord?"

"Any insult to you is an insult to me," he said softly.

"Sebastian, I mean it, I will not have you going about getting even for the most trifling slight." Prudence touched his face gently with her gloved fingertips. "You are the head of the family and you must act the part. If you choose to take vengeance against your poor aunt, you will only widen the rift that already exists between yourself and the rest of the Fleetwoods."

"Bloody hell, Prue—"

"Your title obligates you to be generous toward the members of your family. You owe them protection." Prudence smiled warmly.

"But I'm certain you don't need me to tell you that. You are perfectly well aware of your duties and responsibilities to your family and I know you will act accordingly."

Sebastian eyed her grimly. "The last time you lectured me on my responsibilities, you made a bargain with me. When you tried to fulfill it, you wound up getting yourself engaged to me. What do I get this time if I decide to indulge myself in a fit of mature, responsible behav­ior?"

Prudence concentrated on adjusting her spectacles. "Really, Se­bastian, there is no need to tease me about this. I am well aware that things did not turn out as planned last time."

"I assure you, Prue, I am bloody well not teasing."

She looked up at him warily. "You're not? You actually expect me to reward you for behaving as befits your rank?"

"Your notion of what befits my rank," he corrected smoothly. "And yes, I think it only fair I get something for my effort, don't you?"

She could not tell if he was serious, but she had the unpleasant suspicion that he was. As far as Sebastian was concerned, she had once again deprived him of his rightful prey. She sighed. "What sort of reward did you have in mind, sir?"

"I'll give the matter some thought and let you know." Sebastian's hand closed around her shoulders. He pulled her close, bent his head, and gave her a quick, hard, possessive kiss. When he raised his mouth from hers, his expression was one of brooding intensity. "I imagine I'll think of something that will compensate me."

Prudence shivered beneath the dark sensuality in his words. Two nights ago she had learned the meaning of passion and she knew she would forever associate the lesson with Sebastian. Now he was telling her without any subtlety that there would be more lessons. She did not know whether to be alarmed or overjoyed.

She was still confused by the emotions that had raged through her when Sebastian had touched her that night with such startling inti­macy. She knew that with every passing day of this false engagement she was falling deeper in thrall to the Fallen Angel.

Her common sense warned her that it would be exceedingly dan­gerous to allow Sebastian to make love to her any more thoroughly than he already had. But Prudence was not at all certain she had the fortitude to stop him.

"You are being deliberately difficult, my lord," she accused.

"Yes, I know, but it amuses me." Sebastian rested one booted foot on the edge of the fountain and smiled. "Now, then, I have something far more interesting to discuss with you, my dear."

"What is that?"

"My Bow Street Runner acquaintance has brought me a rather intriguing case that requires investigation. I thought you might like to hear about it."

Prudence instantly forgot how annoyed she was with him. "Sebas­tian, how wonderful. Tell me all about it. I shall so enjoy assisting you."

"I am not asking for your assistance," he said carefully. "But I thought you might enjoy the opportunity of observing my methods."

"How am I to do that?" she demanded. She had absolutely no intention of being relegated to the role of observer, but she would explain that to him later.

"The curious death I am to investigate took place a few days ago at Curling Castle. You may have heard about it?"

Prudence frowned. "A man named Ringcross fell from a high win­dow and broke his neck, I believe. He was said to have been quite drunk at the time and his death was presumed to be an unfortunate accident."

"Someone, namely Lord Curling, is not so certain, apparently."

"He has hired a Runner to look into the matter?"

"In strictest confidence. No one, including Curling, must know that I am to do the actual investigation. As far as he is concerned, Whistle-croft is making the inquiries."

"Yes, of course. I comprehend you wish to keep your hobby a secret. Perfectly understandable, given your position. Also, you would not be nearly sp effective in your work if everyone knew what you were about, would you?"

"No."

"Sebastian, this is fascinating. What are we going to do first? I am so eager to learn your techniques and methods."

He gave her a look that might have been described as smug. "First, we shall visit the scene of Ringcross's death."

"A sensible notion." Prudence absently tapped her closed fan against her gloved palm. "That means we shall have to go to Curling Castle. How are we to do that without letting anyone know our goal, my lord?"

"Rather easily, as it happens. As usual, I have received yet another invitation to one of Curling's weekend house parties. This time I shall accept on the understanding that you will also be invited."

"Excellent. But will no one think it odd that I have suddenly been asked to one of Lord Curling's parties? I have certainly not been on his guest list previously."

"No one will think it at all odd." Sebastian was clearly amused at her naivete. "Not when they realize that I have accepted an invitation as well. Indeed, they would find it strange if you were not at Curling Castle, too."

Prudence tipped her head to one side and studied him closely. "Am I missing something here, sir?"

Sebastian drew her closer so that her skirts brushed against his leg. "I take it you have not been to many tonnish house parties, my dear."

"No," she admitted. "Why?"

"I think you will comprehend the appeal of a large country house party once you have attended one."

Prudence could feel the muscular strength of his thigh. He still had his boot braced against the fountain so she was pressed lightly against the inside of his leg. The intimate position in which she found herself sent a thrill through her.

"I believe various games and pastimes are enjoyed by the guests at such parties," she said quickly in an attempt to sound knowledgeable on the subject of house parties.

"They certainly are. And the most interesting games and pastimes are played late at night when everyone has retired for the evening."

"I don't understand."

Sebastian's mouth curved slightly. "A large country house party provides almost unlimited opportunity for dalliances and liaisons of a romantic nature, my sweet."

Prudence widened her eyes. "Oh."

"In a large house such as Curling Castle there are literally dozens of bedrooms. And they are all conveniently situated quite close to each other."

Prudence felt herself turning very warm. "Good heavens. I had not thought of that aspect."