Only two days had passed since Austin had departed for France, and already Robert knew that he didn't have a prayer of keeping up with his brother's correspondence. He sat behind Austin's massive mahogany desk and groaned at the ever-growing mountain of letters piled in the center. Trying to keep his head above water until Austin and Elizabeth returned from the Continent was going to prove a daunting task.

A knock sounded at the door. Relieved to have something to contemplate other than the correspond-dence, he called "Come in."

Miles entered. "You wished to see me?"

"Yes. There's something I need to discuss with you."

Miles settled himself in the chair opposite him. "I'm listening."

"This concerns Caroline, and I'll not mince words with you. My sister is in love with you." He sat back and regarded Miles through hooded eyes. "I'd like to know what you plan to do about it."

Miles grew very still. "Caroline told you she, er, cares for me?"

"No, she hasn't directly said so, but she was unable to deny it when I asked her point blank. Good God Miles, even a blind man can see she loves you. I think you'd make an admirable husband for my sister, provided of course, that you hold her in some affection."