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."

"Conducting an affair takes planning and care here in Town," Se­bastian said. "But at a large house party such as the sort Curling gives, one has only to go across the hall to rendezvous with one's lover or"— he smiled—"one's fiancee."

Prudence lifted her chin and gave him a severe look. "I expect Lady Pembroke will insist on accompanying me."

"I expect she will." Sebastian was clearly not worried by the pros­pect of Prudence having a chaperone along. "My man of affairs will secure an invitation for her, too."

Chapter Eight

Sebastian put down his cue and glanced at the handful of other players gathered around Lord Curling's billiard table. "If you will excuse me, gentlemen, I believe I have had enough of this game for today."

"Come, now," one of the other guests protested, "you must give us a chance to win back a bit of the blunt you have lifted from us this afternoon, Angelstone."

"You don't seem to comprehend, Dodwell," Sebastian said. "I am bored with the play."

"Let him go," another man advised from the other side of the green baize table. "I expect Angelstone has more interesting enter­tainment in mind."

The men gathered around the table chuckled and exchanged knowing glances.

"Don't we all," one grumbled good-naturedly. "Unfortunately, it is a bit early in the day yet."

One of the players looked at Sebastian. "If you are anxious to see what your fiancee is up to at the moment, check the east gardens. I believe you will find her in the process of winning the ladies' archery contest."