Sebastian was amused to find himself actually feeling a certain gratitude toward Prudence's brother. For once Trevor had timed his appearance rather well. "I see you have changed tailors, Mer-ryweather. My congratulations."

Trevor turned a dull red. "I've been to see your tailor, Nightingale, sir. I thank you for the introduction."

"I thought I recognized the cut of that coat," Sebastian said mildly. "It is exactly like my. own."

"Yes, sir, it is. I specifically requested Nightingale to copy yours." Trevor watched him anxiously. "I hope you don't mind."

"No," Sebastian said, hiding a smile. "I don't mind in the least."

Trevor was a model of restrained masculine elegance today. His neckcloth was tied in a simple style that actually permitted him to turn his head comfortably to the side. The collar of his shirt no longer brushed his earlobes. His waistcoat did not blind onlookers. Sebastian counted only one fob hanging from his watch pocket.

"Trevor, you look wonderful," Prudence said, her face alight with genuine admiration. Then she smiled with complacent anticipation. "And I am going to appear just as fashionable myself tonight. Wait until you see the first of my new gowns. Hester assures me the style and color are all the crack."

"I shall look forward to it, Prue," Trevor said gallantly. He promptly spoiled the effect by adding, "About time you took an inter­est in fashion." He turned back to Sebastian. "By the by, Angelstone, I have received an invitation to one of Curling's house parties, just as you and Prue did."

"Have you, indeed," Sebastian said.

"Yes, sir. It's for next weekend. I'm told it will be just a small crowd this time. Gentlemen only." Trevor grinned, obviously pleased at the evidence of his elevated status in the social world. "A very select group. We'll no doubt do a bit of hunting and fishing."

Sebastian thought about the black chamber that he suspected was not used for any wholesome purpose.

"Just how small and select is this group?" he asked quietly.

"Don't know precisely. Curling says he only does this type of party on rare occasions. Very exclusive."

"I'd think twice about accepting the invitation, if I were you," Sebastian said. "I will certainly not be accepting any more invitations from Curling. His parties are not amusing."

Trevor was startled. He looked momentarily confused and then he gave Sebastian a knowing glance. "Not amusing, eh?"

"A dead bore."

"Say no more, sir. I understand," Trevor said with a man-to-man air. "Appreciate the tip, Angelstone. Don't think I'll waste my time traipsing out to Curling Castle next weekend, after all."

"A wise decision," Sebastian said softly.

"Well, then, I'll be off." Trevor tipped his hat to his sister. "See you later this evening, Prue. I'll look forward to your new gown. Good day, Angelstone."

Sebastian nodded. "Good afternoon, Merryweather."

Trevor swung his horse around in the other direction and cantered off down the path.

Prudence frowned at Sebastian. "What on earth was that all about? Since when is an invitation to Curling Castle considered a dead bore?"

"Since I declared that it was two minutes ago," Sebastian said. He eased the horses into a stylish trot. "I don't want your brother tied up in this investigation in any way. I doubt if you do, either."

"No, of course not. But how could an invitation to one of Curling's house parties present a problem?"

"I don't know," Sebastian said. "I'm following my instincts. I feel it would be best if Trevor did not get mixed up with Curling."

"Very well. You are the expert at this sort of thing, Sebastian. I agree that we should be guided by your inclinations."

"I am pleased to hear you say that, my dear. Because it is also my instincts that tell me it would be best if you did not accompany me tonight when I pay a visit to the premises of Milway and Gordon."

"A clever wife knows when to listen to her lord's advice," Pru­dence said with charming grace.

Sebastian was so stunned by the easy victory that he almost dropped the reins.

"And she also knows when to ignore him," Prudence added in a very dry tone. There was bright challenge in her eyes.

"Bloody hell," Sebastian said.

Chapter Thirteen

Prudence made another attempt to reason with Sebas­tian later that night when he rendezvoused with her at the Hollington mansion. She got nowhere. In fact, she could have sworn that his stubborn, high-handed attitude actually worsened as soon as he caught sight of her in the crowd.

He had barely arrived before he took her arm and drew her force­fully toward the door.

She cast him a disgusted sidelong glance through her fashionable new glass as they stood on the steps waiting for the carriage to appear out of the fog.

"What on earth has gotten into you tonight, my lord?" she asked as she fumbled with the glass. Having to deal with a fan, a dangling glass, and a tiny reticule was really too much to ask of a woman, she thought irritably. Being fashionable was no easy task. "I vow, you are in a devilish mood."

"Am I, indeed?" Sebastian's jaw was rigid. He watched impatiently as his coachman maneuvered the Angelstone carriage out of the long line of gilded coaches that waited on the street in front of the man­sion.

"Yes, you are. Sebastian, don't you think you're carrying this surly attitude a step too far? I know I nagged you for the better part of the afternoon, but that is no reason to turn downright rude in front of my friends this evening."

"Was I rude? You wound me, my dear. I had no notion that my behavior was in any way objectionable."

"Rubbish. You know perfectly well it was most objectionable." Prudence dropped the dangling glass and clutched at her feather-light embroidered cashmere shawl. The delicate wrap was in the first stare of fashion, but unfortunately it provided very little protection against the damp, foggy night. "You were most unpleasant to Lord Selenby and Mr. Reed."

"You noticed, did you?" The carriage had arrived at the bottom of the steps. Sebastian took Prudence's arm and half dragged her toward it. "I'm astounded and, I must say, deeply flattered that you even saw your poor husband standing in the crowd of gentlemen that was gath­ered around your bare bosom."

Prudence squinted at him as one of the Hollington footmen hur­ried to open the carriage door. "My bare bosom?" she yelped. "My lord, are you implying that you do not care for my new gown?"

"What gown?" Sebastian tossed her into the darkened carriage and crowded in behind her. "I did not notice any gown on you tonight, madam. I thought perhaps you had forgotten to put it on before you left home."

Prudence was outraged at the affront to her new lavender silk ball gown. "I will have you know that this gown is in the very forefront of fashion."

"How can it be in the forefront when it has no front at all?"

Prudence gave a small, choked exclamation. She gave up trying to wield the eyeglass and fished her spectacles out of her little beaded reticule. "You are being unreasonable, my lord, as I am certain you are well aware." She pushed her spectacles onto her nose and glowered at him. "I thought you would approve of this gown."

"I prefer you in your usual style."

"I have been assured by a great many people, including Hester and my own brother, that my usual style is no style at all."

Sebastian lit the carriage lamp and lounged back against the cush­ions. He folded his arms and let his brooding eyes drift over her filmy, low-cut gown. "Why this sudden taste for fashion, madam?"

Prudence pulled the airy shawl more snugly across her chest. It was quite chilly in the carriage. She wished she had her cloak with her.