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he said, "First, pressure to marry." Before she could erupt over that, he added, "And second that you be declared insane. I will be most disappointed if I cannot guard you from these dangers as well."

"No more disappointed than I," she muttered, throat suddenly tight, and a chill rippling through her.

Consigning etiquette to the devil, she rose and poured herself a glass of ruby port. As the second warming mouthful went down and eased her, she turned back to him. "He cannot do it, can he? Declare me insane?"

He had not moved, or even unlaced those relaxed hands. "Not alone. However, definition of insanity is an interesting matter. Have you followed the recent report of the parliamentary committee?"

She nodded. "Many of the 'insane" in private madhouses are merely inconvenient. People locked away as long as their enemies can pay. A scandalous number are women locked away by fathers or husbands. I have taken measures to make sure that cannot happen here. That sort of trumped up insanity could not happen to me."

"True. However, the committee did not address the problem of people confined on a doctor's orders. It's not difficult to find a doctor who thinks that extravagance, excessive gaming, or frequent attendance at the theater are forms of madness in a wife. Or that a son or daughter's desire to marry unwisely shows derangement of the mind."

"Or a woman's desire to speak in Parliament?" She was proud of her calm tone. "Her intention not to marry at all?"

"Precisely."

She leaned back against the table and sipped her wine. She would not show fear in front of him. "I still don't think the king - even with doctors - could have a peeress locked away for that."

"That is why you need to go south. You have visited London how often?"

"Twice. Once, six years ago to spend some time with an aunt. And again for the coronation."

Where I saw you, she thought, in the distance. Assured, powerful, subject of whispered, mysterious warnings. I was intrigued, but I never suspected that one day you would be such a presence in my life.

"You need to show yourself in society, and be seen to be loyal and sane. You will also benefit from some time at court. You must understand that world and learn how it works, or I truly fear it will harm you."

"And yet that world is where the danger lies."

"The time is past when northern barons could ignore the south. Mere days separate you now, and with toll roads and improvements in carriages, within our lifetimes that will shorten."

She topped up her glass and returned to the chair facing him. "Why should I trust your advice?"

"I speak of what I know. Why would you think I'd misguide you?"

"The ways of the eminence noire could be beyond human understanding."

His lips twitched. "I do hope so. In this case, however, I am at my most benign. Rosa will be upset if any harm comes to you, and that will distress Brand. You must know that I try to guard my family from all harm. Also, I think it undesirable for the king to treat a peer of the realm as a woman. Even if she is a woman."

"But you would think it reasonable for a woman to be forced to choose between marriage or the madhouse, if she was not a peer?"

"Would an ordinary woman not be mad to refuse a good marriage?"

"No, and this is no time for humor, my lord. I ask you directly, do you think it right for a woman to be forced into marriage by father, or brother, or guardian, or king?"

"No. I was a firm supporter of the Hardwicke Act, and I have a hand in other legal matters designed to protect women from abuse. However, in practical terms we must deal with the world we have now. If the king chooses a suitable man for your husband, you will be hard pressed to refuse without giving offense, and without danger of being thought mad. However, we can guard against it, if you are willing to be wise."

Diana eyed him suspiciously. It went against her nature to even pretend to accept this. "Wise?"

"You have shown your ability to act the part of a servant, Lady Arradale, and you act the proper lady very well too."

"I am a proper lady, Lord Rothgar."

"A quibble over terms. If you come to London and act wisely, you will allay the king's fears. It might be as simple as that."

"And if he presents