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gave up my
studies.” He paced to the door and back, his young body filled with a vibrant
energy. He swept a hand through his blond hair. “You were probably right about
that. But you have sacrificed for too long, Louisa. It is now my turn to take
care of the family.”
    Louisa placed a hand on her brother’s arm.
    “I don’t mind,” she said. “You cannot give up your studies.
I know how much going to Oxford means to you.”
    “I think everyone here knows that will never happen. How
could I leave you two here, alone, without any income? What kind of man would
that make me?”
    The bleakness in his eyes further strengthened her resolve.
    “John is right,” Catherine said. “We can’t allow you to
continue taking sole responsibility of caring for the family. Surely I can find
a position as a lady’s companion or a governess.”
    “No.” The vehemence in her tone surprised her siblings. “I
am to be married and my future husband has assured me your futures are secure.”
    Her words dropped into the room with deafening finality. It
was Catherine who found her voice first.
    “Who?”
    “The Marquess of Overlea.”
    If she weren’t so worried about her brother’s reaction, the
expression on his face would have been comical. She knew, however, that this
was no laughing matter.
    “What are you saying? How could this have happened?”
    Louisa knew that, above all else, John must never learn of
Edward Manning’s proposition, nor of her visit to Overlea that afternoon. Her
siblings would never believe that her upcoming nuptials were the result of a
love match, and she had no doubt John would not accept the marriage if he
thought she was sacrificing herself for them. She would have to give them
enough of the truth to satisfy their disbelief.
    “Overlea has decided he is of an age when he must marry and
secure the future of his title. He has proposed and I have accepted.”
    Her brother swore and she flinched at his vehemence.
    “The decision has been made,” she continued. “He will be
here tomorrow to discuss the details.”
    John’s scowl deepened. “I do not consent.”
    “I don’t require your approval. I am old enough to marry
where I will.”
    “You would give yourself to a Manning?” His disgust was
palpable. “They stole everything from our family. They are the reason we’ve had
to live hand to mouth for years.”
    Louisa shook her head.
    “The marquess is not to blame, nor was his father or
brother. It was his uncle who cheated Papa.”
    John shook his head, his anger only increasing the more she
tried to make him see reason.
    “It matters not. He is a Manning and they are all alike.”
    “Lord Overlea is saving us, John. After our marriage
we will never again want for anything.”
    “I have already made plans to take care of us. It is my
responsibility, not yours.”
    Louisa wanted to scream with frustration, knowing her
brother would never see reason on this subject. Catherine had remained silent
during their exchange, but it wasn’t hard to read her thoughts from the
expression on her face. Guilt and hope. Clearly, she could see the advantages
of her sister marrying the Marquess of Overlea would be plentiful. Ignoring her
brother for the moment, she grasped Catherine’s hands.
    “It will be fine. I want to do this. We have yet to settle
the details, but the marquess has promised that you are to have a Season. Just
imagine! You will put everyone to shame. You will have the choice of any man
you desire.”
    “What about you, Louisa? You, too, could have your choice of
any man.”
    Louisa shook her head.
    “I am five and twenty, far too old for a Season. And we all
know that without a dowry and someone’s patronage I would never secure a
match.”
    Catherine was about to protest, but Louisa forestalled her.
    “Overlea is not unattractive,” she said, trying to ignore
the heat she could feel creeping into her face. “I do not think marriage to him
would be a great hardship.”
    John