Page 16 (1/2)

Chapter 1

Upper Brook Street, London February 20,1825

"It's hopeless?" Amanda Cynster flopped on her back on her twin sister's bed "There is si-not at present"

"There hasn't been for the last five years-well, not gentle a wife" Stretched beside Amanda, Amelia stared up at the canopy "We've searched and searched-"

"Turned every stone"

"And the only ones even vaguely interesting are… not interested"

"It's ludicrous!"

"It's depressing"

Alike in both feature and figure, blessed with blond ringlets, cornflower blue eyes and porcelain complexions, the twins could easily have posed for La Belle Asse ladies, except for their expressions Austed, Amanda mutinous "I refuse to lower my standards"

They'd discussed their requirements in a husband ad infinitum over the years Their standards did not materially differ from those espoused by their mentors-their mother and aunts, their cousins' wives They were surrounded by strong women, ladies all, who had, one and all, found happiness in their es The twins had little doubt as to the qualities they sought

A gentleman who loved them, ould set them and the family they would raise above all other considerations A protector, a help arm ould always be there to keep theence and opinions, ould accept them as an equal however entleman of sufficient substance to render their not-inconsiderable dowries by-the-by; a h to take the powerful Cynster clan in his stride

A -lover, protector, partner Husband