"Septimius!" his sister-in-law cried, shocked. "What kind of men do you think we are offering Allegra to, for mercy's sake?"

"I know the kind of men who inhabit the ten thousand, my dear Olympia. Most of them are useless, and all of them are snobs. As Lord Morgan's daughter, Allegra must of necessity choose one of them for a husband, but I will not leave her unprotected." His fist slammed upon the mahogany side table causing Lady Abbott to start.

"But whatever you give her the law says is her husband's," she protested. "You cannot circumvent the law, Septimius."

He looked at her, amused, thinking that Olympia was a good soul, but entirely too naive for a woman of her years. "Of course I can skirt the law, my dear. That is one of the advantages of being the richest man in all of England." He chuckled. "When I want something there are those only too glad to accommodate me. My occasional gratitude is both known and appreciated. No husband will be able to confiscate Allegra's monies for his own purposes. Now, let us speak on more imminent subjects.

"You will, of course, be staying at the house in town for the season.

"Allegra is to have the finest wardrobe that can be made. She is not to be outshone by lesser lights, Olympia. It is very good of you to take her under your wing, especially considering the youngest of your daughters is also malting her entry into society. I hope you will allow me to cover the cost of Lady Sirena's wardrobe as well. It will help you to get Allegra to stand still for the modiste if her favorite cousin is also suffering the same fate." Lord Morgan smiled. "Do not stint on either girl, my dear. Charles Trent, my steward and secretary, will see that they have the proper jewelry. The safe in the London house is full to overflowing."