Quick, Amanda by Dangerous

counterargument with which to demolish his reasoning but could
    find none. She decided to try a different tactic. “I urge you to think of how very interesting it would be for
    us to work together, sir. Only consider the fascinating conversations we shall have.”
    “I have considered that. Why do you think I told you about Lady Thornbridge’s blackmailing scheme? I
    did not say I was opposed to discussing my cases with you.”
    Prudence’s hopes rose again. “Then you do think we might work together?”
    “On a consulting basis only,” Sebastian said evenly. “I am willing to discuss my cases with you, but I will
    not allow you to accompany me on my investigations. I want no more scenes such as the one that
    transpired last night.”
    “I don’t see why not,” Prudence retorted. “The damage has al-ready been done. We are already
    trapped in this farce of an engage-ment for the remainder of the Season. What else could possibly go
    wrong?”
    Sebastian’s mouth tightened in a grim line. “There is always a certain risk involved in my investigations. I
    do not want you con-fronting any more pistols.”
    Prudence’s eyes widened. “Does that sort of thing happen often in the course of your investigations?”
    “Of course not. But I am not going to take any chances. As I said,
    I shall discuss my cases with you, but that is as far as it goes.“ He gave her an indulgent look. ”After all,
    my dear, your expertise is in the field of spectral phenomena, not in the investigation of blackmailers and
    other such criminals.“
    “But I feel certain many of my methods would apply equally well to the investigation of criminal activities
    as they do to the investigation of spectral phenomena,” Prudence assured him earnestly.
    “Trust me, my dear, there is a world of difference between the two types of investigations.”
    Prudence glowered at him. “How would you know?”
    “It’s obvious.” Sebastian’s gloved hands moved almost impercepti-bly on the reins. The horses
    quickened their pace to a trot.
    “My lord, I must say, you are being extremely stubborn about this. As we are going to be obliged to
    spend a great deal of time in each other’s company for the next two and a half months, I do not see why
    we should not spend that time assisting each other in our various investigations.”
    “The answer is no, Prue, and that is final.”
    There was no mistaking the ring of inflexible steel in Sebastian’s words. Prudence lifted her chin. “Very
    well, my lord. If you choose to be arrogant and thick-skulled about the matter, there is little I can do.”
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    He smiled in approval. “I’m glad you aren’t the sort of female who whines when she doesn’t get her own
    way. I find that sort of thing extremely tiresome.”
    “Whine? Me? Not at all, my lord.” Prudence tried to imitate his cool smile. “I would not want to bore
    you. In any event, I expect I shall be busy enough with my own investigations.”
    Sebastian inclined his head politely. “I shall look forward to hear-ing about them.”
    Prudence did not care for the slightly condescending tone she thought she detected in his voice.
    “Perhaps I will be able to give you a full report on my latest investigation as early as tomorrow morning.”
    “That soon?” Sebastian glanced at her. “Have you found a client here in Town?”
    “A friend of Lady Pembroke’s has brought me a most fascinating case.” Prudence leaned closer. “Are
    you acquainted with Mrs. Leacock?”
    Sebastian reflected briefly. “I’ve heard of her. Her husband re-cently died and left her his fortune, as I
    recall.”
    “Yes, well, she has recently been having a great deal of trouble with a ghost in the west wing of her
    home. I had hoped to be able to test out some of my latest theories by using an electricity machine to trap
    this particular ghost, but I fear that would be a waste of time on