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"For the love of God," Elizabeth snapped, "I'ht have some sort of useful advice in it, since I have to "

"Except Squire Nevins," Susan es

Elizabeth sed down a little dash of bile The thought of Squire Nevins touching her, kissing herit made her skin turn to ice But if he was the only way she could save her family

She squeezed her eyes shut There had to be so in that book that would teach her how to find a husband Anything!

"This is really quite interesting," Susan said, plopping down on the carpet next to Elizabeth "Listen to this: 'Edict Number One--"'

"Edict?" Elizabeth echoed "There are edicts?"

"Apparently so I say, this business of catching a husband is ht"

"Just tell me what the edict is"

Susan blinked and looked back down " 'Be unique But not too unique' "

"What the devil does that mean?" Elizabeth exploded "If that isn't thethat book back tomorrow Who is this Mrs Seeton, anyway? Not a marchioness, so I don't see why I should listen--"

"No, no," Susan said, waving her ar at her "That's just the title of the edict She goes on to explain"

"I'ru" "Give me that" Elizabeth snatched the book back from her sister and read silently:

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU BE A WOMAN WHO IS WHOLLY UNIQUE THE MAGIC THAT IS YOU MUST ENTRANCE YOUR LORD UNTIL HE CANNOT SEE THE ROOM BEYOND YOUR FACE

Elizabeth snorted " 'The ic that is you'? 'See the room beyond your face'? Where did this woman learn horite? A perfumery?"

"I think the bit about the roo

Elizabeth ignored her "Where is the bit about not being too unique? Ah, here it is"

YOU MUST STRIVE TO CONTAIN YOUR UNIQUENESS SO THAT ONLY HE MAY SEE IT YOU MUST PROVE TO HIM THAT YOU WILL BE AN ASSET AS HIS WIFE NO LORD OF THE REALM WISHES TO BE SHACKLED TO EMBARRASSMENT AND SCANDAL

"Did you get to the part about the shackles yet?" Susan asked Elizabeth ignored her and kept on reading

IN OTHER WORDS, YOU MUST STAND OUT IN A CROWD, BUT ONLY IN HIS CROWD FOR HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO MATTERS

Elizabeth looked up "There is a probleainst her forehead, as was her habit whenever she was thinking hard on a subject "All of this presupposes that I have set ed out "You certainly cannot set your sights on a married man!"