ONCE UPON A DREAM I SIMON BASSET

And The Blood Is Thicker Than The Water

And The Blood Is Thicker Than The Water

Anthony steepled his fingers as he surveyed his sisters, dark eyes narrowing in approbation. The mysterious Lady Whistledown had just pronounced his sister a 'Diamond of the First Water' in the new scandal-sheet doing the rounds, enhancing the acclaim surrounding Daphne's debut. But that did not mean he could sit on his laurels, not when he had to now find husbands for not one, but two of his sisters. Rather, it would cement his patriarchal status if he was victorious, showing he was worthy of leading the family. For an instant, he had the pleasing mental image of being surrounded by several adoring nephews and nieces, evidence of his success. But he had to first arrange the unions that would divest such offspring, an achievement of no mean undertaking.

Muttering under her breath, Eloise was desultorily torturing a piece of tapestry with her needle, stabbing the canvas more than stitching. Next year, Eloise was to embark on her own debut, after desiring to delay it for the time being, which was why it was imperative Anthony succeeded in orchestrating advantageous matches for Beatrice and Daphne. He was not sure if he could cope with overseeing three unmarried sisters as they embarked on yet another social whirl of soirees and whatnot. But he would not allow Beatrice to back out again, which he was sure she would try to. Not that she knew what designs Anthony had on her peace of mind, her mother and brother reaching an unspoken agreement to entrap her at the last moment, leaving little room to manoeuvre an escape. Getting her to agree to attend Daphne's debut had been an exercise of skill in itself. Even as she'd acquitted herself tolerably well, only tripping up on her skirts twice and spilling water over Colin once, Beatrice had firmly refused to partake in any future parties and balls. So she had to marry this season and if not, well... Anthony cleared his throat, refusing to envision such failure.

Humming, Daphne was arranging flowers in a vase to her own stringent specifications, attractively arraigning herself in turn in case of any unexpected gentleman callers. She was serenity personified, her fine manners and gentle exterior having attracted much admiration. Small and delicate, with fine eyes, Anthony knew the drawing room would soon be overflowing with suitors seeking her hand. But Daphne was young and naïve, inclined to accept appearances at first glance. That was why it was imperative Anthony had full and final approval over the man she would marry. Hence his list of suitable suitors. Certainly the list was rather... constrained in content, but Anthony firmly believed in quality over quantity.

Meanwhile, Beatrice was taking a turn around the room, book in hand; a text about exploration of all things. At this, Anthony suddenly straightened up, sharply centring his focus on Beatrice, knowing she required his particular attention. His game plan remained the same; to secure her a suitable husband, and swiftly at that, Anthony reasoning once he had decided upon the fellow in question, everything else would fall into place. But it required careful consideration on his part; both of his future brother-in-laws had to be irrevocably above reproach. He wanted his sisters safe; that was what worried Anthony most of all, that he would unknowingly give them as brides to absolute brutes.

Anthony had set himself certain strictures in terms of his choices for Daphne and Beatrice, the former demanding a more spiritual slant focused on morality whilst the latter leaned particularly towards tolerance and temperament. He wanted Daphne to marry a quiet chap with no scandal attached to his name and was kind to animals. Someone boring and mild as milk. Beatrice's husband would need to have a humorous disposition and be liberal-minded. Anthony also had other more trifling specifications that the gentleman in question should have an estimable taste in liquor and be in possession of a fine library. But his preference remained firmly in favor of an owner of a country estate with fine hunting grounds.