unique freedom she enjoyed as a wealthy widow.
Selena had joined the Zamarian Society, but in Matthias's opinion her interest in antiquities would be short-lived. She was
certainly intelligent enough to study the subject, but, as was the
case with a majority of the members, her concern with ancient
Zamar was a matter of fashion rather than scholarly fascination.
When Zamar ceased to be amusing, she would move on to some
other entertainment.
Selena's pale gold hair, sky-blue eyes, and strong tendency to
favor celestial blue in her gowns had earned her the sobriquet the
Angel. The young bloods of the ton wrote odes to her heavenly
aspect" and ethereal aura." The older, more jaded gentlemen
concentrated on trying to charm her into their beds. From what he
had heard, Matthias knew that few were successful. Selena was
extremely selective when it came to choosing her paramours.
His instincts told him that she was the sort of woman whose
charm and beauty inspired passion in others but who was not
strongly affected by it herself.
Tonight she was dressed in her customary hue of blue. The
gown, which exposed a vast expanse of snowy bosom, was
trimmed with a net of iridescent gold. The fine threads glittered in
the light of the chandeliers. Gold plumes danced in her hair. Her
hands were sheathed in long blue gloves. Blue satin slippers
adorned her feet. The very picture of an angel, Matthias thought.
He wondered what had become of her wings.
A brief vision of Imogen's tawny hair and lively sea-colored
eyes danced in his head. There was nothing ethereal about Imogen
Waterstone. She was vivid and sharp and bright. The very opposite
of the ghosts he saw in the fire. Any passion she indulged would
be very real, not a practiced imitation of the emotion. The memory
of the kiss they had shared flashed through Matthias's head.
His mouth twisted ruefully as he took a sip of champagne. He
was not particularly attracted to angels, but he seemed to have
developed a taste for a certain lady who had a bit of the devil in
her.
Come, Colchester, tell me what it is that brings you here
tonight." Selena surveyed the room. Is it true that you have
decided to do your duty by your new title? Have you descended
upon Society this Season to hunt for a bride?"
Is that what the gossips say?"
It is the prevailing theory at the moment," she admitted. Tell
me, do you have your eye on one of the young ladies in this
crowd?"
And if I do?"
Selena uttered a laugh that was reminiscent of the chime of
crystal on crystal. If you are truly shopping for a suitable bride, sir,
I may be able to assist you."
In what way?"
With introductions, of course. You may have heard that I have
formed a small salon to amuse myself. We gather in my drawing
room twice a week for the purpose of studying ancient Zamar. I
invite only young ladies of the finest families to attend. Tell me
what you seek in the way of looks, address, age, and inheritance,
and I shall select one or two for your consideration."
Matthias smiled humorlessly. You sound as if you were
employed in the auction yard at TattersalPs, Selena."
Selecting a wife is not so very different from choosing a fine
horse, is it, my lord?"
I wouldn't know." Matthias swept a second glass of champagne
off a tray and handed it to her. I've never gone through the
process. Tell me about your Zamarian salon, Selena. It does not
sound quite your style. What possible amusement can you take
from entertaining a group of young ladies twice a week?"
Selena's eyes glinted above the rim of her glass. Does it not
occur to you that I might simply enjoy instructing others in the
mysteries of ancient Zamar?"
No," he said bluntly. I suspect it is far more likely that you have
discovered that the naive young ladies are an excellent source of
fresh gossip concerning the highest-ranking families in Society."
I am, of course, crushed by your low opinion."
Don't take it personally, Selena. I have a low opinion of most
of the games played by the ton."
You are hardly in a position to criticize, Colchester. Given that
only a few years ago you established a gaming hell for the specific
purpose of divesting gentlemen of the ton of their inheritances."
Selena laughed softly. And to think that you accuse me of playing
games, sir. Your notion of entertainment takes away one's very
breath."
No man had ever lost his entire inheritance at the gaming tables
of The Lost Soul, Matthias reflected. He had made certain of it.
But he saw no reason to explain that to Selena. She was highly
unlikely to believe him, in any event. Certainly no one else in
Society believed it. Even after all these years, gossip maintained
that he had destroyed any number of fortunes during the years he
had owned the hell.
I prefer to find my amusements in other ways these days."
Matthias surveyed the crowd, searching for Imogen. She should
have arrived by then.
Looking for someone in particular?" Selena asked. Perhaps I
should warn you that I noticed Theodosia Slott among the guests
tonight."
Matthias suppressed a groan and kept his tone entirely devoid
of inflection. Indeed."
Someday you really must tell me what actually happened when
you shot her lover at that dawn meeting."
I have no notion of what you're talking about," Matthias said
smoothly. He would give Imogen another fifteen minutes, he
decided. If she had not put in an appearance by then, he would
abandon her to her own devices.
But he had no sooner made that firm resolve than he hastily
changed his mind. The thought of Imogen left to her own devices
was enough to chill his blood.
Selena slanted him a curious glance. So you still refuse to
discuss the duel even though it occurred several years ago? How
very disappointing. Still, I cannot say that I am surprised. You are
notorious for refusing to converse about anything other than
ancient Zamar."
There is little else in Society that is worth a lengthy conversation."
I fear you are somewhat cynical, my lord." Selena paused as a
small commotion broke out at the far end of the ballroom. Well,
well. It appears that someone interesting other than yourself has
arrived."
Matthias followed Selena's glance. There was no mistaking the
sly, eager buzz of the murmurs that rippled through the crowd.
The anticipation reminded him of the atmosphere that hovered
around a pack of hounds shortly before the start of the hunt. The
scent of blood was in the air.
A name rode the crest of the conversational wave that splashed
across the ballroom. Matthias caught it as it flowed past him.
Immodest Imogen. The Waterstone chit. Do you not recall, my
dear?"
Don't know the details m'self. Happened three years back. All
hushed up because of the fa
mily connection to the Marquess of
Blanchford. Understand she came into a respectable portion
when her uncle died."
Her name was linked to Vanneck's in a most unpleasant fashion. Found together in a bedchamber at Sandowns', you know.
Lady Vanneck killed herself because of the incident."
Indeed. And she's still received in polite circles?"
Immodest Imogen is nothing if not amusing, my dear. And her
aunt is connected to Blanchford."
Selena fluttered her blue-and-gilt fan. Immodest Imogen. I had
almost forgotten her. Well, this should certainly prove amusing,
my lord."
Do you think so?"
Yes, indeed. You were not in Town three years ago when she
caused such a stir. An Original, to say the least. Quite the blue
stocking." Selena smiled. You will appreciate this, Colchester. She
was absolutely impassioned about ancient Zamar."
Was she?"
As I recall, she had no taste and absolutely no notion of style.
I wonder if she ever learned to waltz properly."
Matthias slanted her a glance. Did you know her well?"
Everyone knew of her after the incident with Vanneck. It was
the talk of the Season. I cannot see her from where I stand, sir.
You are tall enough. Can you catch a glimpse of her over the
heads of the crowd?"
Yes," Matthias said softly. I can see her quite clearly."
He watched Imogen's progress with mingled fascination and
amused respect. Whether she intended to or not, she was certainly
cutting a swath through the ballroom.
She was dressed in a high-waisted gown of Zamarian green. The
color alone was not what made it distinctive, Matthias thought.
After all, Zamarian green was popular this Season. It was the
dolphin-and-shell design that trimmed the low neckline and the
three tiers of flounces on her skirts that made one look twice. He
smiled faintly. The motifs were certainly characteristic of
Zamarian art, but the dolphins and shells looked rather odd on a
ball gown.
Imogen wore a rather large Zamarian-green turban that
concealed all but a few stray curls. The style was more suited to an
elderly matron. A gold dolphin pin decorated the front of the
imposing headdress.
Horatia, resplendent in a silver damask gown, was at Imogen's
side. She had substituted an elegant lorgnette for her usual pair of
spectacles.
Matthias swallowed a grin as he watched Imogen progress
through the crowd. She did not walk with the tiny, airy steps that
most of the other women had practiced so diligently. Rather, she
strode forward with energetic enthusiasm.
As he watched her, it seemed to Matthias that his senses
suddenly became more acute. He was aware of the flowery scents
of the garden that wafted through the open French doors behind
him. The candles massed in the huge chandeliers blazed a little
brighter. The hum of conversation was harsher than it had been a
few minutes before. And every other man in the crowd suddenly
appeared predatory. Matthias knew that last observation was not
solely a figment of his overheated imagination.
I wonder if she thinks to find a husband," Selena mused.
Perhaps her aunt has convinced her that the inheritance she
received recently will be enough to induce some desperate gentleman to make an offer. Which is quite possible."
Matthias brought his teeth together in an almost audible snap.
Imogen had to know that the scandal of three years past had been
resurrected in a matter of minutes. The Waterstone family's
distant connection to the Marquess of Blanchford could get her
back into Society, but it could not keep Society from gossiping.
The whispers must have reached her by then, just as they had
reached him.
He studied her closely. From where he stood she appeared
unfazed by the talk that was roiling around her. It only went to
prove that there was little that could intimidate Imogen.
He watched her with increasing admiration as she and Horatia
made their way across the floor. He knew full well what it was like
to enter a ballroom and hear an unpleasant epithet attached to
one's name. It took courage to walk through this lot. How the
devil was he to discourage her from carrying out her reckless
scheme, when she demonstrated such a degree of raw nerve? he
wondered.
Colchester?"
Matthias pulled his attention back to Selena, who was watching
him with an odd expression. Sorry, I didn't catch that. What did
you say?"
I asked if there was something wrong."
Wrong? Not at all." Matthias set his half-finished champagne
glass down on a nearby tray. Please excuse me, I have an urge to
discover whether or not Miss Waterstone is, indeed, searching for
a husband."
Selena's lovely mouth fell open in shock. Matthias realized that
he had never seen such a startled expression on her face. He
almost laughed aloud.
Colchester, you cannot be serious!" Selena recovered her poise
with some difficulty. What on earth are you about? Never say that
you are interested in Imogen Waterstone as a potential wife. My
lord, I just told you, the gossip about her is most unpleasant."
I rarely listen to gossip, Selena. I have heard far too much of it
about myself to put any credence in it."
But, Colchester, she was caught in a bedchamber with
Vanneck, for God's sake. No man in your position would possibly
consider making an offer for Immodest Imogen. It's not as though
you need her money. Everyone knows you're as rich as Croesus
these days."
If you will excuse me, Selena, I must see about arranging an
introduction."
He turned on his heel and strode straight into the first of
several tightly wound skeins of people that cluttered the room.
The knots in his path unraveled as if by magic as he approached.
Matthias felt the riveted gazes follow him in avid speculation as he
charted a clear course toward Imogen and Horatia.
He arrived at the edge of the growing circle that surrounded
the pair at the same moment that Fletcher, Lord Vanneck, reached
it.
Vanneck was so intent on Imogen that he did not see Matthias
until he nearly trod on the toe of one of Matthias's brilliantly
polished Hessians.
Beg your pardon," Vanneck muttered as he maneuvered for a
better vantage point. Then he recognized Matthias. Surprise flared
in his heavily lidded eyes. Colchester." Wary curiosity replaced the
initial startled expression on his face. Heard you were in Town.
What the devil brings you here? Thought you couldn't stand this
sort of affair."
Everyone seems to be asking me the same question tonight. I
am beginning to find it monotonous."
Vanneck flushed. His thin mouth tightened angrily at the
rebuff. Sorry."
Pay me no mind, Vanneck. I am preoccupied with another
matter this evening."
Indeed."
Matthias ignored the deepening speculation in Vanneck's
eyes.
He had never cared for the man. Their paths crossed on
occasion not only because Vanneck was a member of the
Zamarian Society but because he also belonged to one or two of
Matthias's clubs.
Matthias knew that Vanneck had once been accounted a hand
some man by the ladies of the ton. But he was in his mid-forties
now and the years of heavy drinking and debauched living had
taken their toll. He had grown thick around the middle and jowls
had softened his formerly square jaw.
Matthias watched as Imogen was introduced to their hostess,
the plump, cheerful Letitia, Lady Blunt. It was obvious that
Horatia and Letty were old friends. The two women were
bubbling together like two pots on a stove. Letty was clearly
thrilled at the stir she had created with her unexpected guests. Her
ball would be on everyone's lips in the morning. Horatia had
chosen the first invitation well.
Imogen Waterstone," Vanneck offered. Hasn't been in Town
for some three years now. She was a friend of my late wife's."
Matthias slanted him a brief glance. So I've heard."
Vanneck scowled. You know her?"
Let's just say that I know enough about her to seek an intro
duction."
Can't imagine why," Vanneck muttered. Woman's an oddity."
Matthias had a vision of this dissipated, self-indulgent bastard
luring Imogen to a bedchamber and had to repress an almost
over-powering urge to plant a fist in Vanneck's meaty face. He
made himself turn away and push through the last circle of
onlookers.
Imogen, who had been listening politely as Horatia and Letty
exchanged news, brightened at the sight of him. Matthias smiled
faintly.
Colchester." Letty beamed at him. His presence there was a
great coup, and she was well aware of what she owed him. In a
single stroke he had made her a hostess to be reckoned with.
Letty." Matthias bowed over her plump, gloved hand. My
congratulations on a most entertaining affair. May I impose upon
you for an introduction to your new guests?"
Letty's round face glowed with delight. But of course, my lord.
Allow me to present my great, good friend, misses Horatia Elibank,
and her niece, Imogen Waterstone. Ladies, the Earl of Colchester."
Matthias smiled reassuringly into Horatia's anxious eyes as he
bowed over her hand. A pleasure, misses Elibank." He let his gaze
glide across Imogen's eager face.
Amanda Quick - Mischief.txt Page 8