Amanda Quick - Mischief.txt

by Mischief (lit)

  appears that everything she has learned is wrong." Imogen gave a

  tiny snort of disgust. She actually believes that there is some foun

  dation for that outrageous nickname you acquired. Can you imagine? It is up to you to correct her false impression."

  Matthias needed to move. He forced himself to walk slowly,

  deliberately, to the window. When he reached it, he stood there,

  staring blindly out into the garden. What makes you so bloody

  certain that it is a false impression?"

  Don't be ridiculous, my lord. You are Colchester of Zamar."

  She waved a hand to indicate the library and its treasures. Any

  man who possesses your elevated taste in artifacts, your keen

  perception of the history of ancient Zamar, your passion for its

  wonders . well. Such a man cannot possibly be lacking the

  warmer emotions and delicate sensibilities."

  He swung around to face her. I give you fair warning. You do

  not know me nearly so well as you seem to think you do. A lack of

  knowledge can be extremely dangerous."

  Imogen looked confused rather than dismayed by his harsh

  words Then her eyes softened. I can see that this is a painful

  subject for you, sir."

  Not painful. Boring."

  She smiled wryly. As you wish. But I urge you to bear in mind

  that your sister is extremely distraught. From our conversation

  today, I collect that she is all alone in the world. You are the only

  person to whom she can turn. I would have you remember two

  things, my lord."

  I have a feeling that I shall not escape this damnable conver

  sation until you have spelled those two things out for me in detail.

  Get on with it."

  First, I would have you recall that regardless of whatever

  happened, Patricia is innocent. As you are yourself. Second, bear

  in mind that just as you are the only close relation she has in the

  world, she is the only one you have, my lord. The two of you must

  stick together."

  Bloody hell. Who told you about the history of my family?"

  I do not know a great deal about it," Imogen said. But I assume

  from what Patricia said this afternoon that there was a rift

  between you and your father following the death of your mother."

  You are correct, Imogen. You know nothing at all about the

  matter. I suggest you do not interfere. I have fulfilled the promise

  I made to my father, and that is the end of it."

  You are both very fortunate to have each other, you know,"

  Imogen said quietly. In the months following the death of my

  parents, I would have sold my soul for a brother or a sister."

  She turned and walked to the door, where she halted again

  briefly, her hand on the knob. I almost forgot. There is one other

  thing I intended to tell you."

  Matthias watched her with brooding fascination. Pray, do not

  contain yourself another second, Miss Waterstone."

  I encountered Vanneck in a bookshop today. I can safely report

  that he has taken the bait. He is even now planning to form a

  consortium. My scheme is afoot."

  She went out the door. Ufton closed it behind her.

  Matthias shut his eyes and groaned. His delicate nerves were

  not going to survive this affair unscathed. He would be fortunate

  if he did not find himself locked away in Bedlam before the thing

  was finished.

  Matthias walked to the balcony rail and looked down at the

  crowded ballroom. It was nearly midnight and the soiree was at

  high tide. The chandeliers cast a brilliant light over the elegantly

  dressed men and women below. His mouth twisted in mild disgust.

  He had no use for Society.

  It took him only a moment to locate Imogen among the

  dancers. His eye went to her as if she were the only woman in the

  room. For a moment he allowed himself to enjoy the vision. The

  green silk skirts of her gown flirted about her ankles. She wore

  matching dancing slippers and long green gloves. Ringlets of

  tawny hair peeked out from beneath a towering evening turban.

  She would have been a riveting sight, Matthias thought, if it

  were not for the fact that she was in the arms of Alastair Drake.

  The only consolation was that Drake was obviously having diffi

  culty maintaining his balance. Even from where he stood,

  Matthias could see that Imogen was charting the course across the

  floor. He grinned briefly and felt his mood lighten.

  He pulled his attention away from Imogen and searched for his

  sister. He was surprised to see Patricia in the center of a cluster of

  male admirers. She looked flushed and excited. Her pink and

  white gown was all that was proper for a well-bred, stylish young

  lady.

  Horatia stood dutifully nearby, smiling with the air of a proud

  hen presenting her only chick. She was chatting with Selena, Lady

  Lyndhurst, who was her customary celestial self in a pale blue

  gown.

  Well, that took care of one problem, Matthias thought. Thanks

  to Imogen and Horatia, his sister was a success. With any luck, his

  solicitor would be drawing up marriage settlement papers by

  June.

  His sense of satisfaction vanished when he noticed that Hugo

  Bagshaw was making his way through the crowd toward Patricia.

  His hand tightened around the balcony rail. He made a note to

  warn his sister that Bagshaw's attentions were not to be encouraged.

  Matthias glanced again at Imogen, who had just finished the

  waltz with Drake. He could tell that she was waxing enthusiastic

  on some subject, most likely lost Zamar. She motioned energetically with her fan as she made a point. She was so involved with

  her subject that she failed to see a nearby footman who carried a

  tray full of glasses. Unfortunately, Drake did not notice the

  impending disaster either until it was too late.

  Matthias winced as Imogen swept her fan out in a wide arc and

  dashed several glasses of champagne to the floor. Then he leaned

  forward to watch the animated spectacle that ensued. The hapless

  guests in the immediate vicinity hopped quickly aside.

  The footman cast a reproachful look at Imogen and then went

  to his knees to retrieve the bits of broken glass. Imogen, looking

  extremely distressed, stooped to assist him. She was forcibly

  constrained from doing so by Drake, who hastily whisked her

  away from the scene.

  It was all over in a matter of moments. Matthias smiled to

  himself as he turned and strode toward the staircase.

  It took several minutes to reach Imogen, who now stood with

  Patricia, Horatia, and Selena. When he arrived, the young men

  gathered in the vicinity quickly edged aside to allow him to make

  his way to the center of the circle. He could see Hugo watching

  him from the outer perimeter.

  Imogen spotted Matthias first. Ah, there you are, Colchester.

  We have been waiting for you. Patricia is a huge success. Horatia

  and I have been obliged to beat off her admirers with a large

  stick."

  Several of the young gentlemen laughed uneasily, their wary

  gazes on Matthias.

  Indeed." Matthias surveyed Patricia
, who smiled at him rather

  anxiously, as though she awaited his verdict. Imogen kicked

  Matthias's ankle with the toe of her dancing slipper. He glanced at

  her and saw from her expression that he was supposed to say

  something more. I can certainly comprehend why Miss

  Waterstone and her aunt have had to protect you.

  Congratulations, Patricia. You are a diamond of the first water

  tonight."

  Patricia blinked in surprise. Her cheeks turned pink and relief

  shone in her eyes. She visibly regained a measure of confidence.

  Thank you, sir."

  Selena gave a husky laugh. The on-dit is that your charming

  sister has promised every dance, Colchester."

  Excellent." Matthias looked at Imogen. Well, then, that's that.

  May I have this dance, Miss Waterstone?"

  Of course, my lord. I would be delighted." Imogen swung

  around and led the way toward the dance floor.

  With a sigh, Matthias reached out, seized hold of her elbow, and

  dragged her to a halt. She gave him a startled glance.

  Is there something amiss, my lord? Did you change your

  mind?"

  Not at all. I merely thought it might be pleasant to walk out

  onto the floor at your side rather than to follow you as if I were a

  hound on a leash."

  Oh. Sorry. Take your time, sir. I did not mean to rush you.

  Occasionally I forget that yours is not an athletic nature."

  I am grateful for your understanding." Matthias guided her to

  the dance floor with a firm grip and took her into his arms. You

  appear to be in fine form tonight."

  I enjoy excellent health, sir. Always have."

  I am delighted to hear that." Matthias applied sufficient force

  to take charge of the waltz. It was a challenge. I was, however,

  referring to your looks rather than your health. That gown is

  extremely attractive on you."

  Imogen glanced down as if she had forgotten what she was

  wearing. It is quite lovely, isn't it? Madame Maud made it.

  Horatia tells me that she is very exclusive." She looked up. i'm

  sure you'll be pleased to learn that Horatia thinks Patricia has

  been well received tonight. The invitations will no doubt pour in

  tomorrow."

  I owe you and your aunt a debt of gratitude for taking charge

  of Patricia's social life."

  It was no trouble at all, sir. Horatia tells me that Lady

  Lyndhurst has invited Patricia to attend her Zamarian salon which

  meets tomorrow. Quite a coup. She will meet any number of

  young ladies her own age there."

  I doubt that she'll learn much about ancient Zamar, however,"

  Matthias said dryly. Selena's salon is nothing more than a fashionable amusement."

  I see." Imogen's brows drew together in a frown of concentration as she attempted to steer him in a different direction. Well,

  there is no great harm in that, my lord." She sounded a trifle

  breathless from her exertions.

  Perhaps not." Matthias glanced past her shoulder and saw that

  Hugo had led Patricia out onto the floor. But there may be a

  problem with young Bagshaw's attentions. I shall speak to Patricia

  tomorrow about him."

  Imogen's eyes widened. What on earth is wrong with Mister

  Bagshaw? He seems a very respectable gentleman."

  I suspect his interest in Patricia is motivated more by his wish

  to avenge himself against me than it is pure admiration of my

  sister."

  What in the world are you talking about, sir?"

  It's a long story." Matthias whirled her around in a wide, sweep

  ing circle that brought them close to the French doors. Suffice it

  to say that young Bagshaw holds me accountable for his father's

  decision to blow his brains across the wall of his study."

  You cannot be serious. What happened?"

  Arthur Bagshaw lost most of his fortune in a shipping venture

  that failed. The night he learned of the loss he came to The Lost

  Soul. He was very drunk and sunk in melancholy. I suppose he had

  some notion of recouping his losses at my gaming tables. I refused

  to let him play."

  That was very decent of you, sir. Bagshaw obviously could not

  afford to lose whatever money he had left."

  I don't know how decent my action was," Matthias said dryly.

  Bagshaw and I quarreled. He went home and took out his pistol.

  That is all there is to the tale."

  Dear God," Imogen whispered. Poor Hugo."

  Matthias brought her to a halt. Hugo blames me for what

  happened. He believes that his father lost his fortune in The Lost

  Soul."

  You must set him straight at once, sir."

  Some other time."

  But, Matthias, this is really to"

  I said I'll take care of the matter some other time. At the

  moment I wish to speak to you."

  Certainly, my lord." Imogen unfurled her fan. She began to

  wave it industriously. It is a trifle warm in here, is it not?"

  Have a care with that weapon." Matthias drew her out through

  the terrace doors. I have recently witnessed its destructive capability."

  What?" She frowned at the fan and then her face cleared. Oh,

  I collect you saw my unfortunate little mishap a few minutes ago.

  It was not my fault, sir. The footman was standing directly behind

  me. We never saw each other until it was too late. Just one of those

  things. That's why they call them mishaps."

  Indeed." Matthias eyed the colorful lanterns that decorated the

  terrace and then elected to steer Imogen down the steps and deep

  into the night-shrouded gardens.

  Well, sir? What did you wish to discuss?" she asked when he

  brought her to a halt behind a tall hedge.

  Matthias hesitated, listening closely to make certain that they

  were alone in this portion of the vast gardens. I have just come

  from my club. You were right about Vanneck. He has indeed taken

  your bait. There are rumors of a consortium being formed to find

  the Queen's Seal."

  But that is wonderful, sir. Why are you so anxious?"

  Imogen, I don't like it. Vanneck is being extremely secretive."

  Well, naturally. Just as one would expect. He will not want such

  a project being bandied about all over Town."

  The only reason I learned of his plans is that he approached an

  acquaintance of mine who told me what was afoot. I suspect

  Vanneck is deliberately attempting to keep me in the dark."

  Calm yourself, Colchester." Imogen tapped the sleeve of his

  coat with her folded fan in a gesture that was no doubt intended

  to reassure him and shore up his nerve. Everything is well in

  hand."

  You keep saying that."

  Because it's true. My scheme is unfolding just as I envisioned it

  would." Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

  Matthias studied her face in the moonlight and felt the hunger

  rise within him. Imogen, is there any chance that I can make you

  see how dangerous this scheme is? Any possibility of talking you

  out of going forward with it?"

  I'm sorry, Colchester," she said gently. I know how nervous you

  are, but I have come too far. For Lucy's sake, I cannot abandon my

  quest for justice."
/>
  Lucy meant a great deal to you, did she not?"

  She was my best friend," Imogen said simply. Indeed, after my

  parents died, she was my only friend."

  What of Drake?" he made himself ask.

  She blinked. I beg your pardon?"

  He cradled her face between his hands. He was your friend too.

  Do you sometimes dream of him? Do you wonder what might

  have been between the two of you if he had not seen you in that

  bedchamber with Vanneck?"

  She stilled. No. Never."

  Are you certain?"

  Whatever feelings I had for Alastair died the night he turned

  away from me in disgust because of what he thought he'd seen."

  Her eyes narrowed. He never gave me a chance to explain. He

  never once questioned his own conclusions. I could never, ever

  feel any warm emotions for a man who had so little faith in me."

  Matthias tipped her head back so that he could see her moon

  lit eyes. Do you think that you could ever learn to feel some warm

  emotions for me?"

  Her lips parted in shock. Matthias? What are you saying?"

  Too much, I suspect. Perhaps it is past time for talk." He bent

  his head and covered her mouth with his own.

  The need that had been simmering inside him exploded without

  warning.

  Her mouth tasted as exotic and sweet as the effervescent

  springs of Zamar must have. Matthias crushed her close, abruptly

  desperate to feel the soft, firm curves of her thighs pressed against

  him.

  Imogen gave a small, muffled cry." Matthias."

  For an instant he feared she would push herself away from him.

  He was seized by a terrible desperation, gripped by a need that

  emanated from the darkest, coldest regions inside him.

  It seemed to Matthias that in that shattering moment his fate

  hung in the balance.

  And then her arms went eagerly around his neck. Relief surged

  through him. He freed her mouth long enough to gaze into her

  eyes. A familiar sensation roared through him. This was what he

  had felt when he discovered the great columns that marked the

  entrance to the ancient ruins of lost Zamar.

  Imogen?"

  She smiled at him with longing and feminine promise.

  He brushed his mouth against hers. She trembled and returned

  the kiss with an enthusiasm that threatened to deprive him of

  breath. The music and the laughter from the ballroom receded

  into the distance. Matthias's concentration narrowed until the