Amanda Quick - Mischief.txt

by Mischief (lit)

  Sensation tore through Matthias. He was alive and he was

  bathed in sunlight. At that moment no ghost could touch him.

  Chapter 10

  The following evening Matthias arrived at the theater just before

  the last act of Othello. Imogen, seated with Horatia and a sulking

  Patricia, gave him a reproving frown as he walked into the plush

  box. It was the first time she had seen him since he had made love

  to her in the Zamarian Institution.

  My lord, we had almost given up on you," Imogen whispered as

  he took her hand." You have missed most of the play."

  Matthias's mouth curved faintly. She saw the intimate memories of yesterday in his ghost-gray eyes." I trust you will never give

  up on me, my dear." He kissed her gloved hand and turned to greet

  Horatia and Patricia." Good evening, ladies. You are both looking

  very lovely this evening."

  Horatia inclined her head." My lord."

  Patricia gave him a fulminating look." You said you would meet

  us here, Matthias."

  And so I have."

  Patricia flicked her fan." The performance is nearly finished."

  I have discovered that a small dose of theatrics goes a long

  way." Matthias took the chair next to Imogen." I pray you will not

  attempt to outdo Kean this evening, Patricia. You would not stand

  a chance of competing against him. Even drunk, he is the better

  actor."

  Patricia flinched and then turned away with a small, angry

  flounce. She gazed grimly at the glittering crowd seated in the

  boxes across the way.

  Imogen swallowed a small sigh, aware that she was the cause of

  the new hostility between Matthias and Patricia. For some unfath

  omable reason, Imogen's relationship with Patricia had deterio

  rated swiftly during the past few days. That evening it had been

  clear that Patricia had resented being forced to sit with Imogen

  and Horatia in her brother's box.

  Imogen did not comprehend what had caused the change in

  Patricia's attitude, but it worried her. She intended to discuss the

  matter with Matthias at the earliest opportunity. But first there

  was another, more pressing item on her agenda. She had begun to

  suspect that Matthias was deliberately avoiding her. And she was

  fairly certain she knew why.

  Imogen leaned toward Matthias and began fanning herself

  vigorously in order to make it appear to onlookers that her

  conversation was of an inconsequential nature. She trusted to the

  noise of the gossiping crowd and the rowdy cries from the pit to

  ensure that no one nearby overheard.

  Sir, I am delighted that you finally deigned to put in an appearance. It is about time you showed up."

  I have missed you too," Matthias murmured." It seems as

  though an eon has passed since you had such an elevating effect

  on my spirits."

  Matthias, for heaven's sake, hush." Imogen blushed furiously

  and glanced wildly about to make certain that no one had heard

  him." That is not what I wished to discuss with you, and well you

  know it."

  I am devastated." His eyes gleamed. He caught her hand and

  kissed her fingertips." I assure you, our tryst amid the ruins of

  ancient Zamar has been the only thing on my mind for the past

  night and day. Indeed, since that magical time, all rational thought

  has flown."

  She glowered at him." What on earth is the matter with you, my

  lord?"

  You have inspired me, my sweet. I am thinking of abandoning

  my scholarly studies in favor of becoming a romantic poet. How

  do you think I would look with crimped hair?"

  Imogen narrowed her eyes." You are attempting to avoid the

  subject, are you not, sir?"

  What subject?"

  The subject of my new scheme to trap Vanneck," she hissed

  behind her fan.

  I would prefer to see the subject closed."

  Yes, I know you would, but I have no intention of putting aside

  my plans simply because we are engaged."

  Matthias's brows rose." You deem our engagement a mere

  bagatelle, then? I am crushed."

  Another wave of heat went through her. Imogen increased the

  velocity of the fan." You know very well that is not what I meant,

  sir."

  Have a care with that fan, madam. You are creating a draft. We

  romantic-poet types are very prone to chills."

  She ignored him." Matthias, I am very serious about this matter.

  I want your word that you will assist me in trapping Vanneck."

  This is not the time to discuss it."

  But A small commotion rose above the general din of the

  crowd. Imogen broke off and turned to glance out over the audi

  ence." What is it? Has something happened?"

  Perhaps Kean is so far into his cups that he cannot take the

  stage," Horatia suggested. She leaned forward with an expression

  of great interest and raised her opera glass to her eye.

  It was Patricia who spotted the source of the new wave of

  excitement that was rippling through the crowd." It's misses Slott. I

  believe she has fainted."

  Horatia swung her opera glass toward Theodosia Slott's box,

  which was directly opposite Matthias's." Yes, indeed. Theodosia

  appears to have collapsed in her chair. Lady Carlsback is waving

  a vinaigrette under her nose."

  Imogen lowered her fan to peer at the small group milling

  about in Theodosia's box." Whatever is the matter with that

  woman?"

  Patricia cast an accusing look at Matthias." Lady Lyndhurst says

  misses Slott frequently falls into a swoon whenever Matthias

  appears. She says something dreadful happened in the past and

  misses Slott has never recovered from the shock."

  Bloody hell," Matthias said wearily.

  Imogen scowled." What utter nonsense." She realized that heads

  across the way were turning toward the Colchester box.

  Speculation rumbled through the theater.

  She folded her fan with a snap. Determined to make it clear to

  one and all that Matthias did not face the gossiping tongues of the

  ton alone, she leaped to her feet. Taking hold of the arm of her

  spindly little chair, she started to shove it closer to Matthias's

  chair.

  He glanced at her, saw what she intended, and belatedly started

  to get to his feet." Imogen, allow me to deal with your chair."

  Quite all right." Imogen gritted her teeth and pushed against

  the arm." It seems to be stuck, but I can manage, my lord."

  Imogen, wait"

  The chair was heavier than it looked. Irritated, Imogen shoved

  harder. One delicate wooden leg suddenly cracked and gave way.

  The small chair toppled over onto the red carpet. Imogen lost

  her balance and shot forward. She landed in Matthias's lap. He

  caught her easily and grinned as she clutched wildly at his shoulders to steady herself.

  Her dolphin-trimmed satin evening turban came free and went

  sailing over the rail of the box. It fluttered down into the cheap

  seats far below. A great shout went up from the boisterous young

  men who inhabited the lower regions of the theater.

  I've got it."

  It's mine. I s
aw it first."

  What, ho, I seem to have netted a dolphin."

  Hand it over. It's mine by right of salvage."

  Horatia looked over the side of the box." I do believe they are

  fighting over your turban, Imogen."

  Laughter roared through the theater.

  Patricia looked as if she were about to break into tears. I am

  mortified. Absolutely mortified. I could die right here in this

  horrid box. How shall I face my friends at Lady Lyndhurst's salon

  tomorrow?"

  I'm sure you'll manage," Matthias said heartlessly. He stood

  and settled Imogen on her feet.

  I apologize to all of you," Imogen muttered as she brushed out

  her skirts." I did not mean to cause such a ridiculous scene."

  No apology is necessary." Matthias grinned." I assure you, this is

  the most entertaining evening I have spent at the theater in years.

  And since the performance on the stage is unlikely to match this

  one, I suggest that we all take our leave."

  A short while later Imogen stood with Patricia amid the crowd

  that clogged the theater lobby. Matthias had gone outside to hail

  his carriage, which was one of many in a long row that snaked

  down the street. Horatia had turned aside to chat with an acquaintance.

  Imogen glanced at the silent, sullen Patricia and decided to

  seize the opportunity. She took a step closer.

  Is there aught amiss, Patricia? I sincerely regret that unfortunate scene a few minutes ago. However, I must point out that you

  seemed annoyed with me even before that occurred."

  Patricia's face turned a dull red. She did not meet Imogen's

  eyes." I have no notion of what you are talking about."

  Rubbish. I thought you and I were getting along rather well

  together. You appeared to take pleasure in our shopping expeditions. You seemed delighted with your success in Society. But

  during the past couple of days you have come very close to giving

  me what the Polite World calls the cut direct."

  Patricia edged back a step and gazed fixedly at the lobby doors.

  I cannot imagine what you mean, Miss Waterstone."

  So it's Miss Waterstone again, is it?" Imogen put her hands on

  her hips and began to tap one toe." I thought we had agreed that

  you would call me by my Christian name."

  Must you tap your toe in that offensive manner?" Patricia

  asked through set teeth.

  I beg your pardon?"

  Everyone is staring at you."

  Nonsense." Imogen glanced around." No one is watching me."

  How can they help but stare?" Patricia shot back." You have the

  manners of a country hoyden. Look at your unladylike posture.

  Indeed, it is embarrassing to be seen with you when you stand

  with your hands in that immodest position and tap your toe in that

  common way. You lack all ladylike refinement and grace."

  Oh." Imogen blushed and quickly took her hands off her hips.

  Sorry. I took dancing lessons a few years ago, but other than that,

  I have never bothered to study the niceties of proper ladylike

  behavior."

  That," Patricia said tightly," is obvious."

  My parents thought such instruction was unimportant."

  Imogen shrugged." And to be perfectly truthful, I have had a great

  many other, more interesting things to learn."

  Apparently so." Patricia whirled about to confront Imogen

  directly. Her eyes glittered with tears of humiliation and anger." I

  vow, I do not comprehend what my brother sees in you. I cannot

  imagine why he has asked you to marry him. You are aware, I

  assume, that people call you Immodest Imogen?"

  I know. I can explain how that unpleasant name came about."

  You do not have to explain. I have heard all of the sordid

  details concerning your past."

  Imogen eyed her closely." You have?"

  You were discovered in a bedchamber with Lord Vanneck."

  Who told you that?"

  A friend." Patricia bit her lip." Someone I met at Lady

  Lyndhurst's salon. Everyone there talks about you. They say that

  Matthias was obliged to become engaged to you because you

  compromised yourself with him the other night."

  Hmm."

  They say that you have done to him what his dreadful mother

  did to my poor papa all those years ago. You have trapped him."

  What on earth are you talking about?"

  Patricia blinked owlishly and took a step back. She seemed to

  realize that she had gone too far. I'm sure you know very well,

  Miss Waterstone. It seems to be no great secret here in Town that

  my father was forced to marry Matthias's mother after she deliberately arranged to compromise herself with him."

  Imogen frowned." And you believe that Matthias has been

  snared in the same sort of web?"

  I cannot imagine any other explanation for why he would

  choose you to be his countess," Patricia whispered." Everyone at

  Lady Lyndhurst's salon says that Matthias could have his choice

  of the young ladies on the Marriage Mart this Season. He could

  have selected a woman with an unblemished reputation. Someone

  who is not known to all and as sundry as Immodest Imogen. Dear

  heaven, it is so humiliating."

  I can see this is all very difficult for you," Imogen said dryly.

  The theater door opened and Matthias strode into the warm

  lobby. He caught sight of Imogen and started toward her. Patricia

  suddenly looked very anxious. She cast an uneasy sidelong glance

  at Imogen.

  Matthias frowned at his sister." Are you feeling ill, Patricia? You

  look a bit peaked."

  I'm quite all right," she muttered." Please. I just want to go

  home."

  Imogen smiled blandly. I fear that Lady Patricia is a bit over

  wrought from the events of the evening, my lord. She suffers from

  the tendency toward nervous weakness that runs in your family."

  Imogen stalked into her study the moment she and Horatia

  arrived home. She tossed her evening cloak across a chair,

  stripped off her long kid gloves, and kicked off her shoes. Then she

  collapsed onto the sofa and glowered at her aunt from beneath

  lowered brows.

  Tell me everything you know about his parents" marriage, Aunt

  Horatia. I cannot deal with a problem if I do not have all the facts."

  There is not much to tell." Horatia helped herself to a bit of

  sherry from the decanter that sat on a small table." It is very old

  news. Some thirty-five years old, to be precise. I was a young

  woman myself at the time."

  Were you acquainted with Colchester's mother?"

  I had met Elizabeth Dabney, but we did not move in the same

  circles." Horatia sat down near the fire and took a sip of sherry.

  Elizabeth was considered a trifle fast, if you must know the truth.

  She got away with it because she was beautiful and charming and

  her father was an extremely wealthy and powerful man. Her

  parents had indulged her since the day she was born. She got

  whatever she wished."

  And she decided that she wanted Matthias's father?"

  So everyone said." Horatia's smile was wry." But as I always say,

  it takes two. His name was Thomas and he was a viscount at the

  time. He had
not yet come into the title because his father was still

  alive. He was just as spoiled as Elizabeth. He was also very arrogant and very handsome. Quite the rake that Season. I'm sure he

  did not think that he would have to pay a price for dallying with

  Elizabeth. I doubt that Thomas had ever paid for anything in his

  young life."

  Imogen scowled." That brings up an interesting question. Why

  did he have to pay? Thomas was the heir to an earldom. Surely he

  could have escaped Elizabeth's net had he truly wished to do so."

  The title was bankrupt." Horatia gazed thoughtfully into the

  fire." No one knew it at the time. From all accounts, the old earl

  was delighted when his son was discovered in a compromising

  position with Elizabeth. He badly needed her inheritance to

  replenish the family coffers. And Dabney desperately yearned for

  a title for his only daughter. It was actually a good match from

  almost everyone's point of view."

  Except that of young Thomas?"

  Yes. But he did not dare defy his father for fear of being cut off

  entirely. He married Elizabeth. It was not a happy marriage, as

  you can guess. But then, how many are?"

  My parents were happy," Imogen said softly.

  True. I fear that you grew up with a very distorted sense of reality, my dear. In any event, there were no more children after

  Matthias was born. Thomas and Elizabeth lived apart most of the

  time. For several years Thomas kept a string of mistresses here in

  Town. Elizabeth contented herself with lavish house parties at the

  Colchester country estate. The year she died, Thomas apparently

  fell in love with a young widow named Charlotte Poole They were

  married soon after Elizabeth's death."

  Imogen rested her arms along the back of the sofa and gazed

  into the fire." And Patricia was born."

  Yes."

  Patricia told me tonight that everyone is saying that Matthias

  is doomed to the same fate as his father," Imogen said quietly.

  Horatia glanced at her." Patricia is a very young lady who has

  had little experience of the world."

  I, on the other hand, am a mature woman who knows very well

  what she is about."

  Meaning?"

  Imogen met Horatia's eyes." Meaning that I cannot allow

  Matthias to marry me if he does not truly love me. I could not bear

  to live with the knowledge that I had forced him to repeat his

  father's mistake."

  A sad comprehension appeared in Horatia's eyes." How long