Mischief by Unknown Read Free Book Online

was displayed in a provocative manner due to her somewhat awkward position. She was bent
    over at the waist, attempting to haul a large iron-bound trunk out from under the black-draped bed. The skirts of her bombazine gown had risen several inches in back to reveal elegantly shaped calves clad in white stockings. Matthias had a sudden, nearly over whelming desire to explore the territory above the tops of the stockings.
    The powerful wave of desire that rolled through him took him by surprise. He drew a long breath and forced himself to concen trate on the problem at hand.
    Miss Waterstone?"
    What in the world?" Imogen came upright with a quick, startled movement. She whirled around, her face flushed from her
    recent exertions. Her hand swept out and struck a small, ugly statue of a tomb deity standing on a nearby table. The little clay monstrosity crashed to the floor and shattered.
    Oh, dear." Imogen frowned at the broken statue.
    Don't waste any regrets on it," Matthias advised after a single glance at the remains of the statue. It's not Zamarian."
    No, it isn't, is it." Imogen reached up to straighten her little white cap, which had listed to one side. I did not hear you coming down the hall, my lord. You cannot possibly be finished with the library?"
    No, madam, I have barely even begun. I have come up here to discuss something more important."
    She brightened. Our plans to trap Vanneck?"
    Your plans, not mine, Miss Waterstone. misses Elibank and I have discussed the matter in some detail, and we are both of the same opinion. Your scheme is ill-advised, rash, and possibly quite dangerous."
    Imogen stared at him, dismay darkening her eyes. Sir, you cannot stop me."
    I was almost certain you would say that." He studied her for a moment. What will you do if I refuse to assist you by playing the role that you have assigned to me?"
    She eyed him uncertainly. You refuse to keep your promise to my uncle?"
    Miss Waterstone, the promise I made to Selwyn was rather vague in nature. It is open to interpretation, and since I made the promise, I shall interpret it."

    Hmm." She put her hands on her hips and began to tap her toe.
    You intend to default on your promise, do you not?"
    No. I always keep my promises, Miss Waterstone, and this one will be no exception." Matthias realized he was growing angry. I have concluded that the best way I can repay my debt to your uncle, however, is to keep you out of dangerous mischief."
    I warn you, sir, you may refuse to aid me, but you cannot stop me from carrying out my plan. I will admit that your support would be invaluable, but I am certain that I can attract Vanneck's attention without you."
    Is that so?" Matthias took a step into the chamber. And just how will you do that, Miss Waterstone? Will you meet him in a private bedchamber again as you did three years ago? I must admit, such an offer will no doubt capture his interest."
    Imogen looked dumbfounded for an instant. Then outrage lit her eyes. How dare you, sir?"
    Chagrin lanced through Matthias. He suppressed it. The ends justified the means in this case, he assured himself. He clamped his teeth together. I apologize for bringing up the incident, Miss Waterstone."
    As well you should."
    But," he continued relentlessly, I fail to see how either of us can ignore the past. Facts are facts. If Vanneck seduced you once, he will surely attempt to do so again. And unless you intend to use your very charming person to lure him into your plot"

    Bloody hell. Vanneck did not seduce me three years ago, sir. He compromised me. There is a vast difference."
    There is?"
    One is reality, the other is merely a matter of appearances."
    Imogen sniffed disdainfully. I would have thought that a man of your intelligence would have been able to detect the essential distinction between the two."
    Matthias's temper flared without warning. Very well, split hairs, if you will. It changes nothing. The problem remains. You are not going to find it easy to handle a