Quick, Amanda by Mischief Read Free Book Online

annoyance and total bemusement, I A.
    Stone was proving to be the first person in years who was capable
    of kindling any kind of strong response in him. He did not under
    stand it. He had never even met Stone. Thus far, Matthias knew his
    Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    new rival only by his writings. Soon, he promised himself, he
    would track Stone down and have a word with the upstart.
    My lord?" Horatia said cautiously. About our little problem?"
    Forgive me, madam, Stone is a sore point with me."
    I can see that, sir."
    Ever since I returned to England a few months ago I have been
    made increasingly aware of his encroaching articles in the Review.
    Members of the Zamarian Society actually take sides now when
    Stone and I disagree in print."
    I can certainly understand your feelings on the subject, sir,
    given your unquestioned position in the field," Horatia said diplo
    matically.
    Unquestioned position? I A. Stone questions my position at
    every opportunity. But that is another issue. It is Imogen and her
    mad scheme that we are discussing."
    Horatia searched his face. Yes, it is."
    I suppose it is unlikely that the incident three years ago will
    make it impossible for her to re-enter Society?"
    Do not pin your hopes on the possibility that she will not
    receive the proper invitations," Horatia advised. I fear Society will
    find her vastly entertaining. The combination of my connection to
    Blanchford, her own respectable inheritance from Selwyn, and
    her tale of a map that will lead someone to a Zamarian treasure
    will all combine to captivate the jaded interest of the ton."
    She will not be considered marriageable, but she will definitely
    be entertaining," Matthias said softly.
    Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    I fear that sums it up rather nicely."
    It is a recipe for disaster."
    Yes, my lord. You are my only hope. If you do not find a way to
    alter her course, Imogen will surely sail straight into the sea of
    catastrophe." Horatia paused just long enough to add weight to
    her next words. It seems to me that if you truly mean to repay
    your debt to my brother, you must save Imogen. That is what
    Selwyn would have wanted."
    Matthias raised his brows. You have a rather concise way of
    summing up matters yourself, misses Elibank."
    I am desperate, sir."
    You must be, if you think to manipulate me toward your own
    ends with that promise that I gave your brother."
    Horatia gasped, but she held her ground. My lord, I beg you
    will prevent my niece from pursuing this folly."
    Matthias held her eyes with his own. You claim to be
    acquainted with my reputation, misses Elibank. If that is so, then you
    must know that I am more inclined to destroy others than to save
    them."
    I am well aware of that, sir." Horatia spread her hands. But
    there is no one else. She will not listen to me. And you did make
    that promise to my brother. The whole world knows that Cold
    blooded Colchester always keeps his promises."
    Matthias turned away without responding. He walked out the
    door and crossed the hall to the staircase. He took the steps two
    Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    at a time.
    When he reached the landing he stopped to listen. A loud crash
    followed by several muffled thumps told him that his quarry was
    working in the east wing. He went down the corridor with long,
    determined strides.
    Imogen Waterstone had already caused enough commotion in
    his life, he decided. It was time he took control of his own fate. He
    always fulfilled his promises, but, as he had warned Horatia, he did
    so on his own terms.
    A series of thuds guided him to the open door of a bedchamber
    on the left side of the passageway. Matthias halted in the opening
    and surveyed the interior.
    The chamber was a dark, shadowed room that had been deco
    rated in the same funereal style as the rest of the house. Heavy
    black