Quick, Amanda by Mischief

Author:Mischief [Mischief]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-07-24T02:19:11.088000+00:00

Chapter 11

Imogen could not stop shivering. She huddled against Matthias,

seeking his strength and warmth as he carried her down a flight of

stairs and along a hallway. She kept her face pressed against his

shoulder, her eyes squeezed shut in a vain attempt to stop the

tears.

Voices, some laced with genuine concern, others with bored

curiosity, floated past as Matthias strode swiftly toward the door

of the mansion.

I say, Colchester, something wrong with Miss Waterstone?" a

man asked.

She is not feeling well," Matthias said without inflection." Her

nerves are overwrought. The excitement of the engagement, you

know."

The man chuckled." Of course. Expect you'll be able to come up

with something to ease her fears."

Imogen wanted to protest that her nerves were much too strong

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to be overset by something so mundane as an engagement, but she

did not dare raise her face from Matthias's shoulder. The man

would see her tears.

Shall I summon a doctor, sir?" a footman inquired.

No, I shall escort her home. All she needs is rest."

I'll see to your carriage, my lord."

Thank you."

Imogen felt cool air against her skin. They were outside at last.

In another moment she would be safely enclosed in Matthias's

carriage.

Hooves and wheels clattered on the cobblestones. There was

the sound of a coach door being opened. Matthias stepped into

the cab with Imogen in his arms. He lowered himself onto the

cushioned seat and cradled her against him.

Calm yourself." He held her very tightly as the carriage set off

into the night." It's all right, my dear. It's over. You are safe."

But you are not." Safe from prying eyes at last, Imogen erupted

from the circle of his arms. She seized his shoulders and tried to

shake him." What in God's name have you done, Matthias?"

Matthias did not move. He did not even seem to notice her

fingers crushing the fine fabric of his black greatcoat. He watched

her with gleaming, unreadable eyes." I was about to ask you the

same question."

She ignored that, her attention fixed on the dire situation at

hand." You challenged Vanneck to a duel. Dear heaven, Matthias,

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how could you do such a thing?"

Under the circumstances, it seemed the only appropriate

response."

But I am unhurt."

Matthias took her chin in his hand." For which I can only thank

God and your own brave heart. You are really quite amazing, my

dear. I do believe you came close to killing Vanneck with that

picture frame."

Then surely there was no need to challenge him," she said

desperately.

Matthias stroked the corner of her mouth with his thumb. His

eyes gleamed in the shadows. The fact that you managed to save

yourself does not mean that I can allow Vanneck to go unchallenged. Indeed, I have no choice."

That is not true." More tears welled up in Imogen's eyes. She

dashed the back of her hand against them." He is not worth it, my

lord. I cannot allow you to risk your life in a duel. I refuse to let

you meet him."

Matthias tipped her chin up slightly and searched her wet face

with an oddly bemused expression. I do believe these tears are for

me."

Why else would I be crying?" she demanded crossly.

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