A Little Mischief

by Amelia Grey

  After her aunt had settled herself in an upholstered wing chair and Isabella on the settee, her aunt smiled and said, “I told you Lord Colebrooke would be back to call on you, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, but, Auntie, you know he continues to see other young ladies as well.”

  Auntie Pith sighed and folded her hands in her lap. “But he always comes back to you. There is a reason for that, my dear.”

  Yes, there is a reason, but it’s not what you think.

  Isabella remained quiet because Mrs. Dawson walked in and placed the tea tray on the table between them. Auntie Pith dismissed the housekeeper and poured the steaming tea into delicate china cups with large yellow flowers painted on them.

  She handed a cup to Isabella, and she sipped the hot liquid. There was nothing more soothing than a cup of tea after a rousing discussion with Daniel. Every conversation with him was stimulating and far more invigorating that any tonic she had ever taken.

  “I have some news I think you will be happy about, Isabella,” her aunt said as she relaxed with her cup in her hand.

  “What’s that, Auntie?” she asked, half listening.

  “Did you happen to notice that I received a letter while you were talking to Lord Colebrooke?”

  “Yes.” Isabella sipped her tea again.

  “It was from your father.”

  Isabella’s hand stilled in midair. “And what did he say this time, Auntie? Is his son worse? Is his wife with child again? What excuse does he have now for not returning to London?”

  “Actually, he has none. His letter states he will be here within the month.”

  Isabella’s cup rattled as she placed it in the saucer. “You jest.”

  Auntie laughed softly. “No, my dear, I do not. What you have hoped for is coming true. Your father is coming for you.”

  “To stay for the remainder of the Season?”

  “Well, he didn’t say those exact words, but I’m sure he is. He has been waiting for his son to be well enough to travel, and that has happened.”

  “Oh. It is wonderful to hear that his son is well. I’m glad about that.”

  “Why don’t you seem happy?” Concerned, Auntie Pith placed the teacup on the table in front of her. “I thought you would be thrilled to see him again.”

  “I am. I will. I’m shocked. I just never thought it would happen.” Isabella hesitated as a pressing weight settled on her chest. “You don’t think he will want me to go back to the country with him, do you?”

  “Well, I don’t know. He didn’t say anything about his plans, but no, I don’t think so. I know what he wants is for you to wed.”

  “But you’re not sure that he doesn’t plan to take me with him?”

  “Well, I can’t be sure, Isabella. I haven’t talked to him, but I would think he’d want to spend some time with you since he’s been gone so long. And perhaps the country would be better for his son.”

  Leave Daniel? Leave London? The tea roiled in her stomach. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving either. What would she do? She wasn’t twenty-one yet. Could she deny her father and stay with her aunt? Isabella set her cup on the tray and rose from the settee.

  “I didn’t expect this news to upset you.”

  She looked down at her aunt. “No, it hasn’t upset me,” she fibbed. “If you don’t mind, I just want to be alone and think about what this means.”

  Isabella walked to her room, closed the door, and leaned against it. If her father took her to the country, Daniel could be married before she returned. Suddenly tears filled her eyes, and that made her angry. She never cried and she wouldn’t allow herself such an indulgence now.

  She took a deep breath.

  She would deny herself the tears and would make some plans.

  Twenty

  “You look surprised to see me.”

  “Somewhat,” Daniel said as he walked into the parlor of his town house where Chilton waited for him in one of the wing chairs. “This really isn’t a good time for you to stop by.”

  Chilton rose from the chair and looked around the room as if he expected to see what kept the moment from being a good time. “You’re busy?” he asked.

  Daniel hedged. “I will be soon.”

  “Oh, well, no problem. What I have to say won’t take long.”

  Daniel hoped not. He was expecting Isabella and Thomas and Amanda Wright within a matter of minutes. Daniel didn’t want to explain their visit to Chilton. It would be difficult enough if any members of the ton got wind of this afternoon tea.

  He was playing with fire again, but it seemed that was all he had done since he first met Isabella. The strange thing to him was that he really didn’t mind. The more time he spent with her, the more he wanted to spend time with her.

  “Can we talk about it later, Chilton? I’m in a bit of a rush to get some things done.”

  Chilton eyed him warily. “Are you all right? You seem restless.”

  “No, no. I’m fine.”

  “Good, because this really is important, it’s about Gretchen.”

  Daniel tensed. Was it possible Chilton heard something about Gretchen and Throckmorten? “All right. Tell me.”

  “May I sit down?”

  No. There’s no time.

  Daniel said, “Of course.”

  Chilton took one of the wing chairs in front of the settee and Daniel took the other. He tried to relax into the chair but found himself trying several different positions, unable to sit still while he waited for Chilton to speak.

  “Are you sure you’re all right?” Chilton glanced around the room again as if he expected to see someone or something that looked out of place. “You’re acting rather strangely.”

  “Yes, I’m sure I’m fine,” Daniel said, trying to keep his exasperation out of his voice. “What have you heard about Gretchen?”

  “Heard? Nothing. Why? Is something wrong with her?”

  “No. I thought you must have heard—Never mind about that. What did you want to say?”

  “I really think I need a splash of brandy, Daniel.”

  “Is it that bad?”

  “What?” Chilton asked.

  “What you have to tell me about Gretchen.”

  “I don’t think it’s bad at all, but I have no idea what you will think. Offering me a brandy is usually the first thing you do when I come over, and the one time I really need it, you don’t.”

  There’s no time.

  Holding on to his temper and his patience, Daniel rose and strode over to the sideboard. He took the top off the decanter and poured a spatter of brandy in a glass, barely covering the bottom. He didn’t have time for his friend to kick back and relax with the fine brandy.

  Daniel handed him the glass. “Just tell me what you have to say.”

  Chilton took the glass and looked at the undersized amount in the glass and then back at Daniel. Daniel remained quiet and took his seat and pretended not to notice.

  Chilton downed the contents in one swallow and placed the glass on the barrel-shaped table that stood between the chairs.

  Suddenly he rose from the chair and said, “I think I’d rather stand.”

  “Fine, we’ll stand,” Daniel said.

  What he had to say must be really bad, Daniel thought. His stomach clenched. Why didn’t Chilton just spit it out? Rising, he faced his friend and said, “Chilton, you are the one who is acting strange. Get on with the reason you came over here.”

  “I want to ask for Gretchen’s hand.”

  “To do what?” Daniel quizzed him.

  “To marry her.”

  Daniel’s breathing halted in his throat, and he took a step back. “Marry Gretchen? What do you mean, you want to marry her? I don’t have time for this foolishness today, Chilton.”

  “This is no game. I’m asking for Gretchen’s hand in marriage.”

  Daniel looked at his friend as if he’d lost his mind. Chilton was handsome, from a titled family, and he had a generous yearly income from his fat
her that more than took care of his needs, and he looked serious.

  “Why?”

  “Damnation, Daniel, why do you think? She’ll make me a good wife. You know I’ve always been quite fond of her.”

  “I know that,” he said quickly. He was just too stunned to know what to say. “You’ve always treated her like a sister—not a wife.”

  “I’ve had no reason to treat her like a wife. She’s just turned old enough to marry. Daniel, I know you must be thinking I haven’t given this any thought.”

  “Well… I haven’t had time to think anything, but yes that would cross my mind.”

  “I’ve been considering this since the first party of the Season. It was the first time I saw Gretchen as a woman, not as your little sister. She’s become a charming and lovely young lady.”

  Daniel had noticed how lovely Gretchen was, but he’d never expected Chilton to be interested in her. He had been pushing Tom Wright and Harry Pepperfield, and he had considered a dozen other men who might be suitable for Gretchen. He had never once considered his best friend married to his sister.

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “How about something appropriate.”

  There’s no time.

  But Daniel had to ask one more question. “What about the married lady you were involved with?”

  “That’s not what I had in mind, but it’s a fair question. I told you it’s been over between us for a year. I only continued to pay Throckmorten to protect her. I’ve been thinking about Gretchen since before you returned. I just hadn’t made a decision. It’s taken a while, but I’ve finally decided I need to get on with my life. I need to marry, and I can’t think of anyone I would rather marry than Gretchen.”

  He’d been thinking about marrying Gretchen for weeks? “But what about love?”

  Chilton smiled. “But you see, Daniel, I do love Gretchen. Maybe not with an all-consuming passion, but I know her, and I like who she is. I want to make her happy.”

  What more could Daniel ask for in a husband for his sister than that the man wanted to make her happy?

  “I would like to call on her tomorrow and make my intentions known. I wanted to go with your permission and your blessings.”

  Daniel reached out and grabbed Chilton and hugged him, clapping him on the back several times before letting go of his friend. Daniel needed time to think this through, and time was what he didn’t have right now.

  “You sly fox! Of course, you have my permission and my blessings.”

  He put his arm around Chilton’s shoulder and started walking with him to the door. “This is the best news I’ve had since returning home. Why don’t we meet at White’s later tonight after the parties and we’ll share a bottle?”

  “All right. I would like to know how you think Gretchen will react.”

  “No reason to worry about that. I know Gretchen will be pleased to have you call on her.” Daniel stopped in the foyer and picked up Chilton’s hat, cloak, and gloves and gave them to him.

  “You really think so?”

  He opened the front door and ushered him out. “I’m certain she’s secretly loved you for years, Chilton, but she never thought she had a chance because of her poor sight.”

  “That’s never bothered me. I’ve always told her to wear the spectacles so she can see where she’s going.”

  Daniel clapped him on the shoulder again. “I’m really pleased about this, Chilton. I’ll see you later in the evening.”

  Daniel felt relief that he was leaving, but he also felt happiness. Imagine his best friend wanting to marry Gretchen. Nothing would please Daniel more.

  He watched Chilton bound into his carriage like a man well-pleased with his mission. Now he had more reason than ever to get the problem of Throckmorten’s death cleared up as soon as possible.

  As Chilton’s carriage drove away, the Wrights’ carriage pulled to a stop at the curb.

  ***

  The cakes and sandwiches were delicious and the blend of tea was rich and flavorful. Isabella was impressed with how well the afternoon had progressed.

  She and Daniel sat in chairs that stood opposite the dark green brocade settee that held Thomas and Amanda Wright. The parlor was small and cozy. A fire burned in the fireplace and took the bite out of a day that was dreary with gray skies and a cool wind.

  The conversation between the four had remained constant primarily because of Daniel talking to Mr. Wright about horses, Parliament, and their latest wagers at White’s. Isabella had managed to keep a nervous-acting Amanda’s interest by talking about books they’d read, embroidery, and the latest fashion.

  But soon the cups were empty, and the conversations were winding down. It was time to broach the intended subject for the afternoon.

  Isabella looked at Daniel, and he gave her a nod. She put her teacup aside. It was time to begin.

  “Amanda, I have something you lost.” From her pocket, Isabella pulled out the handkerchief that she found near where they had found Mr. Throckmorten’s body.

  Amanda’s eyes lit with unconcealed surprise. She looked at her brother and gave him a smile of relief before taking the handkerchief.

  “I’m so happy to have it back. It’s the handkerchief my grandmother gave me.” Relief washed down her face as she hugged it to her breast. “Thank you, Isabella.”

  “So it is yours?”

  “Oh, yes. I didn’t realize I’d left it at your house. I’ve been so worried.” She looked back to her brother. “I—I thought I had lost it somewhere else.”

  “I didn’t find it at my house, Amanda,” Isabella said. “Where did you think you had lost it?”

  “It doesn’t matter now where she thought she lost it,” Tom said, inserting himself into the conversation. “I know she’s happy to have it back.”

  “It does matter, Tom,” Daniel said, speaking up for the first time.

  Mr. Wright swallowed hard. Amanda jerked her head around to her brother again. “That’s right. I don’t know where I lost it, do I, Tom?”

  “No.” Tom took hold of his sister’s hand and squeezed it. “She had no idea where it could be when she told me it was missing.”

  He rose from the settee and pulled Amanda with him. Isabella and Daniel rose, too.

  “I think you know exactly where she lost it,” Isabella said. “And it’s time you tell the authorities.”

  Anger flared in Mr. Wright’s eyes. “That’s an absurd statement, Miss Winslowe.”

  “Is it, Tom?” Daniel asked, taking a step closer to Isabella. “We don’t think so. We believe Amanda knows exactly what happened to Throckmorten.”

  Amanda clutched the front of her brother’s coat. Her eyes were wild with fear. “Tell them no, Tom, tell them I don’t know what happened.”

  Mr. Wright took hold of her shoulders and gently shook her. “Amanda, calm down. Everything will be all right.” He looked up at Daniel. “I must take her home. She doesn’t know what she’s saying.”

  “Tom, you need to let her tell us what happened to Boswell Throckmorten.”

  “Mr. Throckmorten?” Mr. Wright’s eyes widened and his gaze jumped from Isabella to Daniel. “Why did you mention him? We… I don’t know what you mean. I have no idea how he was killed.”

  “We think you do,” Isabella said. “We want to help you and Amanda, but you must tell us everything.”

  “We don’t know what you’re talking about. Now, excuse me. I have to take Amanda home.”

  Daniel blocked his way. “No. I can’t let you leave until you tell us the truth about what happened in Lord Gleningwold’s garden.”

  “What is this?” Anger twisted his face and his voice rose. “You had us over here on the pretext that you wanted to talk to me about your sister. And now all you want to do is make accusations. We won’t stand here and be insulted.”

  Daniel remained firm. “We know Amanda was in Lord Gleningwold’s garden with Throckmorten. Her handkerchief was found near his body. If you don’t tell us w
hat happened so we can help you, I’ll have to go to the authorities, and you won’t have my help.”

  Isabella looked into Amanda’s frightened eyes. “You and your brother are going to need a good word from the Earl of Colebrooke.”

  “It was my fault,” Amanda said, with tears streaming down her cheeks. “Tom was only trying to protect me.”

  “Amanda, be quiet.”

  “No. I can’t. I won’t.” She jerked away from her brother. “It’s my fault Mr. Throckmorten is dead. I stabbed him.”

  “Amanda, don’t do this.” He turned to Daniel. “That’s not true. What she said is not true. She didn’t stab him, I did.”

  “Let me tell them what happened,” she said.

  Mr. Wright turned angrily on his sister. “No. You don’t have to do this. No one knows what happened.”

  “I do. I know that your life will be ruined if I don’t tell the truth.”

  “My life be damned, Amanda. I don’t care about it. It’s you who must be safe.”

  “Tom,” Daniel said calmly but firmly. “Let Amanda say what she wants to.”

  “I’m her guardian. It’s my job to protect her even if it’s from herself.”

  “I know that, and you have. But in this matter you must let her talk.”

  Tom took a loud sighing breath and lowered his head.

  Amanda began, “Mr. Throckmorten asked me to dance two evenings in a row. I couldn’t believe someone so handsome was interested in me. When he asked me to meet him secretly, I accepted because I thought he was going to announce that he loved me. I let him kiss me, but he never mentioned love or marriage. And he never asked me to dance again.”

  “Amanda, you don’t have to do this. Please don’t do this,” her brother said again.

  She paid him no mind but continued as if he hadn’t spoken to her. “I saw him walking around Lord Gleningwold’s party looking so debonair and smiling at everyone. I started following him. That’s when I overheard him telling another gentleman that it was time to pay up his wager. I listened and realized that he had made a bet with the other man that he could get kisses from all the ladies who attended Miss Winslowe’s Wallflowers Society.”