with Vanneck, but in the role of my fiance, you can certainly do
so."
What the devil are you talking about now?"
It is quite simple, my lord." She gave him a blinding smile." You
will tell Vanneck that you do not wish to risk a large portion of
your own funds to finance an expedition. You will, however, allow
him to become your partner. If he can come up with the money to
secure his share of the bargain!
Good God." Matthias was awed in spite of himself.
Don't you see? The effect will be the same as I had originally
intended. Vanneck will still need to form a consortium to get his
hands on the money he needs. And he will still be ruined when the
expedition fails."
Matthias gazed at her in bemused wonder." Do you ever give
up, Imogen?"
Never, my lord. My parents taught me to persevere."
Chapter 9
I shall not beat about the bush, my lord." Light glinted angrily on
the lenses of Horatia's spectacles as she confronted Matthias from
the other side of his desk." I came here today to find out just what
sort of game you are playing with my niece."
Matthias steepled his fingers and gave her a deliberately quizzical smile." Game?"
What would you call this announcement of an engagement?"
I thought you would be pleased, madam. The engagement will
put an end to her dangerous scheme. Is that not what you
wanted?"
Do not be so certain that it will end the matter," Horatia
retorted." You know very well that she is already devising a way to
go forward with her plans to ruin Vanneck."
Yes, but her latest scheme requires more than just my assistance. It requires my complete cooperation in a false business
venture. I do not intend to provide it."
Horatia frowned." What do you mean?"
I have no intention of luring Vanneck into a partnership. I
doubt that he would consider such an alliance, even if I were will
ing to offer it. Not even for the sake of the Queen's Seal. We are
natural enemies, Vanneck and I, not allies. Calm yourself. All will
be well."
Don't tell me to calm myself. You sound just like Imogen when
you say that."
Matthias shrugged." The thing ends here, Horatia."
Ends? For God's sake, you have announced a formal engage
ment, Colchester. You know what that means. Where does that
leave Imogen?"
Engaged."
She stared at him in mounting fury." Do not jest with me, sir. We
are speaking of a young woman whose reputation has been
savaged enough as it is. How do you think she will fare when you
call off the engagement?"
Something tells me that Imogen would survive the end of our
engagement quite nicely. She is never without resources, is she?
But as it happens, I do not intend to call it off. Nor do I plan to
allow her to do so."
Horatia's mouth opened and closed. And then it firmed into a
straight line." Are you implying that your intentions are . are
Honorable?"
Well?" she challenged." Are they?"
You needn't look so stunned. The answer is yes." Matthias
briefly glanced down at the Zamarian scroll that he had been
studying when Horatia was shown into the library a few minutes
earlier. Then he met Horatia's eyes." I do believe they are."
You intend to wed Imogen?"
Why does that surprise you?"
Sir, in spite of your unfortunate past and your even more
unpleasant reputation, you are the Earl of Colchester. Everyone
knows you possess a vast income and an impeccable lineage. To be
blunt, you can look a good deal higher than a young woman of
Imogen's birth and fortune when you set out to find a wife."
You have assured me that through you she is connected to the
Marquess of Blanchford."
Don't be ridiculous." Horatia snorted." That connection is
extremely remote and well you know it. She is not in line for a
single penny of his money. Furthermore, thanks to her eccentric
parents, she lacks the social skills one expects in a countess. And
on top of everything else, she has been thoroughly compromised,
first by Vanneck and now by you. How can you expect me to
believe that you are serious?"
I think she will make me an excellent wife. The only difficulty
that I can see lies in convincing her of that fact."
Horatia stared at him, clearly baffled." I don't understand you,
sir."
Then you must trust me. I give you my oath that I intend to
marry Imogen. The engagement is not a charade. At least, not on
my part."
Is this another one of your famous promises, sir?" Horatia
asked with deep suspicion." The sort you are said to keep at all
costs?"
Yes. It is." Matthias felt the conviction in his bones.
He waited until the library door closed behind Horatia before he
got to his feet. He carefully rerolled the scroll and set it aside.
Then he walked around the edge of his desk and crossed the room
to where the brandy decanter stood on the small inlaid table.
He splashed brandy into a glass and raised it in a mocking toast
to the statue of Zamaris." It won't be easy, you know. She has no
intention of marrying me at the moment. But I have one clear
advantage over her. I have very few scruples to hinder me and
almost no gentlemanly instincts. Just ask anyone."
Zamaris looked down on him with the complete understanding
that only one male who lives in the shadows, surrounded by
ghosts, could offer to another.
Matthias went to stand in front of the fire. He did not know
precisely when the notion of marrying Imogen had formed in his
mind. He only knew that he wanted her with a passion that was
equaled only by his feelings for lost Zamar.
Imogen was his Anizamara, his lady of sunlight, life, and
warmth. She was the one who could hold the ghosts at bay.
And thus my investigations have shown that while there were
certainly some Greek and Roman influences on the manners and
customs of ancient Zamar, much of the literature and architecture
of the people of that island was unique."
Matthias tossed aside the last of his notes with a sense of relief.
He gripped the edges of the podium and looked out over the large
audience that had gathered to hear him." That concludes my talk
on lost Zamar." He forced himself to add politely," I shall be happy
to answer a few questions."
Polite applause rang out across the crowded lecture hall. With
the exception of Imogen, who sat in the front row, no one clapped
with a great deal of enthusiasm. Matthias was not surprised. He
had not gone there to entertain. He had been intent only on
impressing the one person in the crowd who could appreciate his
research and conclusions: I. A. Stone.
Imogen, he noted, was applauding with gratifying energy.
As a rule, Matthias dreaded these events. Ever since Zamar had
become fashionable, the crowd that gathered to hear him speak
had been increasingly composed of the dabblers, amateurs, and
&n
bsp; dilettantes he detested. He was well aware that the interest of the
vast majority of the people sitting in front of him was superficial,
at best. But that day he had lectured to a worthy rival, and
Matthias was already anticipating Imogen's rebuttal.
He glanced down at her as the applause diminished. She glowed
in her seat, a bright, lively beacon in a chamber filled with dim,
sputtering candles. Desire crashed through Matthias with the
force of lightning. He would have her for his own. All he had to do
was play his cards carefully. In her innocence and naivete, she
stood no more chance of evading him than Anizamara did of elud
ing Zamaris. He took a deep breath. His hands flexed on the sides
of the podium. He would take the lead in this waltz. Whatever
happiness he was fated to discover in life depended upon it.
Imogen was wearing another of her Zamarian-green gowns and
a matching green pelisse trimmed with dolphins and shells. Her
heavy hair was anchored beneath a massive green bonnet.
Matthias allowed himself to bask in the admiration he saw in
her wide, intelligent eyes. Intelligent, but so innocent. He reflected
on the fascinating accusations she had made during the drive
through the park yesterday. Rather than admit to the passion that
flared between them whenever they kissed, Imogen had actually
convinced herself that he had employed secret Zamarian love
making techniques.
The last of the applause finally dissolved. Imogen leaned
forward slightly in her chair, clasped her hands in her lap, and
watched Matthias with rapt attention as he prepared to take questions from the audience. He had a fleeting, highly imaginative
vision of her gazing up at him with a similar expression from the
depths of the Zamarian dolphin sofa in his library. He was
abruptly and profoundly grateful for the large wooden podium
that shielded the lower portion of his anatomy from the view of
the audience.
A portly man seated toward the back of the room hove to his
feet and cleared his throat very loudly." Lord Colchester, I have an
inquiry."
Matthias stifled a groan." Yes?"
You said nothing in the course of your lecture on the possible
influence of Chinese society on the manners and customs of
ancient Zamar."
Matthias saw Imogen roll her eyes. He knew precisely how she
felt. Few things were more annoying than foolish questions.
That is because there is no discernible influence," he said
unequivocally.
But wouldn't you say, sir, that the characteristics of the
Zamarian script bear a striking resemblance to Chinese writing?"
None whatsoever."
The questioner grumbled and sat down.
Another man rose. He scowled at Matthias." Lord Colchester, I
could not help but notice that you failed to discuss the notion put
forth by Watley that Zamar was actually an ancient English
colony."
Matthias endeavored to hold on to his patience. It was not easy.
Sir, the theory that Zamar was a lost English colony is as
misguided, wrongheaded, and idiotic as the notion that Egypt was
also an ancient outpost of this nation. No respectable scholar gives
credence to either of those two opinions."
Imogen jumped to her feet. Her elbow caught the large reticule
of the lady seated next to her and sent it flying. Matthias watched
with interest as a brief flurry of activity ensued in the front row.
Oh, dear," Imogen muttered. She bent down to retrieve the
fallen reticule." Do forgive me, madam."
Quite all right." the lady said." Quite all right."
Imogen straightened and turned her attention back to
Matthias. Her eyes gleamed with determination." Lord Colchester,
I wish to ask a question."
Of course, Miss Waterstone." Matthias leaned negligently
against the podium and smiled down at her with anticipation.
What is it you wish to ask?"
In your book on the manners and customs of ancient Zamar
you include several sketches which you copied from the walls of
the Zamarian library."
Indeed."
One of those sketches distinctly shows a wedding ritual. In it
the bride and groom appear to be receiving tablets inscribed with
poetry. Would you say that the scene implies that Zamarian
marriages were founded upon a notion of true equality between
the sexes and that a strong metaphysical communion existed
between husbands and wives?"
No, Miss Waterstone, I would not draw any such conclusion,"
Matthias said." The scene on the wall of the Zamarian library was
a metaphorical painting of the Zamarian goddess of wisdom
giving the gift of writing to the ancient Zamarians."
Are you quite certain that it was not a wedding ritual? It seems
to me that the inscription on the tablets in the lady's hand consti
tute a wedding contract of some sort."
As it happens, Miss Waterstone, I was fortunate enough to
discover an actual Zamarian marriage scroll."
A murmur of interest went through the crowd.
Imogen's eyes widened with excitement." What was contained
in the scroll, sir?"
Matthias smiled. The inscriptions were more in the nature of
instructions. They were accompanied by some extremely detailed
drawings."
Imogen's brows drew together in a quizzical frown.
Instructions? On the respective rights and obligations of
husbands and wives, do you mean?"
Not exactly," Matthias said." The text provides directions and
practical advice on certain delicate matters pertaining to the intimate side of the married state. Personal matters, if you take my
meaning, madam."
Titters, chuckles, and a few embarrassed laughs broke out
across the crowd. Several older ladies frowned. A number of
younger ones displayed a fresh interest in the discussion.
Imogen fitted her hands to her hips and began to tap the toe of
one little kid half-boot. She glowered at those around her and
then at Matthias." No, my lord, I do not take your meaning.
Precisely what sort of advice is on that scroll?"
The inscriptions advise married couples on specific techniques
designed to ensure that both husband and wife find happiness and
satisfaction in the marital bedchamber. And that is all I intend to
say on the matter, Miss Waterstone."
There were several shocked gasps from the crowd. The titters
and chuckles in the back row grew louder. Imogen lowered her
brows and looked as if she were preparing to fire another question. Matthias moved quickly to forestall it.
He drew his watch from his waistcoat pocket and surveyed the
time with an air of surprise." Ah, I see that the hour is concluded.
I thank you all for your kind attention." He scooped up his notes
and started to descend from the podium.
Imogen met him as he reached the last step. Her eyes were
sparkling with determination." A very exciting talk, my lord."
Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Oh, I did. Immensely. I was particularly taken with your obser
vations concerni
ng the pictures on the walls of the Zamarian
library. How I wish I could have accompanied you when you
discovered it."
I would have liked to have had your opinions," he said honestly.
About that marriage scroll you mentioned, I would very much
like to view it, if I may."
I have never made it available to other scholars," he said with
slow deliberation." But I might be willing to make an exception in
your case."
Imogen brightened." Would you, Matthias? That would be
wonderful. When may I see it?"
I'll let you know when it's convenient."
Her face fell." I trust you will not delay too long, sir. I am impatient to study it."
A charming thought."
I beg your pardon?"
Never mind." Matthias smiled." In the meantime, you might
find a private tour of the Zamarian Society's museum interesting."
Extremely interesting," Imogen said." But it has been closed to
the public since I arrived in London."
That is because the trustees of the Zamarian Society are
preparing to move the collection into a larger chamber. At the
moment the museum is actually more of a storage room. But I
have a key. I shall be happy to serve as your guide."
Imogen's face lit up once more." That would be thrilling."
He glanced around the rapidly emptying room. Only a handful
of people remained and those few would soon be gone. He
removed a key from his pocket.
I see no reason why we cannot tour the museum now." He
paused." If you are free, that is."
Yes, indeed. Perfectly free, sir."
The door to the museum is just around the corner." Matthias
indicated the direction with a slight inclination of his head.
Beneath the staircase.
How exciting." Imogen set off toward the museum entrance at
such a brisk pace that the skirts of her gown whipped about her
ankles.
Matthias barely managed to grab hold of her arm before she
vanished around the corner." I fear you must wait for me, my dear.
I've got the key."
I hope you will not dawdle, sir."
No, but neither do I intend to gallop across the hall."
She sighed." I keep forgetting that you are not inclined toward
athletic activity."
I try to compensate in other areas." Matthias guided her around
the corner and beneath the broad staircase that gave access to the
upper floors of the Zamarian Institution.
When they reached the door to the museum, he drew Imogen
Amanda Quick - Mischief.txt Page 17
