Quick, Amanda by Mischief Page A

lady take the lead."
    Indeed?"
    She cleared her throat discreetly. He said it heated the blood in
    his veins. The French are inclined to be romantic, you know."
    Indeed."
    Matthias was suddenly consumed by a fierce desire to know a
    great deal more about Imogen. He needed to find a place where
    they could have a private conversation, he decided. The gardens,
    perhaps.
    By dint of brute strength, he managed to bring her to a halt at
    the edge of the floor. Can I interest you in a breath of fresh air,
    Miss Waterstone?"
    Thank you, but I do not feel the need of any fresh air."
    Nonsense." He wrapped his fingers very firmly around her
    elbow and propelled her forcibly in the direction of the doors that
    opened onto the gardens. It is quite warm in here."
    Truly, sir, I am not at all overheated."
    I am."
    I beg your pardon?"
    I expect it was the thrill of having you take the lead on the
    dance floor. You did tell me that it has a tendency to overheat the
    blood."
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    Oh." Comprehension dawned on her face. Yes, indeed. I quite
    understand. Fresh air is exactly what you require, sir."
    Matthias plowed through the crowd with Imogen in tow. Just
    before he reached the doors, he was obliged to veer left to avoid
    an encounter with a cluster of curious onlookers.
    It was the sudden change of direction that apparently caused
    the small disaster. Imogen was unprepared. She collided with a
    footman carrying a tray of champagne glasses.
    There was a sharp exclamation from the footman. The tray
    slipped from his hands and fell to the floor. Glasses crashed and
    shattered. Champagne sprayed the gowns of the ladies who stood
    closest to the scene of the accident.
    One of the ladies, Matthias saw, was Theodosia Slott. Her eyes
    widened at the sight of him. Her mouth parted in shock. She put a
    hand to her full bosom.
    Colchester." Theodosia gave a muffled gasp, went quite pale,
    and slid to the floor in a graceful swoon.
    Bloody hell," Matthias said.
    An uproar ensued. The gentlemen looked nonplussed. They
    glanced from the fallen Theodosia to Matthias and back again
    with confused expressions. Several ladies sprang into action. They
    reached for their vinaigrettes even as they turned their deliciously
    horrified gazes on Matthias.
    On second thought, Miss Waterstone Matthias paused when
    he saw that Imogen had gone to her knees to help the footman
    pick up the broken glass. He hauled her effortlessly upright again.
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    I believe it's time to leave. This affair is about to become exceed
    ingly dull. Let's find your aunt and call your carriage."
    But I've only just arrived." Imogen peered back over her shoulder as Matthias marched her away from
    the shattered glass and
    the fallen woman. Who is that odd lady? I do believe she fainted
    at the sight of you, sir."
    My unfortunate reputation sometimes has that effect on
    people."

Chapter 5
    Matthias leaned into the carriage just before the footman closed
    the door. He pinned Imogen in the glow of the carriage lamps, his
    gaze grim with frustration. I wish to speak with you, Miss
    Waterstone. Obviously that is not possible tonight." He cast a
    brief, irritated glance over his shoulder at Lady Blunt's crowded
    front steps, where guests were arriving and departing in a scene of
    mild chaos. I shall call on you tomorrow at eleven. Make certain
    that you are at home."
    Imogen raised her brows at his cool presumption, but she told
    herself that she must make allowances. It had obviously been a
    trying evening for him, although for her part she thought things
    had gone rather well. I shall look forward to your visit, my lord."
    She gave him an encouraging smile, hoping to bolster his flag
    ging spirits, but the expression in his eyes merely darkened in
    response. He inclined his head in a brusquely civil farewell. The
    lamplight iced the streak of silver