A Little Mischief by Amelia Grey Page B

after the afternoon’s events.”
    A chill splintered through Isabella, and she didn’t like where her thoughts were heading. Gretchen had admitted to her that she’d arranged the meeting with Mr. Throckmorten in her garden. The man was in attendance this evening. Could it be possible that Gretchen had planned another secret rendezvous even after what had happened this afternoon in the garden?
    Isabella didn’t want to alarm Lord Colebrooke, but she had to ask, “As you looked for Gretchen, did you by chance see Mr. Throckmorten in any of the rooms?”
    His worry faded into an angry scowl, and Isabella was sure she’d voiced what he’d been thinking.
    “No, I’ve been looking for him all evening and I keep missing him.”
    “Well, then,” Isabella said, taking charge, “perhaps we should take a walk outside and tour the gardens to see whom we may find.”
    She felt him tense more as he said, “What are you suggesting, Miss Winslowe?”
    “I think you know what I’m saying, sir. Now, do you want to find Gretchen or do you want to pretend there is no way she would defy you and the rules of convention and take an unapproved walk with a gentleman?”
    “I’m capable of looking in the garden. I don’t need your help.”
    “But if she is indeed there, Gretchen might need the comfort of a lady when you find her. I’m going with or without your permission.”
    “Very well, but don’t offer any comment. This really isn’t any of your concern.”
    “I wouldn’t dream of interfering.”
    Lord Colebrooke chuckled and Isabella felt her spirits lift. It was a beautiful sound that settled around her and made her feel wonderful all over. For a brief moment, in laughter, his face was completely free of concern and disdain, and she glimpsed the man all the young ladies had lost their hearts to. He was so magnificent she was left breathless.
    Isabella was as captivated by him as the young ladies she’d just left.
    “Come along, Miss Winslowe,” he said. “We’ve no time to waste.”
    Side by side they worked their way through the crowded rooms toward the French windows that led to the back gardens. Their progress was delayed. Lord Colebrooke was stopped by a duchess, an earl, and three pushy mamas all wanting to make introductions. They finally stepped through the patio doors and outside.
    Isabella saw the evening was heavy with a smoky gray mist. Several people were outside talking and laughing, while others milled around the abundant grounds of the house. The Earl of Gleningwold’s house was famous for its gardens with its great walls of yew. His great-grandfather had purposefully made the house small so that he would have more area to plant his trees, shrubs, and flowers.
    The grounds were noted for their nooks, crannies, and arbors that led into rooms of lush greenery. There were two lily ponds and a two-tiered fountain on the premises and three well-manicured knot gardens. It was a spectacular place to visit during the day, but on an evening like this the high yews and shrubs made it all appear ominous.
    It was the perfect garden for a couple to wander the grounds and find a spot to hide so they could steal a few kisses. And tonight’s low-lying mist added an extra unexpected cover.
    Isabella stopped at the top of the limestone steps and asked, “Should we part and you take one side and I the other?”
    Lord Colebrooke shook his head as he carefully looked at the other couples who were outside. “No. I think the best way to handle this is for you and me to appear as though we are strolling through the gardens conversing.”
    She held back a smile that threatened her lips and said, “Oh, you mean you want us to walk around and talk as if we approve of each other?”
    A half grin lifted one corner of his mouth. “That would be a stretch, wouldn’t it?”
    “Yes, I suppose it would, but for Gretchen, I’m willing to make the sacrifice.”
    Isabella let the cool air of night fill her lungs as she lifted