A Little Mischief by Amelia Grey Page A

catch the eye of a gentleman.”
    The face of Lord Colebrooke etched across Isabella’s mind, and suddenly her undergarments felt too tight. She remembered his scent, the feel of his breath on her cheeks as he stood so close their noses almost touched. She remembered how charming he looked when he was trying to hold back a smile.
    Isabella set her cup on the table and mentally shook herself. “But remember, I’m not trying to catch anyone’s attention.”
    “Yes, you are, young lady. It’s past time you married.”
    “You above all know I’m not interested in obtaining a husband.”
    “Balderdash.” Auntie Pith beamed with pride as she gave the gown to her maid and said, “Susan, take this upstairs and place it on my niece’s bed. We’ll be up shortly to dress for the evening.”
    Auntie Pith turned back to Isabella. “There is no doubt that you will catch every young gentleman’s eye tonight.”
    “Why would I want to do that?”
    “Because you need a husband to take care of you, young lady. Lest you forget, dear girl, this is your third Season. This one does not need to end without a match.”
    “What will happen if it does? Will I then be considered a spinster? If so, let it happen quickly so I can be on my own, where I can finally be able to make some of my own decisions.”
    A hurt expression spread across her aunt’s face. “Have I not given you plenty of room to make your own decisions about the parties we attend, your clothing, and your Reading Society?”
    Isabella smiled and took hold of her aunt’s hand. “Yes, and you have been so wonderful to me. You are a very special person. That’s why I want to be like you.”
    Auntie Pith patted her cheek affectionately. “But you are not like me, Isabella. You are young and beautiful and you need a husband and children.”
    “You have done quite well without either.”
    “But we are not talking about me. We’re discussing you. I know it is only that the right gentleman has not caught your fancy.”
    Suddenly Lord Colebrooke crossed her mind again. Why couldn’t she get him out of her thoughts? Yes, he was handsome and his brashness made him intriguing, but he had the temperament of a wild boar.
    Auntie Pith took off her cloak, gloves, and bonnet. “No doubt if your father were here, you would already be wed. I remember that during last Season, no less than three gentlemen expressed interest in making a match with you. Any one of them would have made you a perfectly charming husband.”
    “But I’m perfectly happy with my life as it is now.” Why would she want a husband who would restrict her life? As a spinster she would answer to no one. But to her aunt she said, “I’m certain the three who offered were more interested in my dowry than me.”
    “That’s not true. Viscount Traywick has no need of your dowry.”
    “Well, if I should fall in love with him, I’d be happy to marry him, but why would I want to marry without love?”
    “Of course, falling in love would be better, but that usually comes with time, Isabella. You marry because it’s expected of you. You should be looking forward to marriage.”
    “The only thing I’m looking forward to is being old enough to be off the marriage mart.”
    “Good heavens, I don’t think your father would allow that to happen.”
    “Then it’s my good fortune that Papa has not returned and insisted I marry.”
    “You shouldn’t be so hard on your father.”
    “I’m much happier here with you than I ever was at home.”
    Auntie Pith opened her mouth as if she was going to reprimand Isabella, but what she said was, “Let’s see what we have planned for tonight.” She picked up a stack of invitations. “The first party we’ll attend will be at the home of Sir Henry Vickery, and from there we’ll go to Lord Gleningwold’s. That should be a delicious affair with all the right people there.” She looked up at Isabella. “Oh, I almost forgot. I’ve heard that the Earl of Colebrooke