A Code of Love (The Code Breakers 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

brain. “Just a mild acquaintance.”
    Amelia responded with an unladylike snort.
    “It is fabulous to meet friends of my brother on my first outing in London. He isn’t expecting us until tomorrow. We’d hoped to surprise him, but his work keeps him away from the house,” Lady Gwyneth said.
    “I’m sure he’ll be pleased to have you join him. Will the rest of your family come as well?” Henrietta asked.
    “I’ve only my brother and Aunt Euphemia. My parents are deceased.”
    Amelia patted the young woman on the arm. “How wonderful to have your brother to escort you for the season’s activities.”
    “He’s going to be bored, attending all the balls and soirees, but he has promised to attend any affair I choose. He’s the best brother.”
    The modiste directed Amelia to a changing room. “Miss Amelia, please, we must get to your final fitting if I’m to finish your gown for tonight’s ball.”
    “Is there a ball tonight, Lady Henrietta?” Lady Gwyneth asked.
    “Tonight is the Wentworth Ball.”
    Henrietta and Lady Gwyneth proceeded to sit on tiny gilded chairs, padded with fluffy down pillows.
    “You must see Amelia’s dress. She designed it herself. She has a wonderful sense for the dramatic,” Henrietta said.
    “I wish I were going to the ball tonight.” With a heavy sigh, the young woman sat back against the tiny chair.
    Henrietta smiled, remembering her own excitement for her first ball. “Your first ball. How very thrilling, Lady Gwyneth.”
    The young woman’s face spread in a wide grin. “Please, you must call me Gwyneth.” Her eyes, after closer inspection, were more the color of ginger snaps than chocolate, Henrietta decided.
    “And I’m Henrietta.”
    “Tell me about when you met my brother. Was it before his travels to the Continent?”
    “I met your brother in my first season. I believe we might have shared a dance.” His sister would be ignorant of his wild reputation.
    “You met him during his wild oats days—which is how my aunt refers to those years. Neither my aunt nor Cord will give me any details. Please tell me what was he like? Dashing?”
    Gwyneth was as animated and volatile as Edward, rushing into feelings and conversations without any sense of propriety. Lord Rathbourne would be appalled if he heard his sister’s comments.
    Amelia stepped out of the changing room, wrapped in a diaphanous slip of a dress. The gossamer creation of violet silk tissue was draped across one of her shoulders. The cool purple fabric shot with silver enhanced Amelia’s red hair and pale white skin. Fitted at the bust line, the dress floated to the floor in a heap of luxurious color, like the fields of lavender in Provence.
    “Do you like it?” Amelia turned full circle, allowing her skirts to billow around her ankles.
    “You’re stunning. You’ve outdone yourself.” Henrietta jumped up from her chair to hug her friend. “I’m jealous of all your talent.”
    “Your talent serves a greater purpose.” Amelia’s voice warmed to their familiar dispute.
    “Your talent graces the world with beauty,” Henrietta replied.
    “Now you’ve stirred my interests. I see Amelia’s talents, but what are yours, Henrietta?” Gwyneth asked.
    “Henrietta tries to keep it a secret, but she is devoted to linguistics. The entire Harcourt family is gifted, but she outshines them all,” Amelia said.
    “Gwyneth isn’t interested in my talents. Amelia, turn around again. The fabric seems to have been made by fairies.”
    Gwyneth stood and walked around Amelia. “The dress is wonderful and you look magnificent.” She whispered, “I should have you design my ball gowns but I don’t think Aunt Euphemia would allow it.”
    All three chuckled, aware that demure and white was de rigueur for a debutante.
    Madame De Puis pulled Amelia aside to discuss minor alterations to the gown.
    Henrietta and Gwyneth sat back down. “Do you know what your family has planned for your first appearance in