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

society?”
    “Besides my introduction to the men of the ton?” Gwyneth’s perfect porcelain skin flushed with pink when she spoke of meeting men. She was going to have quite an effect on the gentlemen.
    “Not yet. My aunt and I’ll need to discuss my brother’s schedule with him. He’s very busy with his work. Of course, I must have fittings and get my wardrobe ready.” She breathed another heavy sigh.
    “Next week, Lady Chadwick is holding a soiree in support of the French émigrés, a few ladies who are concerned about the living conditions of the émigrés. A debutante is allowed to attend soirees before her presentation.”
    “Henrietta, are you starting on one of your causes?” Although in the changing room, Amelia heard the conversation and spoke through the gauzy curtain. “Which is it? Ancient Egypt, French émigrés? Beware, Gwyneth, next she’ll have you attending a dreadful talk on Greek civilization or…”
    “I’d love to attend a soiree, and I’m sure both my aunt and Cord are sympathetic to the plight of the émigrés. Cord works tirelessly for many causes. My aunt and I worry he works too hard,” Gwyneth said.
    This didn’t sound like the man Henrietta knew. Gwyneth leaned forward speaking in a hushed voice. “My aunt and I’ve come to town to find a wife for Cord. Of course, he doesn’t know. He believes he’s going to find a husband for me. My aunt and I both agree that I’m too young to settle down. I’m here for experience.”
    Henrietta bit the sides of her cheeks, trying hard not to laugh. Amelia chortled behind the curtain. The experience Gwyneth spoke of was meeting respectable gentlemen and exchanging innocent kisses.
    Gwyneth’s face had gone from pink to a bright red. “I don’t mean that kind of experience.”
    “We didn’t mean to embarrass you. When you get to know Amelia and me better, you’ll learn that we love to tease,” Henrietta said.
    Amelia hastily arrived from the changing area, adjusting her pelisse. “Do you have a specific lady in mind for your brother?”
    Henrietta hoped Gwyneth didn’t see Amelia’s raised eyebrows.
    “No, we’ve just come to town.” Gwyneth paused, turning toward Henrietta. “But I’m sure it won’t be difficult to find a pleasing lady.”
    Madame de Puis returned to the sitting area. “Lady Beaumont, shall we wait for your aunt before beginning your fitting?”
    “We can begin. I’m not sure what is delaying my aunt.” Gwyneth stood. “It has been a delight to meet both of you. I’ll plan to bring my brother and aunt to Lady Chadwick’s soiree.”
    Gwyneth curtsied as did Henrietta and Amelia. The young woman walked toward the change room then turned and winked at Amelia. Henrietta didn’t miss the conspiratorial sign.

 
    Chapter Four
     
    On the short walk back to Kendal House, Henrietta considered what retributions she was going to exact on her brother for Isabelle Villiers’ spite.
    Issabelle Villier— a stage name for sure. The woman had been offensive when she discovered Henrietta’s name was Harcourt. She was likely another of Michael’s McGregors.Why would Michael be attracted to a woman of that stamp? Henrietta considered Isabelle’s generous chest and snorted aloud as only a lady could.
    The moment Henrietta climbed the steps, the front door of Kendal House swung open and Mrs. Brompton bounded out, tendrils of gray hair hanging out of her tight chignon. “I’m glad you’re home. Lord Charles…” The housekeeper sobbed, unable to continue.
    Henrietta had never seen Mrs. Brompton this distraught. Her heart hammered against her chest, racing in spurts. “Is he ill?”
    “I’ve lost him. He’s nowhere to be found. It was such a fine morning that I served his tea in the garden. And now…” The woman gave another wrenching sob.
    Henrietta took Mrs. Brompton’s arm. “Let’s go inside.”
    “I left him for no more than a few minutes. He was sitting in the sunshine, reading out of one of his