Regency Spymasters 01 - Spy Fall Read Online Free PDF

staff.”
    “Quite right,” Dunsmore said between spoonfuls of soup, his dark, burnished hair in sharp contrast to the chamber’s melon-colored walls. “We’re a cozy bunch here at Langtry House.”
    Four servants, to be exact, as Mari had learned earlier from Sarah, the young maid, but daily workers often came up from the village. That meant many people came and went from the estate, which opened up more possibilities than Mari cared to contemplate.
    “And with the bridge washed out, we’re rather isolated at the moment,” Aldridge said.
    “No way out and no way in.” Dunsmore tossed a mischievous gaze in her direction. “We’re left to find imaginative ways to entertain ourselves.”
    Mari seized her opportunity. “Not exactly.”
    Aldridge paused while cutting his mutton. “Beg pardon?”
    “I, for one, did not make use of the bridge. I expect my fellow aeronauts to come for me posthaste, to assure themselves of my safety.”
    “It’s going to be raining parachutists all over Langtry?” Dunsmore cast a look toward the window. “I do hope none of them put a hole in the roof.”
    “No, I am the lone parachutist.” Mari focused her attention on Aldridge. “However, I expect the balloon pilot and his first mate to attend me soon.”
    Aldridge’s countenance brightened. “You mean to say they’ll land the balloon here?”
    “I do apologize for the intrusion,” she said. “But we must go to Barnsley.”
    “Barnsley?” Dunsmore intoned. “Egads, why would you go there?”
    “It is rather out of the way,” Aldridge said.
    “That is why we have chosen it. My uncle has organized a spectacular jump for me near Grosvenor Square in a few weeks.”
    “So the French have chosen to invade through the air.” Amusement laced Dunsmore’s words. “Diabolically clever plan.”
    “It is a demonstration of friendship, now that the peace treaty has been signed.” Mari prepared to reel them in. “We require a large open space in which to practice for the exhibition.”
    Aldridge leaned forward with palpable enthusiasm. “Of course, you must stay here.”
    That was easier than she’d anticipated. “I would not choose to impose.”
    “It is no imposition at all,” Aldridge said. “I would be most pleased to watch your endeavors. Do say you’ll persuade your fellow aeronauts to stay.”
    Dunsmore emitted a sigh. “Am I to understand you’ll repeatedly cut yourself loose from a balloon in preparation for this folly over Grosvenor Square?”
    “The balloon will ascend from the parade ground of St. George’s Volunteers near Grosvenor Square,” Mari said.
    “It is settled then.” A smile of genuine warmth softened the heavy lines in Aldridge’s face. “We have a comfortable cottage on the property. Your fellow aeronauts are welcome to take their ease there for the duration of your stay.”
    “You are most kind.” Feeling a surprising kinship with the older man, Mari mirrored his smile. “I will see if they are agreeable to altering our plans.” Scooping up a bite of pigeon pie, she savored its moist, rich taste, satisfied with what she’d accomplished in one day’s work.
    After dinner, Mari contentedly left the gentleman to their port and cigars. Determined to seize the opportunity to explore the house, she made her way down the parquet-floored corridor to the study near the back of the house, where she’d first met Aldridge. The absence of the usual number of servants in a manor this size worked to her advantage. A great deal more could be accomplished without worrying about prying eyes.
    Reaching the heavy wooden door, which had been left slightly ajar, she stepped inside the study and closed the door behind her. Fire snapped in the hearth, its shadows dancing against the damask wallpaper. She trod noiselessly across the worn Aubusson carpet, its vibrant jewel tones muted by time, and past Gothic-style, glass-fronted bookcases, pausing to study the portrait of a young woman hanging behind