Page 71 of Fortune Favors the Frivolous
Henry sent another glance across the lawn, where he could see Windermere deep in conversation with Mrs. Pike. They’d risen and were part way down the grassy slope. Venetia stoodat her aunt’s side, looking pale and distressed. Caroline was nowhere to be seen, likely still under her mama’s watchful eyes at the supper table.
Desperately, Henry fought for inspiration. Dependable Caroline was not here. And Rothbury had decided to leave at the most crucial moment? And Amelia, with her quiet good sense, was not here to state publicly what she’d learned regarding the so-called princess.
Maybe the best way to protect Venetia in the short term was simply to ensure there was not an equipage available that could whisk her so effectively out of reach as a hot-air balloon.
“Mr. Beaumont,” Henry said, “what would you say to another change of plans? One that might spare you any moral qualms about unwilling passengers, and would still provide for your wife’s care?”
The aeronaut regarded him thoughtfully. “I’d say I’m listening, sir.”
“The gentleman who approached you—Lord Windermere—is not someone whose orders should be followed. He intends harm to the lady in question.”
Beaumont’s simple face hardened. “I’ve no stomach for that sort of business.”
“Nor I. Which is why I propose that when the time comes, you and I ensure that the balloon carries a different pair of passengers altogether.”
“And who might that be, sir?”
Henry took a deep breath, hardly believing what he was about to suggest. “Myself and… someone else. Someone who deserves the chance to escape as much as I do.”
He thought of Caroline, of her desperate look as she was dragged away. Of all the pain and longing they had endured while trying to do the honorable thing for Venetia’s sake. Perhaps now, with his reputation already destroyed and theengagement effectively ended, they could seize this one chance at happiness.
“I’ll need your help, Mr. Beaumont. And I promise you’ll beverywell compensated for any inconvenience.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
“Eugenia, please don’tdo anything rash.”
Thornton’s hand on her arm might have made her stay. Any touch from him would have, under different circumstances. But now, Eugenia pulled away—not because she wanted distance, but because she needed to ensure nothing stood in the way of a more permanent kind of touch.
Yes, the wager.
Despite her wavering conscience over promoting a match between Miss Playford and Henry Ashworth, she had to win the wager if she were to enjoy Thornton’s continued company.
But that altercation she’d just witnessed didn’t bode well. Miss Playford, pale and frightened, was being led away by her aunt and Lord Windermere—the most dangerous threat of all.
The girl’s future could not lie with that man.
Eugenia quickened her pace, but as she drew closer, it was clear she couldn’t intervene. Mrs. Pike’s expression was grim, Lord Windermere had Miss Playford’s hand firmly clasped to his arm, and on his other side loomed the lout, Mr. Barnaby. Really, what Miss Charlotte Ashworth saw in that dull-eyed bully was beyond her. Not that it mattered now.
What mattered was preserving the tenuous balance that had existed ten minutes ago—before Windermere began closing in.
She overheard Mrs. Pike say, “Take her to the tent over there. Yes, she needs to recover after the great shock of Mr. Ashworth’s perfidy.” Clearly staged for any bystanders.
Eugenia, just feet away, could do nothing but step back.
Perhaps it was best to remain near the balloon. She turned toward the aeronaut, who was feeding coal into the brazier, its flames licking upward.
“Mr. Beaumont,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady, “there’s been a slight upset. May I remind you of your instructions? I trust you remember them?”
He gave her a bland, questioning look. “Of course, m’lady. I’m to take up the young lady and gentleman you pointed out earlier.”
“Andno one else,Mr. Beaumont. That is vital.”
He looked hesitant. But she was paying him handsomely. There wasn’t much more she could do.
Still, she couldn’t linger by the balloon as hostess of such a grand gathering. She returned to Thornton and Lady Pendleton, seated in cane chairs with glasses of champagne in hand.
Their looks were pitying.
