Page 70 of Fortune Favors the Frivolous
“That she is, sir. Finest balloon in London, if I do say so myself.” Beaumont patted the basket with pride. “Been flying her for nigh on five years now, and she’s never let me down.”
Henry nodded absently, watching as the man checked a compass that was securely fastened to the rim of the basket.
“You’re preparing for a lengthy journey,” Henry observed, noting the provisions stored within.
Beaumont hesitated, giving Henry a shrewd look. “You know something of ballooning, sir?”
“Not really. I just wondered.”
The aeronaut straightened, wiping his hands on his trousers. “Well, since you ask… more than usual lengthy. Most unusual.”
“Oh?” Henry tried to sound merely curious as he hoped the aeronaut was as forthcoming as he had started out being. Perhaps he could be gently prodded into revealing more than he intended if Henry asked the right questions.
“But, of course, the balloon today will be up in the air and back down within the hour, since there will be a few guests eager to ascend.”
“Lady Townsend has arranged for a lottery to take just two.”
“Just two on a lengthy ascent?” Henry offered a colluding smile. “Lady Townsend is known for her outlandish matchmaking schemes. This sounds like the most outlandish of all. Why, I’d almost believe she thought she could whisk her chosen likely pair to—”
He stopped, the wind suddenly whooshing from his lips as he finished, “Gretna Green.”
No, surely not, he thought, however the aeronaut’s eyes had widened in surprise. “Got it in one, young man,” he said, snapping his fingers. “Well, I should say that her ladyship had planned a short ascent of less than an hour. But no sooner had she walked away than I had a visit from another party, offering a handsome sum to alter the arrangements.”
“Good lord! What sort of alterations?”
Beaumont lowered his voice, glancing around to ensure they weren’t overheard. “I’m to take the balloon free of its tethers once the passengers are aboard and fly north. As far as the winds will carry us, though the gentleman was most specific about wanting to reach Scotland.”
“Scotland?” Henry’s brows rose. “So, this gentleman specifically wants to go to Gretna Green?”
“The very place mentioned.” Beaumont nodded. “Though how he expects me to steer a balloon with such precision, I can’t say. We go where the winds take us, and that’s the truth of it. Still… anything to make a body happy.”
“But those aren’t Lady Townsend’s instructions, are they?”
“No, and nor do I have the wind to take us all the way to Scotland for they are beyond my control.”
“Then what will you do?”
The aeronaut shrugged as he turned back to tightening a rope. “I aim to please both parties. It’s the winds that will carry whoever hops in that basket when the conditions are right for the ascent.”
“And that’s what you told the gentleman?”
The aeronaut smiled. “I told the gentleman what he wanted to hear, o’ course.”
Henry looked about him, spying Venetia in the distance, flanked by her aunt and Lord Windermere.
“And the passengers? Did he specify who would be joining you?”
“A gentleman and a lady, that’s all I was told. Though I gathered the lady might be… reluctant.” Beaumont looked uncomfortable at this admission. “I don’t hold with forcing anyone, sir, but the payment was substantial. My wife’s been ailing, and the doctor’s bills… But, like I said,” he added, more comfortably, “I made no promises. It all depends on the winds.”
“Of course,” Henry murmured, his mind working furiously. Windermere had already succeeded in the first part of his evil plan: discrediting Henry.
Now he intended to force Venetia into an elopement—but instead of conveying her to Scotland in a carriage which could be waylaid, he planned to fly her there.
With her engagement to Henry broken and Henry’s reputation in tatters, Venetia would have no defender.
“When are you scheduled to depart?” Henry asked.
“Maybe an hour. Maybe three. Though I’ve orders to be ready when the signal comes.” Beaumont pointed to a red flag planted near the balloon’s tethers. “When that’s waved, I’m to prepare for immediate departure.”
