Forever My Love by Lisa Kleypas

Author:Lisa Kleypas [Kleypas, Lisa]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical
ISBN: 9780451401267
Publisher: Onyx
Published: 1988-11-15T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

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A s the blue tilt approached, Rosalie turned pale and began to tremble, as if she were prepared to face some terrible catastrophe. This reaction was so far removed from her previous anticipation that Mira was alarmed. "Do you feel faint?" she asked, looking at her closely.

Rosalie shook her head, her eyes shining with tears. "No… I… Don't worry. I'm a little overwrought, that's all."

Mira nodded, averting her gaze as Rosalie dabbed at her eyes, cleared her throat, and readjusted her composure until it was only slightly askew. The first man who stepped out of the tilt was only in his thirties, a solid fellow of middle height with a round, attractive face. He had a pleasant appearance and a gentle smile, his brown hair arranged in the conspicuous style of a practiced dandy, his dark eyes glowing warmly above an absurdly small nose.

"Lord Alvanley," Rosalie murmured, giving him her hand, which he raised gallantly to his lips. Later she told Mira that Alvanley was one of the most loyal friends Beau Brummell would ever have, interceding on his behalf again and again whenever Brummell most needed help.

"Lady Berkeley. Under any circumstances it is pleasure to see you," Alvanley said.

"Thank you, my lord. It is certainly a pleasure for me also. I would like to introduce you to Miss Mireile Germain, my fellow conspirator and Lord Berkeley's ward."

Alvanley took Mira's hand courteously, his smile increasing in warmth. "So you are the mysterious woman being kept so closely under wraps by the Berkeleys," he murmured. "A dear friend indeed, to be trusted with such a precious secret as this meeting. But I can see every reason why Lady Berkeley has placed such confidence in you."

Mira lowered her eyes in what she hoped was an appropriately shy manner. Since Alvanley was a leading social figure in London, his approval of her was crucial: his good opinion of her would open many doors and silence some of the rumors that might be circulated about her. "I am honored to make your acquaintance," she said, glancing at him with a mixture of modesty and admiration.

"But two women alone…" Alvanley continued, glancing around the area disapprovingly. "This is a bad business. I confess with- shame that I was too preoccupied with arranging Brummell's schedule and transportation to give a thought to your safety. Forgive me, I should not have consented to our meeting in a dangerous place such as this."

"Have no fear as to our safety," Mira reassured him hastily. "Secrecy is the most important thing to consider. I know that it is dangerous for Mr. Brummell to be in England—he is the one we should save our concern for."

Alvanley looked at her with a warm smile. "How selfless you are."

"No, not at all."

"Lady Berkeley is to be congratulated on her taste in fellow conspirators."

"So is Mr. Brummell," Mira dared to say, causing Alvanley to laugh delightedly.

Rosalie had moved forward to assist the second man out of the boat. The third, a

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