Spy Fall by Diana Quincy

Author:Diana Quincy
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Diana Quincy
Published: 2014-10-22T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

A handsome landau with a raised black leather top pulled to a halt in front of Langtry House. A scarlet and gold coat of arms emblazoned the conveyance’s saffron-colored door, which flew open to reveal little Anna, who tumbled out and came running in Mari’s direction.

Wonder shone in the girl’s vibrant eyes as she looked up at the balloon’s bold stripes in shades of cerulean blue and golden yellow. “Oh, miss! Is it yours?”

Mari smiled up at the girl from her kneeling position by the parachute gondola. “It belongs to my brothers and me.”

The girl’s attention shifted from the hot air balloon to the basket Mari worked on. “What is that?”

Mari tightened a red silk ribbon that was woven into the wicker. “It is a gondola, the basket to my parachute.”

The girl’s face scrunched up. “What do you do with it?”

“My parachute attaches to it; it’s like a big umbrella, and helps me float down safely when I detach from the balloon.”

Anna gazed intently at the parachute. “What does detach mean?”

“It means to cut loose. I attach myself to a balloon so it can take me up high. Then I cut the cord that ties me to the balloon so I can float down with my big umbrella.”

The girl’s eyes widened. “You cut away from the balloon when it is high up in the clouds?”

Mari suppressed a curse. She knew nothing of small children and had probably just damaged the young girl’s delicate sensibilities, but then a huge grin opened across Anna’s face. “That sounds ever so thrilling! May I do it with you?”

Amused relief swept through Mari. “I am not certain your guardian would approve.”

“Of what would I not approve?” asked Darling, who’d trailed behind his energetic ward. Impeccably clothed as always, he removed his hat. “Good day, Miss Lamarre.”

She stood to greet him. “Lord Darling.”

His silvery hair shone against a deep-burgundy tailcoat. His cravat and breeches were ivory, as was his waistcoat, which had stripes the same color as the jacket. A bright-red watch fob dangled at his waist. Glancing at her basket, he said, “We’ve interrupted your work.”

“Nothing of serious import.” She smiled. “I am adding ribbons and sparkles so I will appear quite the spectacle for my jump near Grosvenor Square.”

Warmth infused his brilliant sapphire eyes. “You are hardly in need of fripperies to make an impression.”

“May I get in the basket?” Anna asked, eyeing it with a speculative gaze.

“Anna,” Darling said, “it is not mannerly to make demands of people.”

“It will do no harm,” Mari said, “if you care to allow it.”

His eyes ran over the gondola. “Very well.”

Mari lifted the girl and deposited her into the basket so that she stood inside grasping the ledge. “This is splendid. Uncle, may I go up into the clouds and jump just as Miss Lamarre does?”

“No, Susanna, you most certainly may not.” He quickly lifted her out, as though he didn’t want her to get any ideas.

“Is Susanna your given name?” Mari had never heard Darling call the girl by that appellation before.

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