To Romance A Charming Rogue by Jordan Nicole

Author:Jordan, Nicole
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter 10

Refrain from nagging or complaining or scolding. Instead, give him reasons to cherish your

company.

—An Anonymous Lady, Advice …

To Eleanor's gratification, the balloon ascension was not canceled. Yet even knowing of

Damon's concern for her, she was surprised when he arrived in the Lazzara barouche the next

morning to collect her and her aunt at Portman Place. As they were being assisted into the

carriage, Eleanor sent Damon a quizzical glance, but he only returned an enigmatic smile.

Prince Lazzara did not look any worse for wear after his traumatic experience the previous

afternoon, she noted with relief. Indeed, he appeared to have recovered fully, although he seemed

a trifle embarrassed when he greeted her. He also seemed less effusive than normal as the

barouche got underway, although Signor Vecchi was as charming and diplomatic as always

when he again expressed gratitude for Eleanor's valiant action in rescuing his cousin yesterday.

The prince, however, recouped his spirits enough to display uncommon zeal as he explained to

the ladies something of the history of ballooning.

“Various Frenchmen began experimenting with flying hot air balloons more than three

decades ago,” Lazzara asserted, “and soon succeeded in crossing the English Channel. But after

several fatal flights where the paper-lined silk fabric of the balloons caught fire, aeronauts began

using hydrogen gas developed by English scientist Henry Cavendish, since gas-filled balloons

are safer and can travel further.”

“The balloon today will be filled with gas?” Lady Beldon asked rather worriedly.

“But of course,” the prince replied. “My countryman, Signor Pucinelli, is an eminent member

of Italy's scientific establishment and an avid aeronaut. He has endeavored to bring the delights

of his passion to the public, and is currently visiting England at the invitation of your Prince

Regent.”

Today's ascension, Lazzara added, would take place in an open meadow north of London,

early in the day when the winds would likely be the weakest. Fortunately the weather boded to

be fair. Bright sunshine warmed the cool morning air, while a scattering of puffy white clouds

filled the blue sky above.

Eleanor felt an eager sense of anticipation as they drew closer. Even Beatrix, who had risen

long before her usual hour for the occasion, seemed enthusiastic, since the outing afforded her

more time in Signor Vecchi's company.

After a while, however, Eleanor couldn't help noticing that there were two rough-looking men

trailing them on horseback. And when the barouche eventually turned off the main road onto a

country lane, the riders followed.

“They are Bow Street Runners,” Damon murmured to her in a low voice. “I hired them to

protect the prince.”

“Does he know?” Eleanor asked.

“Yes, I had a long discussion with him last evening.”

She wanted to question Damon about his conversation with the prince, but there was no

chance, since just then they reached their intended destination.

As the carriage turned into a large meadow and came to a halt, she could see the balloon in the

near distance. The giant, gray-and-red-striped globe, which rose almost seventy feet into the air,

bobbed gently in the morning sunlight.

The balloon was covered by a net of rope webbing and attached to a wickerwork basket

below, which in turn was tethered to the ground by sturdy ropes.

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