Lady Saves the Duke by Annabelle Anders

Author:Annabelle Anders [Anders, Annabelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance, Historical Romance, Annabelle Anders, Romance Novels, Mary Balogh, Julia Quinn, Victorian Romance, Georgian Romance,
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2019-01-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Monfort pulled the curricle to a halt and handed the reins to one of the grooms before jumping off and coming around to assist Abigail. Although Abigail’s misgivings at the thought of being carried away in a basket were enormous, this almost boyish excitement in him kept her from protesting.

With a little impatience, he placed her hand upon his arm and dragged her over to introduce her to the pilot. Both men were discussing details and weather conditions, but Abigail failed to hear much of what was being said.

When she could finally speak, she was not eloquent at all. “Surely not…? Monfort, you don’t intend for us to…?”

But he was grinning and even laughing a bit as he took her hand. “I won’t force you, Abigail,” he said, momentarily serious. “But I believe that if you have the courage to fly above the rooftops of London, then surely you will feel better about looking its inhabitants in their eyes. What do you say, Abigail? Shall we fly today?”

He looked so earnest, and so proud of himself, but what could she say? “Of course!” Hugging herself with her arms, she shivered. “What do we need to do?” This time she addressed the pilot.

“Not much for you to do, m’lady,” the pilot answered cheerfully, “but climb into the basket.”

Before she could say anything else, Monfort’s strong arms swooped her up and over the sidewalls of the basket. It was not reassuring at all to feel the squishy basket material beneath her feet as she stood directly under the balloon. And then with no hesitation whatsoever, Monfort hoisted himself over and stood beside her.

“It is safe, isn’t it?” Abigail asked, feeling in need of more reassurance.

Monfort laughed. “These have been around for nearly half a century now, Abigail. The heat from the burner causes the balloon to rise. Only the balloon isn’t called a balloon; it’s referred to as the envelope. Hydrogen balloons are all the rage right now, but I prefer the simplicity of this design. The heated air in the envelope causes the balloon to take flight.” The duke was telling her the ins and outs as well as the history of balloons, even that the first passengers to ever ride in one were a goat, a pig, and a rooster. And before Abigail could act on her misgivings, the ground receded and she was looking down upon the tops of the trees.

“Monfort! We’re flying!” The unexpected exhilaration sweeping through her could not be contained. It was as though she were dreaming. As she clutched the side of the basket, looking downward, the duke’s arms wrapped around her from behind. He rested his chin atop her head.

Not thinking for even a moment, Abigail brought one of her hands off the basket and covered the duke’s arm with hers. She liked the feel of him behind her. She liked the security of being held by somebody who was good.

The rhythm of his breath flowed through her as his body pressed flush against her own.

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