Read Regency Spymasters 01 - Spy Fall for Free Online Page B

accommodate you at Langtry House, mademoiselle.”
    She smiled broadly, baring the slightest gap between her front teeth, which he hadn’t noted before. “That is most generous of you, but there is much work to do,” she said. “I will sleep with the boys. We are sure to be engaged late into the night.”
    No doubt. The heat of irritation gathered in his chest, but there was something about her sly grin, and the unusual multitude of colors in Marcel’s eyes, which happened to be the exact same shade as Mari’s…
    “Great gods,” he burst out. “Mari. Marcellin. Maxim. Were your parents not aware there are twenty-five other letters in the alphabet?”
    The three of them exchanged the type of knowing grins that come from a lifetime of shared experiences, the kind he used to share with Elinor.
    “I suppose we should not tell him about Marielle,” Maxim said.
    “Or Mariette,” said Mari.
    “And Mélisande,” Marcel added.
    “By Zeus,” Cosmo said. “How many of you are there?”
    “Just the six of us.”
    “Lord help your parents if your sisters are anything like you,” he said to Mari, cheered by the confirmation of the sibling bond between her and the men. “Shall we go inside and make you known to my father? He is most anxious to discuss aerostation with you.”
    “Aerostation?” Mari lifted a brow. “Not said with disdain?”
    “I wouldn’t want to be taken down by an army of M s,” he said. “A smart man comprehends when he is outnumbered.”
    Marcel’s shrewd glance slid between Cosmo and Mari. “ Bon. It is good for you to understand there are limits,” he said in a voice edged with warning, “because we Lamarres always look out for our own.”
    “How will you stop the oscillations?” Aldridge asked as they waited to go into supper a few evenings later.
    Marcel took a drink that Boyle proffered on a silver tray. “Mari thinks to add another hole at the apex of the canopy.”
    They stood about in the salon awaiting Mari’s appearance. Cosmo tapped his foot with impatience. Since her brothers’ arrival two days ago, he’d seen far too little of the parachutist. All three M s spent most of their time working in the barn, which had been converted into a temporary workspace for their use. It was strange, but he’d missed her company. At least she’d kept her bedchamber in the main house, ultimately deciding against joining her brothers in their cottage quarters.
    Of course, keeping her chamber ensured that she retained access to the house, and to his father. He’d noted Mari’s subtle but keen interest in Aldridge. The previous two evenings she’d played chess with the old man after supper, and the marquess seemed to greatly enjoy her company.
    He sensed that she didn’t present any immediate physical danger to his father. If he’d had any doubts at all on that score, the parachutist would already be out on her arse. Whatever she was after, he wouldn’t allow her to harm Aldridge. Since Elinor’s death, his father’s health had declined and, of late, something seemed to be weighing heavily on him. Concern for the older man was what had prompted Cosmo to follow him to Dorset for the summer.
    It was possible Mari wanted Aldridge for marriage, although Cosmo didn’t perceive that motive in her. He’d detected no coyness or flirtation in the parachutist’s interactions with his father. Her manner was one of polite, respectful interest. Unlike her manner toward him, for which Cosmo was grateful. The last thing he wanted from his fallen angel was polite courtesy. He rather enjoyed being on the receiving end of that whip-like tongue of hers.
    It would, however, make sense for Mari to court Aldridge as a benefactor to help finance her perilous enterprise. Few men in England had deeper pockets than the Marquess of Aldridge.
    “The boat certainly is elaborate,” Aldridge said, referring to the balloon’s ornate gold and blue wicker basket.
    “Unfortunately, it is a necessary