Read Online Cloaked in Danger by Jeannie Ruesch - Free Book Online Page A

swallowed her irritation and followed him to their box. Rather than antagonize him now, she might as well enjoy a part of her evening. It was a three-sided box, the fourth side open into the courtyard. At the back was one of the many panels that decorated each box. Aria leaned in closer to get a look at theirs. Most of the paintings had been commissioned for Vauxhall and painted by Frances Hayman. This wasn’t one of her favorites. It was an image of children playing on a seesaw, but she found the copious use of brown a bit grim.
    “One of my favorites,” Patrick commented, gesturing at the painting.
    That wasn’t a surprise. She’d already surmised their tastes in art were vastly different. She liked bold colors; he liked things she thought of as moody at best. Gloomy at worst.
    She turned and sat in the seat that provided the clearest view of the crowd. The Merewood family was no longer in sight, but Lady Beasley teetered her way over to them and plopped down on the seat.
    “Such a lovely, lovely night,” she chirped. “Don’t you agree, my dear?”
    “Mmmm hmmm.” Aria mentally ran down the names on her list, trying to gauge who else was here this evening that she could at least study from afar, if nothing else. One remained that she’d yet to see at any event. “Lady Beasley, have you heard of Lord Brandywine?”
    “Of course, dear. Everyone knows Ol’ Brandy.” She lifted her cup in toast.
    The “everyone” she referred to didn’t include Aria or, from the black look that crossed Mr. Wade’s visage, him. And Lady Beasley did not seem inclined to expand. For a moment, Aria understood his sometimes irrational dislike of the nobility. They often acted as though no world but their small circle of exclusivity existed.
    At that moment, Lady Ashton appeared.
    And some of them, Aria mused, were quite friendly and kind.
    “Miss Whitney!” A smile dawned across her face, as genuine as the squeeze from the hand she extended. “What a wonderful surprise to see you here.”
    Aria smiled in return. “Same to you, Lady Ashton.” She glanced at Patrick. “Might I introduce Mr. Patrick Wade? Mr. Wade, Lady Ashton.”
    Warm curiosity gleamed in Lady Ashton’s eyes. “Mr. Wade, hullo. Are you enjoying the evening so far?”
    Unable to stand without Aria moving first, he offered a barely visible nod and a gruff “Yes, Lady Ashton. Thank you.”
    “I love the Gardens. Always such a lovely evening.” Lady Ashton turned to her. “I thought a walk down the promenade would be lovely. Might I steal you for a few minutes to join me?”
    It was an opportunity Aria could not refuse. She could walk for a few moments with Lady Ashton, gain a very important introduction without worrying about Patrick. Aria immediately scooted from her position next to Patrick, but before she could slide out of the booth a hand fell upon her arm. She twisted to meet his very displeased visage.
    “The intention was for us to spend time this evening,” he replied, his voice even and low.
    “And we will. I shan’t be long.” She attempted to move out, but his hand held firm. A coil of irritation sprung inside of her. “Mr. Wade, I will be back shortly.”
    Though it was clear he had no wish to do so, he let her go. Without a backward glance, she waved a goodbye and grasped hold of Lady Beasley’s arm to pull her up.
    “Where are we going, dear?” The lady followed like a happy, docile lamb.
    “To walk along the promenade, Lady Beasley.”
    “Oh quite lovely!” With that, she did a sharp turn to the right and headed in the wrong direction.
    Lady Ashton’s shoulders shook with silent mirth. “Is she always so...”
    “Sauced?” Aria quirked a brow. “In the cups? Or in her case, I should say bottles.”
    They resumed their direction out toward the pebbled walkway. Aria kept an eye for Lords Turleton or Barrymore, hoping they’d intersect. Or did it have to be a gentleman who provided introductions? In fact, she’d introduced