Dangerous by Amanda Quick Read Free Book Online Page B

difficult to converse.”
    “One must make sacrifices when one is moving in Society.” Hester picked up a card. “Ah, yes, we shall most definitely put in an appearance at the Thornbridges’ ball. The new Lady Thornbridge is causing talk.”
    Trevor swallowed his cake, looking interested. “How’s that?”
    Hester gave him a knowing smile. “She’s quite a bit younger than her lord. And very beautiful. Word has it Thornbridge is mad with jealousy these days. Should be interesting to see if there will be a scene or two at their ball.”
    “It sounds rather unpleasant to me,” Prudence observed. “Who wants to see a jealous husband make a fool of himself over a young wife?”
    “Most of the
ton
, my dear,” Prudence assured her cheerfully.
    The door of the drawing room opened again at that juncture. Hester’s butler, chosen for his imposing air, appeared in the opening.
    “A Mrs. Leacock to see you, madam.”
    “How lovely,” Hester said. “Show her in, Crandall.”
    A birdlike woman with silvery white hair, dressed in an expensive mourning gown of black crepe, was ushered into the drawing room.
    “How kind of you to call, Lydia,” Hester said. “Do sit down. You know my dear friends Trevor and Prudence Merryweather?”
    “Yes, of course.” Mrs. Leacock’s bright little eyes darted nervously from Hester to Prudence. “Actually, this is not precisely a social call, Hester. I have come to consult with Miss Merryweather.”
    “Have you, indeed?” Hester picked up the teapot. “Don’t tell us you have a ghost you want investigated?”
    Mrs. Leacock alighted on a silk-cushioned chair. “I am not certain. But something rather odd has been happening of late in the west wing of my house. The incidents have begun to affect my nerves and I fear for the consequences. My doctor has warned me that I have a weak heart.”
    Prudence was immediately intrigued. “This sounds far more interesting than choosing which parties we shall attend. Do tell me everything about these incidents, Mrs. Leacock. I would be happy to investigate.”
    “I should be forever grateful, Miss Merryweather.” Mrs. Leacock’s cup rattled in its saucer. “I fear I really am getting rather desperate. I have never before believed in ghosts, but lately I have begun to wonder.”
    “Let me get my notebook,” Prudence said eagerly.
    •    •    •
    Mrs. Leacock left an hour later, looking vastly relieved at having engaged a professional investigator. Prudence was delighted with the prospect of a puzzle to solve.
    “If you will excuse me, Hester, I am going straight upstairs to read a new book I purchased this morning. It is all about the usefulness of electricity machines in detecting vaporous substances in the atmosphere. Perhaps I shall learn a technique I can apply to my new case.”
    Trevor looked briefly interested. “My friend Matthew Hornsby has an electricity machine. Made it himself.”
    “Does he?” Prudence asked with great interest.
    “Yes, but I doubt that you’ll need it.” Trevor made a face. “Your new case is composed of nothing more than the imaginings of a nervous old woman.”
    “I’m not at all certain of that.” Prudence went to the door. “It sounds to me as though there have indeed been some disturbances that require an explanation.”
    Hester looked up. “Are you saying you believe Lydia might actually have a ghost in her house?”
    “I shall let you know my thoughts on the matter after I have had an opportunity to study my notes. In the meantime I want both of you to give me your word that you will say nothing of this to anyone.”
    “I shall not say a thing, my dear,” Hester assured her.
    Trevor grimaced as he got to his feet. “You needn’t worry about me spreading the news of your case. Damned embarrassing having a sister who investigates spectral phenomena. Wish you’d give it up, Prue.”
    “I have no intention of giving up my hobby.” Prudence went out into the