Wait Until Midnight by Amanda Quick Read Free Book Online

inquiries in that direction. Find out what he knows about Elizabeth Delmont and those who moved in her circle."
    Enthusiasm lit Wilson's face. There was nothing he liked more than a bit of intrigue. "Very well. That might prove interesting."
    And with any luck, it will keep you too distracted to concentrate on your schemes to marry me off, Adam thought.
    He was about to continue with his attempt at distraction when he heard the distant, muffled sound of the front door opening and closing. There was only one person who was likely to call at this unfashionable hour.
    "Julia is here," Adam said. " Remember, not a word of this to her. I do not want her to be concerned with this matter. There is no need for her to worry about it."
    "I agree. Trust me, I will say nothing."
    Light, brisk footsteps echoed in the hall. A moment later Julia appeared in the doorway. Both men rose to their feet.
    "Good day to you both." She swept into the room with a glowing smile. "I hope you are prepared to endure another invasion of workmen and decorators this afternoon"
    "Of course," Wilson said. "We are proud to do our small part in connection with what will be the social event of the Season. Is that not so, Adam?"
    "So long as you keep your horde of laborers and decorators out of the library," Adam agreed, pulling out a chair. She made a face at him as she sat down. "Never fear, everyone understands that your library is sacrosanct. But I fear that it will be very busy around here for the next few days. I'm having fountains and mirrors installed in the ballroom. I think the effect will be quite riveting. "
    "I'm sure it will be." Adam lowered himself back into his chair and reached for another slice of toast. "Your plans are going well, I assume? "
    "Yes, but I was forced to confess to Robert this morning that I may have overreached myself with the Roman villa theme this year."
    "Nonsense, my dear." Wilson sat down, beaming with fatherly reassurance. "If anyone can turn that old ballroom into a Roman villa, it is you. I have no doubt but that you'll be successful. You will amaze and astonish Society once again, just as you did last year."
    "I appreciate your confidence. " Julia helped herself to some tea. "But if the affair does come off as planned, it is you, Uncle Wilson, who must take most of the credit. I could not possibly orchestrate such a major event without the use of the old ballroom. There simply is not enough space in the town house to stage anything more elaborate than a dinner party or a small soirée. "
    "Your husband is very wise not to invest his money in a large house here in town," Wilson said. "It would be a complete waste of money. He's got enough properties to maintain as it is, and your family is never in London long enough to justify the expense"
    Julia nodded and set down the teapot. "I cannot argue with that. By the way, Robert said to tell you that he plans to take the children to the fair in the park tomorrow. He wondered if you would like to accompany them. "
    Wilson looked vastly pleased. "I shall check my appointment calendar to see if I am free."
    His appointment calendar would no doubt grant him ample time to accompany the children and their father, the Earl of Southwood, on the outing, Adam thought. Wilson would have cheerfully rescheduled an audience with the queen to make room for an afternoon with the two youngsters.
    Julia gave Wilson a knowing look. "Going to the fair will also provide you with an excuse to leave the house again while the decorators and the workmen swarm about the place. I must warn you that I can promise nothing but noise and commotion for the remainder of the week."
    "A Roman villa is not constructed in a day," Wilson observed.
    Julia drank some tea. "By the way, I had a letter from Jessica this morning. She is having a glorious time in Dorset. I gather that life on her friend's family estate is one grand round of picnics and games."
    "We had a note from Nathan telling us that he will be