When a Rake Falls by Sally Orr Read Free Book Online Page A

have completed these experiments, you must agree to be my witness. My assistance with the birds surely meets the definition of Service to a Lady. I know Lady Sarah will appreciate my efforts. Not to mention my father will be impressed.”
    The catch in his voice when he spoke of his father surprised her. “I’m sure your father is impressed with you. How could he not be?”
    â€œThank you.” He flashed a wry grin. “Got all the prizes at school, never spent my evenings foxed or in the arms of a housemaid. Some of my other brothers were experts in that regard. But when Richard returned from America a big hero, my father now speaks of no one else. Richard is the favorite son, and he ignores the seven remaining sons. Especially me, on account of…”
    Her throat seized, and she bit her lower lip. How could she possibly bludgeon him now or even tie him up for that matter? She had waited too long and had grown fond of him. No longer could she even consider double-crossing him. It appeared that her best option was to land the balloon now. Otherwise, she’d have to accept the risk, try to ignore any thoughts of glory, and continue onward to France.
    After checking her instruments, she calculated their elevation, estimated their speed, and examined the status of the shimmering balloon above them. While she did her work, he stood with his gaze fixed on the pigeon and waving an arm toward the cage, obviously inviting the bird to return.
    â€œParker, as captain, I must tell you that this is a good time for us to land. I hope you have reconsidered your journey to France today.”
    He dropped his jaw. “No! Of course not. I bet we are almost there, right?”
    She paused and decided she needed more current data to evaluate the dangers of attempting to reach the shores of France. She then took measurements and discovered that they were over the plains of Kent and would be reaching the coast soon. The sun hung low in the sky, and the light wind would probably propel them to France before darkness fell. Since the temperature was tolerable at their current elevation, if she gained altitude, they would reach France sooner. Except higher elevations meant colder temperatures, so she calculated the possible temperatures at various elevations using one degree per four thousand feet—not exact calculations, but adequate to make a decision. She then chose the highest elevation that matched an acceptable temperature. Aeronauts routinely huddled to retain warmth, and she wondered if Parker could efficiently huddle. Huddle with a Tulip…
    Stop. Do not attempt dangerous calculations.
    She made sure she did not glance his way, so her decision did not suffer bias by his warmhearted personality or his attractive person. She then asked herself for an honest evaluation of their chances of success. Unfortunately, she had enough experience to easily answer her own question. History proved anything could happen. In the worst case, the wind could die or change directions, the balloon could rent, and the weather, which had been exceptional up to this point, might change into a violent storm.
    Upon further evaluation of the serious dangers ahead, if the wind died during the night, they might never reach the shores of France alive. The gas would condense in the cold night air, causing the balloon to lose altitude and crash into the ocean. Once they were in cold water, their survival would be measured in minutes, unless they could be rescued by a boat. What were the chances of a boat about at night, much less witnessing their crash in the dark?
    However, on the bright side, after Major Money’s rescue in 1785, cutters that normally rescued mariners now followed balloons out to sea. The major’s balloon lost its lift, and he spent hours in the North Sea. A cutter that headed in the direction of his flight, followed him, and saved his life. She glanced up. Her balloon still had plenty of lift, the light wind