The Great Christmas Ball Read Free Page A

disappeared into the darkness, cursing himself for his incautious behavior. She was certainly eager to get her eyes on more state secrets! Surely the Lymans were not in league with the Frenchies. He seemed to remember Sir Aubrey had been stationed in France some years before. Diplomats had been known to turn their coats. Their having set up shop so close to Whitehall looked suspicious. No very grand shop either; there was no money to spare there. He would make inquiries and see what he could discover.
    In the study, Cathy Lyman hugged her excitement to herself, and felt exactly as if she had fallen into one of Mrs. Radcliffe’s novels. All that was lacking was the grove of ancient oaks and a gothic castle, but the hero more than compensated for their lack. She wondered how she would ever keep such a wonderful secret from Gordon. How he would love to be a part of it!
     

Chapter Two
     
    Lord Costain returned to the Horse Guards with ample time to return the note to its original form. Fortunately, neither Cosgrave’s secretary nor the junior assistant, Mr. Burack, was about. He reheated his thin blade and returned the button of sealing wax in such a way that his practiced eye could see no irregularity in its placement.
    He disliked to give such an important message to a man who had spent the past two hours imbibing wine. When Cosgrave had still not returned to his office at five-thirty, Costain took the letter to Lord Castlereagh, as it was too urgent to wait longer. He admitted frankly what he had done.
    Lord Castlereagh, the foreign secretary, was a clever, dapper, rather handsome gentleman. He listened intently before speaking. “Rodney Reynolds, you say? He is sound as a rock, lad. No danger there. I have used him myself for personal matters.”
    “But it was his niece, Miss Lyman, who translated the note.”
    “Miss Lyman? Oh, dear, that was a tad rash. The young ladies are notorious for their flying tongues. But then, Miss Lyman is no longer on the town. One seldom sees her out. And she has experience of sensitive matters—she was abroad for years with her father. Impress upon her that secrecy is of paramount importance.”
    “I did that, of course.”
    “Just one word of caution—she has a foolish, headstrong young brother. We don’t want him working mischief on our behalf. You might call on her and tell her not to mention it to him. I shan’t presume to tell you how to convince a lady,” he said with a twinkle. “And now I must show this to Liverpool. One trembles to think we might not have seen it till morning if you had not chanced to be there. This is the sort of thing we have to put up with from York’s set.”
    “Could Mr. Jones and all the Mr. Joneses not be instructed to deliver their notes directly to you, sir?” Costain suggested.
    “It is not feasible to have them dropping into the House of Parliament. The function of the Horse Guards is to handle such matters, and sift the wheat from the chaff, for we get mainly chaff, you must know. Folks with a hankering for excitement and overly active imaginations see a French plot on every street corner. Cosgrave will soon be retiring. When we have the proper man in charge ...” He gave a tsk of dismay. “Well done, Costain. I knew we might count on you. Carry on.” He slid the note into his inner pocket and went off in search of the prime minister.
    * * *
    It was five o’clock. Cathy was eager to close the office for the day and have her tea. If Mr. Steinem did not come soon, she would do so. Meanwhile, she had plenty to fill her mind. The Great Winter Ball took a backseat to Mr. Lovell and espionage in her ruminations. Eventually, an image of her mama intruded. How could she explain Mr. Lovell’s pending visit? He said their families were acquainted, but the only Lovell she could remember was a milliner, and Mama did not even like her bonnets.
    The door from the hallway opened and a sleek head peered in. “Tea’s on,” Gordon said. “Cook has