Major Reynolds grinned. “How could I forget?” He turned to Isabella. “Wellington claimed the best house left standing, but there was a hole in the roof where a cannon ball had come through, and one in the floor. They hung the ballroom with yellow silk, and as for the hole in the floor . . .”
“They laid a mat over it.” The lieutenant took up the tale. “And posted a man to see that no one fell in!”
Reminiscent laughter lit the major’s eyes. “Now that was a ball!”
On impulse Isabella turned to the lieutenant. “I’m hosting a party at the theater tomorrow night. The Venetian Outlaw is playing.” She included young Harold Reynolds in her smile. “Would you care to join us?”
Both men bowed and expressed pleasure at the invitation, and Isabella was aware of a sense of relief. With the light-hear
