A Sheep Looking Upward

Dolly Snook, seventeen and indentured to the worst inn in Gloucestershire, has nine weeks to buy her brother out of a chimney sweep's clutches — and no money, no prospects, and three excellent forged handwritings. Then the celebrated Professor Montalto arrives to make the county's first balloon ascent, minus a balloon, minus a profession, and minus any intention of staying sober. Chattock has fifty guineas left to spend on glory. Dolly has a plan. Somebody, unfortunately, will have to fly.