Possible Clues:

• Russell and Ronald set aside early autumn for guide in hot-air balloon
• Pilot — Eton aura (anag)
• A lover for the most part reveals aunt is someone working in Sky
• Working in Sky out near a settlement
• Balloonist, say, in bar with tipsy aunt
• Traveller in an airship
• Balloonist near auto that's crashed
• Airship, balloon pilot
• Balloonist, e.g
• Air traveller