Page 101 of A Dangerous Engagement

“Mr.McDowell is looking very handsome this evening,” Leorah said with a twinkle in her eye.

Felicity took a deep breath, suddenly wondering where all her joy and confidence had flown to. “He always looks handsome to me,” she confided. “But let us talk of something besides him so that I don’t feel so nervous. Tell me something about you.”

“Oh well, I do have a bit of news, something I had been hoping.”

“Hoping?”

“I am expecting a baby.”

Felicity’s heart gave a lurch, and she squeezed Leorah’s arms. “I am so happy for you.”

“Yes, it had been two years, nearly—I suppose that is not an overly long time—but I had begun to worry, but now ... We are so pleased, as you can imagine.”

Felicity glanced over and spotted Lord Withinghall, Leorah’s husband, whom she had often thought frightening and intimidating. Today, he looked relaxed and was smiling at one of their guests.

“I cannot tell you how wonderful I think that is, Leorah. You and Lord Withinghall will be such wonderful parents.” How happy they would be now, to share their love with a child. Felicity’s eyes filled with tears.

“Now, don’t you cry!” Leorah said, laughing. “You know I cannot abide tears, and I’ve actually cried myself, more than I wish to admit, the last two days since I found out. It is ridiculous.”

They both laughed rather watery laughs.

“And wouldn’t you know? Julia is pregnant again as well.” Leorah rolled her eyes. “That girl will end up with ten babies before she’s done.”

“Or thirteen.”

Leorah covered her mouth. “Forgive me, darling, I did not mean to disparage.”

“Of course not, do not worry.” Felicity laughed, but Leorah’s “darling” stirred up memories of Mr.Ratley. She forced back a shudder.

They talked a few moments longer, with Felicity trying to stop herself from glancing at Mr.McDowell. Soon, she saw him glancing her way as well. When Leorah had to leave to greet some more of her guests, Felicity started toward Mr.McDowell, but he was suddenly surrounded by three young ladies.

Felicity could not expect that women would ignore him, but it did make her heart sink. Had she allowed herself to expect too much, that Mr.McDowell would pay attention only to her? Or was this to be like so many other balls at which the eligible gentlemen would show initial interest, only to ignore her when they discovered she had no fortune?

No, Mr.McDowell already knew she had no fortune.

She took a deep breath and proceeded down the hall to the room where refreshments were being provided, passing right by Mr.McDowell, whose attention had been captured by one of the ladies addressing him.

Felicity took a cup of lemonade and sipped it. What did she care if Mr.McDowell was talking with other women? She would not think of him at all.

He appeared in the open doorway, and his gaze caught hers.

“Miss Mayson.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Felicity’s heart skipped a few beats as Mr.McDowell came to stand in front of her with the most attractive smile she had ever seen.

“Mr.McDowell, I hope you don’t mind me saying that you seem so much more cheerful now than when you were at Doverton Hall.”

“I think you are seeing me now as my usual self.”

“Yes, of course. You had a job to do there, a very serious one.”

“And which side of me do you prefer?” He raised his brows at her.

“I like your cheerful side very much, your smile, and how relaxed you seem. Although, your more serious side showed your courage and character.” So seldom did she say these sorts of things. Was she being flirtatious? She wanted to converse with Mr.McDowell, to bask in his friendship, to remember how strong and capable he had been.

She also couldn’t stop remembering how it felt when he held her in his arms. Was he remembering it too?