Page 12 of A Dangerous Engagement

“No, I am not shocked. I think it is a very sweet story. And my mother allows me to visit the Children’s Aid Mission, so I am acquainted with stories of the poor street children of London.”

“Yes, of course.” She was all smiles. “When I learned of your work there, I knew you and I were kindred spirits. But do you really think it is a sweet love story? That is, you agree, do you not, that a girl’s marriageability should have nothing to do with her circumstance of fortune or birth? For Mr.Cartwright has some money and property, and his family was not very pleased at his marrying such a poor girl.”

“I believe that, as long as each partner is well pleased with the other, where there is love, economy, and enough to live on, there is nothing more one could wish for.”

Lady Blackstone squeezed her lips together in a sort of triumphant smile. “I knew I was impulsive to ask you here, now, but my instincts proved true. You do not approve of arrogance, and you are just the compassionate sort who will wish to thwart the cruelties of our society.”

Something in the wildness of Lady Blackstone’s eyes made Felicity cautious. “I do believe in caring for the poor and needy. It is a Christian’s duty, as I think most people accept.”

“Yes, theysayit is their duty, and yet they cheat their workers out of a living wage. Their actions show they care nothing for the poor. They think of them as dogs and worse.”

Lady Blackstone’s expression as she spoke was completely different than it had been but a moment before. Her eyes were hard and flinty, her voice cool, her jaw rigid.

Her expression changed again as she smiled. “Forgive me, sweet Felicity. You are too kind and innocent, your parents far too excellent to have ever allowed you to be exposed to the evils of this world. But believe me when I tell you that you would not be able to stand for the atrocities that are inflicted on the poor by the wealthy in this country.”

Felicity’s heart ached at the pain behind both Lady Blackstone’s words and her eyes.

Lady Blackstone brightened again. “But I wanted to show you these roses. I believe you said you loved pink roses, and mine are blooming.”

Felicity did not recall saying she liked pink roses, but she looked at the beautiful blossoms, bending to sniff one and touch its cool, velvety petals. “They are lovely.”

“You know, Mr.Ratley is a natural-born leader. He will be a strong advocate for whatever he believes in.”

Felicity smiled and nodded, hoping to encourage Lady Blackstone to tell her more about Mr.Ratley.

“He has a very good heart, a true Briton’s heart. I believe he thinks of me as a second mother. His own mother died some years ago. Here he is now.”

Mr.Ratley rounded a bend in the walk, appearing from behind a tall hedge.

“Miss Mayson. Lady Blackstone.” He joined them and began chatting about the garden and the weather, the last time it had rained or snowed. After a few minutes, he asked, “Miss Mayson, did you know that the seaside at Margate is only a short carriage ride away?”

“I did not.”

“Have you ever been to the sea?”

“I visited Grimswood Castle in Lincolnshire, which is on the sea. It was a beautiful sight.”

“And that is the only time you’ve been to the seaside?”

“It is. And I only saw it from the castle tower, but it was quite an impressive view.”

“Then I propose a trip to the seaside, just for the day.”

“Oh yes!” Lady Blackstone cried, laughing as if he had just told a great joke. “Miss Mayson would enjoy that above anything.”

“Miss Mayson?” Mr.Ratley turned to her with a humble look. “Would you and Miss Appleby accompany Lady Blackstone and me to the seaside tomorrow?”

“I cannot definitely speak for my aunt, but I believe we would both enjoy the seaside.”

“Excellent. Then we shall plan to leave in the morning.” Lady Blackstone looked pleased.

When she was back at the house, in the bedroom she shared with her aunt, Felicity spoke to her about going to the seaside. Auntie agreed.

Later, when they were both sitting in the drawing room again having afternoon tea, the servant came bearing letters. “For Miss Felicity Mayson,” he said.

Felicity took the letter. It was from her mother. She excused herself to go to her room and read it.

Dearest Felicity,