Page 20 of A Dangerous Engagement

Her hard eyes seemed to bore into Felicity’s thoughts.

What could she say? Whatshouldshe say? The thought of marrying a revolutionary made her feel sick, but what would they do to her if she refused her loyalty to Mr.Ratley, Lady Blackstone, and their cause? People’s lives were at stake, not to mention their precious cause, if she should leave there and alert the authorities. They would all be hanged for treason.

“Why me?” Felicity spoke carefully, trying not to betray her true thoughts so as not to stir their suspicions. “Why did you ask me to come here when I had nothing to do with your cause and you did not know if I would support it?”And why persuade Mr.Ratley to fall in love with me?

“When I was visiting in London, you said some things about society’s rules and the way the aristocracy treats its women and the poor that led me to believe you would be very receptive to our ideas.”

She tried to recall to what Lady Blackstone was referring. Felicity must have been talking about her favorite author Hannah More’s latest book or treatise, of the hypocrisy Miss More always pointed out.

“I saw a kindred spirit in you, Felicity.” Lady Blackstone’s expression became fiercely earnest.

Felicity could almost believe in her sincerity.

“I also knew”—Lady Blackstone glanced away as she spoke—“that Mr.Ratley would fall in love with you, and you with him, if only you had the opportunity to form an attachment. And my party was that perfect opportunity. You are so well matched, and it gives me pleasure to make others happy.”

“But are you quite certain,” Felicity said, still carefully weighing her words, “that this will all end the way you intend it—the revolution and the overthrow of the government?” She couldn’t even say the words without her throat going dry. “I am concerned for your safety.”

“Do not forget,” Lady Blackstone said with a sly smile, “that our safety is your safety. You are a part of us now.”

“Of course.” Felicity’s voice sounded strangled.

“But you are tired.” Mr.Ratley squeezed her hand and rose to his feet. “I think we should leave her to rest, as she had asked to do.”

Lady Blackstone reached out to pat Felicity’s cheek. Felicity forced herself not to cringe.

“Mr.Ratley will come and check on you later. Rest well.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Felicity watched them leave, then clutched at her throat, leaning forward. “What have I done, what have I done?” she mumbled, rocking forward and back.

She jumped up off the bed and paced to the window. She had to think, had to find someone who could help her escape. But to whom could she turn?

Aunt Agnes walked into the room holding a book.

“Oh, Auntie, I’m so sorry.” Felicity wrapped her arms around herself as the cold, weak feeling came over her again.

“Whatever is the matter?” Auntie put her eyeglasses on and came closer, peering at her.

“I have endangered us both by coming here and engaging myself to Mr.Ratley.” She spoke softly, just above a whisper.

“I don’t understand. Do you regret agreeing to marry Mr.Ratley? I’m sure it can be undone.”

“No, no. It is not only the engagement.” How could she tell her poor nervous aunt of the danger surrounding them? Of the nefarious plans of the people at this party? That they were now trapped?

“Auntie, haven’t you noticed something strange about this party? The men outnumber the women almost three to one. This is no party but rather a political meeting to plot how to overthrow the government.”

Auntie’s mouth opened. Her hands started twitching. “Surely you cannot ... That cannot be. Lady Blackstone is your aunt. She would not be involved in such a plan.”

“We hardly know Lady Blackstone. She was married to my uncle many years ago, and we’ve hardly seen her since he died. She has been married and widowed since then and been amongst the Lord only knows who. She may have become enamored of these seditious ideas at any point in the last ten or twelve years.”

“Could your mother and father have been so ignorant of her character and activities?” Auntie’s hands plucked furiously at her sleeves.

“Lady Blackstone would of course take care to hide her unlawful activities. She must have deceived many people, including my family. I only wish she had left me out of her schemes.”

A pain stabbed Felicity’s midsection. If only she had refused to come to this party. If only she had not allowed herself to indulge Mr.Ratley’s attentions. If only she had not said yes to his proposal.

But it was all done now, and there was nothing she could do to change any of it. She simply could not imagine a way out of this situation, and yet she had to be wise and think of a way out for herself and her aunt. Poor Aunt Agnes.