Page 38 of A Dangerous Engagement

“I should like to dance with you,” he found himself saying, “if it does not attract attention to do so.”

“I would like that.” She smiled again, and he felt a not-unpleasant ache in chest.

He could not allow himself tender feelings. His mission was to save the monarchy and Members of Parliament, to preserve the lives of many, not concern himself with this woman who had created her own dangerous situation by associating with revolutionaries and engaging herself to be married to one of them.

She may have done a foolish thing by becoming engaged to Mr.Ratley, but by spying on him and the other conspirators, she had proven herself both courageous and clever.

The fact that she was a woman made things more difficult—he would feel protective of her, more so than he would of a male colleague—and the fact that she was lovely and ...

“I shall see you tonight.” He nodded as she moved to the door.

“Till tonight, then.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Felicity dressed carefully for the ball. Her mother was unable to spare a lady’s maid to send with her, after sending one with Elizabeth, so Camille, Lady Blackstone’s maid, came in to prepare Felicity’s hair.

“Miss Mayson, you look a bit pale. You should not be nervous. You are not trying to find a husband. And your shoulders are so stiff and tense. Are you well?”

Some maidservants never said a word, but Camille was rather talkative.

“I am very well. I suppose I am simply trying too hard to impress.”

“You are very impressive without trying. Beautiful and pleasant.”

“You are too kind.” She thought for a moment, then said, “You know Lady Blackstone very well, do you not?”

“Oh yes, better than anyone. I’ve been with Lady Blackstone for many years, since she was married to the baron. When her sister died, it did things to her.” She scrunched her face and sighed, pausing in her work to get Felicity’s hair to curl on top of her head. “It is a pain she will never overcome, I think. It made her determined to never be poor again. But ... it also created some frightening things in her. I do believe ... But she has never mistreated me, so I shall say no more.”

“Is she planning any trips in the next fortnight? I was only wondering because I need some ribbon to match my blue dress, and I thought she might visit some shops.”

“Bless you, I do not know of any plans for visiting any shops, but perhaps she would send a manservant to get what you need. I shall speak to her, if you wish.”

“Oh no, don’t trouble her. It is not important. I only thought if Lady Blackstone were planning to travel somewhere she might—but I would not wish to ask her for such a trivial thing.”

Soon they were talking of other subjects.

Felicity could not persuade Aunt Agnes to go down to the ball with her, but then, she might be able to use that as an excuse to leave the festivities.

Camille had been right; she was nervous. Her hand shook as she touched the banister. And when she saw her fiancé speaking with Lady Blackstone in the ballroom, then glance up and give her an eager look, her stomach sank.

He took her hand and kissed it, then took the liberty of kissing her cheek. Felicity forced herself not to cringe at his affection.

“Darling. You will be the prettiest woman here.”

That would not be too difficult, as there were not many women there at all. But then she remembered Lady Blackstone had said she was inviting several other ladies from the county. If only Felicity or Mr.Merrick knew one of the women and could trust them to take a letter. But that was not likely.

More people began arriving. Lady Blackstone was smiling, greeting her guests. Finally, she seemed to notice Felicity and Mr.Ratley, and she came over to embrace them.

“Drink some sherry, my dear Felicity. You are as good as married, and you may as well enjoy yourself.”

Felicity had the same opinion of spirits as her most beloved author, Hannah More. But she smiled and said, “Thank you, Lady Blackstone. I shall enjoy my evening. I am with Mr.Ratley, after all.”

Perhaps she should not have said anything quite so facetious. Her words caused Mr.Ratley to stick out his chest and draw her closer to his side.

Lady Blackstone nodded knowingly. “Of course you shall. Dancing is just the activity for an engaged couple.” She winked at Mr.Ratley, then turned to greet more guests.

Just then, her eyes were drawn to Mr.Merrick as he entered the room. He was dressed very stylishly in a dark-green coat and tall black boots. His red hair was thick and well groomed, and he appeared relaxed but alert. If only she could feel that way. Instead, her hands were sweaty, and her thoughts were so jumbled she felt as if she were in a fog.