Page 47 of A Dangerous Engagement

Felicity’s breath came fast and shallow upon hearing her name.

“But do I still think you should marry her? Yes,” Lady Blackstone continued. “She can’t testify against you if she’s married to you. Besides, she’s such a timid little thing, afraid to speak up or own an opinion. She’ll make you a good wife, and she won’t make any trouble. That is easy enough to see.”

Felicity’s cheeks burned. Did people really have such thoughts about her? She clenched her fists.

She reminded herself to keep listening.

Mr.Ratley said something that Felicity couldn’t quite make out. Then Lady Blackstone said, “Sooner is better. You don’t want her deciding she doesn’t want to marry you. Then things will get very messy.”

“She says she can’t marry unless her father approves. She wants me to go meet with him.”

“No. Out of the question. You cannot leave, and there is no time. She wants her father’s approval, then we will give it to her, in a letter.”

Felicity flushed even hotter. She tried to force herself to keep listening, but Mr.Ratley’s voice was too low. She thought she heard Lady Blackstone say, “... in a week.”

Then, more clearly, she said, “I wish to go on my ride.”

“I will go find Felicity.”

“I saw her in the garden earlier, but then she went inside.”

They mumbled a few more words, and Felicity stepped up on a bucket in the corner of the stall so no one walking by would see her feet under the door. She crouched down, making herself as small as possible.

Footsteps came nearer, then passed by. As she waited for Lady Blackstone to leave with her horse, Felicity felt herself fuming at the things she and Mr.Ratley had said about her.Timid. Afraid to speak up or have an opinion. Would never make trouble.They might just be surprised at how much trouble she could make.

But then again ... she had not yet done anything of much merit. They had not even been able to get what information they did have to the Home Office.

Finally, she heard sounds of a horse passing by her stall. She waited another minute or two, just to be sure Lady Blackstone was gone, and she opened the door and came out. No one seemed to be around, so she walked through, looking at the horses in their stalls. Most of them observed her placidly from giant brown eyes.

Felicity had never been much of a rider. She was rather afraid of horses, but she remembered Lady Blackstone’s words about her and straightened her spine.

A groom came in carrying tack and a saddle. He hung them up and greeted her.

“Would you saddle a horse for me?” Felicity said. “I’d like to go for a short ride.”

“Sorry, miss.” He shook his head. “Lady Blackstone don’t allow anyone to ride without her express permission. The lady’s orders.”

She might have known. How else could she keep anyone from leaving and passing unauthorized letters and messages to the outside world?

The groom exited the stable, leaving her alone with her swirling thoughts.

A minute or two later, Mr.Merrick entered the stable. He stopped, fixing his gaze on her.

“I was hoping to go for a ride, but I was informed I must get permission from Lady Blackstone.”

“Yes, that is one of her rules.”

“I don’t suppose she will give me her permission.”

“Probably not, not without her or Mr.Ratley going along on the ride. I have permission only to exercise my horse. I’m not allowed to go far.” He was looking very rugged in his riding clothes, his buckskins and black riding boots. His bright-blue eyes sparkled even while they maintained a serious expression.

She stepped closer to him and said in a low voice, “I heard them talking about me.”

He focused an intense look on her face.

“They don’t particularly trust me, but they intend for me to marry him quickly. I cannot testify against Mr.Ratley if we are married.”

“You must put him off. Don’t agree to the marriage.” He took a step toward her, now only about a foot away. “Think of excuses to postpone the wedding until later.”