Page 67 of A Dangerous Engagement

Aunt Agnes placed a hand over her chest. “This is the same as a novel. My heart is racing even faster than it does when I read Mrs.Radcliffe’s stories.” Her eyes were bright and her face vibrant. “I am sorry now that I behaved so badly in the garden when we saw that dead man. I shall conduct myself better should it ever happen again. And I’m so sorry I failed you as a lookout in the library.”

“No, no, it was not your fault. You are doing very well.”

Indeed, Aunt Agnes was not plucking at her sleeves, and there was a slight smile on her lips.

Felicity went and hid the papers in her closet underneath her clothes. They only had to keep pretending for a few more days. After Mr.Merrick was able to get the papers to the Home Office, and the authorities were able to apprehend the people on the list, they would surely come and arrest Lady Blackstone and the others at Doverton Hall.

Only a few more days.

A knock came at Felicity’s door. She had been sitting at her dressing table, finishing her hair, so she stood and opened the door.

“Felicity.” Mr.Ratley was unsmiling, and he had not called her “darling” as he usually did.

“What is wrong—” She hastily added, “my darling?” though the words seemed to stick in her throat.

“I seem to have misplaced a key.”

“A key?” Her voice went up unnaturally high.

“Yes, and Lady Blackstone will be very upset with me if she discovers I have lost it. Did you happen to see me with a key, or to see where I may have mislaid it? I have searched my entire room and cannot find it anywhere.”

“It will turn up, in one of your pockets, perhaps.”

“Yes, perhaps.” He shook his head then held out his hand. “Let me escort you down to dinner.”

Felicity ate her fill but did not even taste the food. Mr.Merrick was as friendly as usual, talking with those around him but avoiding eye contact with Felicity. Meanwhile, Mrs.Cartwright seemed to laugh more than usual, and whenever Felicity caught her eye, she quickly glanced away.

Mr.Ratley was as attentive as ever, remarking on what she ate, making weak jests, and talking rather loudly with those around him.

Soon Lady Blackstone stood and summoned the ladies to retire with her to the drawing room. They all followed her out.

Felicity caught up with her just outside the drawing room. “My lady, may I be excused? I fear I may be coming down with a head cold, as I have a sore throat and a terrible headache.”

“Oh. You are not planning to meet Mr.Merrick again, I hope.” Lady Blackstone fixed Felicity with a cold stare.

She heard a squeak behind her as Mr.Cartwright raced past, slipping by them into the drawing room.

Felicity’s cheeks stung as her stomach sank. “No, of course not. Why would I meet Mr.Merrick?”

“I have heard of a certain private meeting you had with him in the library closet. Do you have any further business with this man?”

“No, of course not. It was not a private meeting at all. We were both looking at books. I hope Mrs.Cartwright did not insinuate that there was anything improper between us.” Felicity widened her eyes and let her mouth hang open.

Lady Blackstone smiled. “Do not worry. I am sure if Mr.Ratley hears of it, he will be calm and reasonable. It will not be the first time an engaged lady did something to be gossiped about.” She smiled and started to walk into the drawing room. “Are you coming in, my dear?”

“I thought I might go up to my room to rest, if it is all right with you.”

Lady Blackstone made a pout with her lips. “I was looking forward to seeing you tonight. I have missed our walks. But very well.” She waved her hand. “You may go. But I insist on a nice long walk in the garden tomorrow.”

“Of course. If I am well enough.”

Felicity hurried away, her knees shaking. Oh dear. And she had not even begun the frightening part of the night.

She climbed the stairs, her hand trembling on the railing. She went into her room, remembering that Auntie was still downstairs with Lady Blackstone and the other ladies.

She grabbed the papers and the key from inside her clothes closet and hurried back out, trying to keep her footsteps as soft as possible.

She could hear the sound of voices far below but none nearby. She walked down the corridor, finally reaching Lady Blackstone’s room. The key shook in her hand as she held it up to the keyhole.O merciful God, don’t let me faint again.She slipped it in and turned it. It made a loud metallic clicking sound. She cringed and pushed open the door.