Page 68 of A Dangerous Engagement

She hurried over to the drawer and took out the stack of papers. Her hands fumbled as she tried to separate the blank pages from the originals, and three of the incriminating papers slipped from her hands and tumbled to the floor.

Her heart was pounding so hard it was like a roar in her ears. She quickly fell to her knees and gathered up the papers, putting them back in their stack.Oh, dear heavens,had she put them back in the correct order? She placed the blank sheets on the floor, then replaced the original papers. Then she shut the drawer. She stooped to retrieve the blank papers.

Oh dear.Only a few more steps. Her arms were trembling so badly she clutched the blank papers to her chest to keep from dropping them.

She yanked open the door and stepped outside. She fumbled with the key and managed to lock the door. She turned to hurry back to her room.

When she came in sight of the little table and vase, she took the key and placed it where she had seen Mr.Merrick put it, behind the vase. At least no one would find it in her room or on her person.

She reached her door just as she heard someone coming up the stairs behind her. She quickly rushed inside, dashed to her bed, and lay down, shoving the blank papers under the covers with her.

A knock came at the door.

“Come in,” Felicity called.

Lady Blackstone opened the door and walked in. “My dear, I wanted to come and see if you were well. Mr.Ratley wanted to come and look in on you himself, but I told him I was sorry I had not acted more concerned for you.” She made the same pout Felicity had seen her make earlier.

“I am well. I think it is only a passing headache. I get them sometimes. And my throat is a bit better as well. It is nothing, I hope.”

Lady Blackstone walked over and picked up the only lighted lamp in the room, which was on the table beside Aunt Agnes’s bed, and brought the lamp to Felicity’s bedside.

“My dear, you look quite flushed. Are you sure you’re all right?” She placed her cool hand against Felicity’s forehead, then her cheek. “I will never forgive myself if you become ill while in my care. What would your dear parents say?”

“I daresay I shall be well in the morning. A good night’s sleep always cures my headaches.”

“But, my dear, you are still wearing your clothes. Shall I help you undress?”

“Oh no. I just wanted to lie down for a few minutes first. I shall get into my nightgown soon. Aunt Agnes can help me.”

Lady Blackstone looked askance at her. “Very well. I shall leave you alone. Is there anything you need? Shall I send up a hot toddy for you? Some of my physician’s nerve medicine?”

“No, thank you. I shall be well.”

Lady Blackstone finally left, but the concerned look had been replaced by a blank expression.

Oh, thank you, dear God, that this is over.Her hand touched the papers under her covers. Was it safe to remove them and put them back in her desk? Her head truly was aching with the tension of the last few minutes.God, please don’t let Lady Blackstone suspect anything.

Finally, when she was satisfied that Lady Blackstone had gone, she threw back the covers and got out of bed, snatched the papers up, and put them back in her desk.

There. It was done. But Felicity could not stop feeling uneasy. Had she left a paper on the floor? Would Lady Blackstone notice something out of place and realize someone had been in her room?

She lay back down and squeezed her eyes tightly shut. “God,” she whispered, “send Mr.Merrick safely back to London, and allow this to all be over.”

Felicity and Aunt Agnes were about to leave their room the next morning to go to breakfast when a knock sounded at the door.

“You may come in,” Felicity called.

Mr.Ratley entered and shut the door behind him. “Felicity, I need you to tell me the truth. Do you know where Lady Blackstone’s key is?”

“Lady Blackstone’s key?” Felicity felt the breath rush out of her lungs. She shook her head as if she did not understand.

“I had it a few days ago, and now I can’t find it.” He took a step closer to her and took hold of her arm. “Come for a walk with me.”

“Would you not rather break your fast first?”

He stared at the floor. Finally, he looked her in the eye again. “Very well. Let us go now, if you are ready.”

“Auntie, are you ready?”