Page 74 of A Dangerous Engagement

Felicity couldn’t help smiling at the enthusiastic conversation between these two people who seemed to get on so well, having only just met the day before.

She only hoped her aunt would not end up in the type of situation in which Felicity presently found herself, engaged to a man who turned out to be involved in something nefarious. But how nefarious could a rector who spent his spare time writing moral allegories be?

Mr.Birtwistle ended his short visit by saying, “I understand that you are going on your seaside ride tomorrow, and I have some business at the parsonage that I must attend to, but I shall visit you the day after tomorrow? May I?”

“Yes, of course.” Aunt Agnes smiled. She certainly seemed to know the appropriate amount of encouragement to offer an eligible gentleman.

Felicity was also glad to make Mr.Birtwistle’s acquaintance, as his friendship might prove helpful to them, should they become desperate enough to risk telling the rector that the people at this house were plotting to overthrow the government. Besides the guests who had been present for the ball, the rector had been the only outside person Lady Blackstone had allowed in the house.

Philip stuffed the papers he had copied into the special pocket sewn into the inside of his shirt the next morning as he dressed for their ride to the seashore. In case he managed to slip away and escape the group, he wanted those all-important papers on his person.

The weather turned out to be fine again, with plenty of blue sky to accentuate the white clouds overhead. It was a rather big to-do to saddle all the horses for such a large group. Only Miss Appleby and two of the married women stayed behind with the house servants.

Miss Mayson, Philip noticed, was dressed in a pretty green riding habit and matching hat that brought out the vivid color in her eyes. He got close enough to her to tell her good morning before walking away to avoid more suspicion. Thanks to Mrs.Cartwright, Lady Blackstone now had her eye on them, and he often caught her looking at either him or Miss Mayson.

Miss Mayson was soon mounted on a rather skittish brown mare. He supposed Ratley had chosen this mount because she was thought to be gentle, and Miss Mayson was not very confident around horses.

Philip examined his horse’s girth and bridle and assured himself all was in good order before mounting up. Soon they were all headed onto the trail that would lead them to the seashore.

Miss Mayson’s horse kept wandering off the trail. She pulled on the reins, but the horse was not cooperating. Her dolt of a fiancé should have helped her, but he was too busy talking to one of the men to even notice what was happening. Philip clenched his teeth, forcing himself not to go over and take the reins and get her horse back in line.

Finally, she managed the task herself, and they all rode past the garden.

Miss Mayson’s shoulders remained stiff the entire ride. Philip tried not to stare, but he was determined to keep an eye on her.

In half an hour, they had reached the sandy beach at the water’s edge.

Mr.Ratley helped Miss Mayson down from her horse. Philip dismounted as well and took in the sight of the vast ocean and its crashing waves. He’d always liked the seaside, but now was not the time to enjoy it.

The men were passing around a few flasks of brandy. He wished Lady Blackstone would insist they put them away, especially with the ladies present. But he was also glad, because if they were all drunk, it might help him slip away unnoticed on the ride home, if he could manage to remain at the rear of the group.

Philip was careful not to attract attention to himself as they all sat on blankets to enjoy a small repast before heading back. Miss Mayson sat beside Mr.Ratley, although that man seemed to pay her little attention. And by the time they’d had their picnic and were preparing to get back on their horses, many of the men were laughing raucously and even stumbling about.

Miss Mayson’s brows were drawn together.

The sooner they all returned to Doverton Hall, the better.

Finally, they were preparing to leave. Philip had to help two men onto their horses, as they were too inebriated to manage on their own.

Then Lady Blackstone said, “Let us take a more scenic route home. We shall see the cliffs to the south.”

South was not his preferred direction, but he should still be able to slip away. He hoped.

Miss Mayson’s horse was between Mr.Ratley’s and Lady Blackstone’s as they set out. At least that seemed to keep the skittish horse in line and moving in the right direction. Philip let several people go in front of him, and he and a couple of the drunkest fellows took up the rear.

They were going along at a slow pace. It was soon clear that Mr.Ratley was nearly as drunk as the worst of them. He kept reaching out and touching Miss Mayson’s neck. She kept leaning away from him. Meanwhile, Ratley’s black stallion, which he was inordinately proud of, kept nudging Miss Mayson’s mare’s neck, as if mimicking his master.

Their trail was winding rather near the edge of a white chalk cliff overlooking the ocean. Other riders kept moving in front of him and causing him to lose sight of Miss Mayson and her horse.

Suddenly, Miss Mayson’s horse reared, screaming as if in pain. Ratley’s horse danced and leapt, sending Ratley out of the saddle and onto the ground on the seat of his breeches. His stallion showed his teeth and bit Miss Mayson’s horse in the rump.

Miss Mayson’s mare screamed again and bolted, racing ahead.

“Go after her!” Lady Blackstone yelled at a groom.

Philip had already kicked his horse forward, sending him into a gallop. His horse surged past the others.

Miss Mayson was leaning forward, trying to hold on and stay in her sidesaddle. And what was worse, she appeared to have dropped the bridle. Her horse careened close to the edge of the cliff.