Page 8 of A Dangerous Engagement

“And Mr.Ratley talks of nothing but you.” Her hostess clasped her hands and made a tiny noise like a muffled squeal.

“He does?”

“What is that you are reading?” Lady Blackstone stepped forward and picked up the book Felicity had been studying. She opened it and took a step back, her face going pale. “What is this?”

“It is a book on the Chinese language. I am trying to learn it, but I do not get on very well.”

“Why in heaven’s name would you want to do that? Learn Chinese?” Lady Blackstone laughed—a harsh, brief sound.

Felicity’s cheeks burned. “I thought perhaps I might be a missionary there someday.”

“My dear, you cannot be serious.” She barked another laugh. “Only plain girls become missionaries. Besides, you would not be allowed in the country. They would cut off your head and eat you.” She handed Felicity her book back and continued smiling, as if amused.

Felicity cradled the book to her chest, her cheeks burning even hotter. “Perhaps.”

“Oh, forgive me, my dear.” Lady Blackstone turned back toward her. “I am insensitive sometimes. But I came here to tell you what a very good impression you have made upon our Mr.Ratley.” Her smile left her face, and she put her hands on her hips. “But you look as if the news does not please you. Perhaps you have handsome young men with large fortunes fall in love with you every day.”

Felicity did not speak for a moment, unsure of what to say. “I did not mean to offend.”

“Pishposh. What do you say of Mr.Ratley’s love for you?” Lady Blackstone leaned forward, her eyes wide again and her mouth agape.

“I ... I say he does not know me yet. Not very well, at least.”

“Are you always so guarded? Cannot a man admire a girl he has just met?”

“Yes, of course. That is, of course a man can—”

“I can easily imagine men falling in love with you, for you have the prettiest, most delicate features—so irresistible to men—and the most beautiful green eyes. But tell me truly, how many men do you know who are completely disinterested in the fortune of the woman they will marry? Do you not think it does Mr.Ratley credit that he cares not a whit that you will bring no money or property into your marriage? But perhaps you do not care for his company.”

“On the contrary, I enjoy his company.”

“Yes. I knew you would.” Lady Blackstone’s full smile returned, showing remarkably well-looking teeth for a woman of her age. “I knew just how it would be,” she went on. “I saw the two of you in my mind’s eye, as Shakespeare says, and could see how happy you would be together. But I am pushing too hard. You must forgive me for being overly romantic. I simply cannot help it. Romanticism must always be forgiven.” She clasped her hands together again.

Just then Aunt Agnes entered from the dressing room wearing her spectacles and carrying a book.

“There you are, Miss Appleby. We missed seeing you last night at dinner, and it is such a shame you were not there. Mr.Ratley insists you come down for tea, as he wishes to become better acquainted with Felicity’s dear aunt.”

“Oh. Well, I am not certain I can ...”

“But you must. What enjoyment can you have hidden away in this room? I insist you come down for tea and talk with our guests.”

“Oh.” Auntie was glancing about the room in that darting way of hers. “I am certain Mr.Ratley cannot ... That is, he does not wish to speak with me. It is Felicity he wants, wants to—”

“Please do come down and join us for tea, Miss Appleby, if you are able.” Lady Blackstone’s tone was considerably gentler. “I promise there are no monsters or fiends amongst my guests, though they are mostly men.”

Auntie chuckled, then nodded, plucking at her sleeve. “Yes, of course.”

Lady Blackstone said a few more words before squeezing Felicity’s hand and telling her she would see her at tea.

When she was gone, Felicity turned to her aunt. “You do not have to go down to tea if you do not wish to.”

“No, it will all be well. I shall bring my book and sit in an out-of-the-way corner. Lady Blackstone was so insistent, but no one ever minds me when there are lovely ladies about—such as you, Felicity.” Auntie smiled. “I am pleased you have found a young man who seems worthy of your attention.”

Felicity suddenly remembered something. “Auntie, did you notice the young man we saw on the landing earlier?” He was so tall and handsome, she’d realized too late that she had been staring at him.

“I did not have my spectacles. Wasn’t he young and handsome, with red hair?”

“Yes, and I believe I have seen him before.” He had looked surprised to see her. Why should he have looked so surprised?