Page 50 of A Dangerous Engagement

Felicity kept her head down, watching her feet, as if she didn’t know her fiancé was waiting to kiss her. When he did not let go of her waist, she looked up and let him press his lips to hers. But she quickly pulled away.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No, of course not. I just ... well, my mother taught me that kissing was only for marriage. I feel uncomfortable, as if we should wait until our wedding night.”

“My darling. You are far too modest and chaste.”

She pulled all the way away from him and took a step toward the grotto entrance. “I cannot help it. I am a deep and ardent admirer of Miss Hannah More, and I invariably ask myself, in any situation, ‘What would Miss More say?’”

She was being facetious, knowing he was not astute enough to catch on, but she did very much respect Miss Hannah More’s opinions on matters of morality. And yet, if she felt in her heart that she was truly going to marry Mr.Ratley, she would not object to kissing him, either on moral or any other grounds.

Mr.Ratley caught up with her and pulled her hand through the crook of his elbow. “You need not concern yourself with other people’s opinions. Henceforth I shall tell you what to think.”

She drew in a deep breath, her teeth starting to clench. If she were not pretending to be in love with the man, she might tell him some things he would not find pleasant.

He walked her to the edge of the hole in the ground, and she saw that there were some rudimentary steps leading down.

“It looks quite dark down there.” Felicity stopped as he put his foot on the top step. “Likely it will be dirty.”

“Felicity, my love, I brought you out here so you would not feel uncomfortable being alone with me.”

No, you brought me out here so you could take liberties and no one would see.

“Do you not enjoy kissing your future husband?”

“Darling, I told you. I would prefer to save kissing for after our wedding.” An uneasiness came over her. She should think of some way to placate him. “But we will have the rest of our lives together. You don’t mind being patient, just for a little while, do you, darling?”

He was not looking at her. “Perhaps you have changed your mind about marrying me.”

“Of course not.”

“Oh, good morning. Or should I say, good afternoon?” Mr.Merrick was standing behind them in the clearing. “I did not realize you had taken the same trail.”

“Good afternoon, Mr.Merrick.” Mr.Ratley’s voice was tight, but he smiled anyway.

“Were you about to show Miss Mayson the shell grotto? I was hoping to see it myself. Shall we go inside?” He moved toward them as if he didn’t realize he was interrupting their conversation, and he actually started down the steps.

Felicity took Mr.Ratley’s arm, and they started down after him.

“It will take a few minutes for our eyes to adjust to the dark,” Mr.Merrick said. “Mr.Ratley? Is there a lantern we could light?”

Mr.Ratley bent and picked something up off the ground that squeaked like a metal handle. “Here is a lantern, but we have no matches.”

“I just happen to carry some.” Mr.Merrick came close and struck a match. They soon had the lantern lighted, and Felicity gasped.

Seashells covered every inch of space on the walls. Someone had attached them in beautiful patterns and shapes, and the shells were of many different colors—various shades of yellow, pink, and even blue. They were arranged into sunbursts, swirls, and flowers, decorative borders and arches.

“This place is incredible,” Felicity breathed.

Mr.Merrick was holding the lantern close to the walls, examining them. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Shall we explore further?”

They came to two arched openings, one on the left and one on the right. Mr.Merrick went left, and Mr.Ratley pulled Felicity toward the right one.

“But Mr.Merrick has the lantern,” Felicity protested.

“They both lead to the same place,” Mr.Ratley said.

She let him lead her into the dark passageway, and then he pulled her close and tried to kiss her, but in the dark his lips landed on her cheek.