Page 96 of A Dangerous Engagement

Just what she had been trying to avoid. And yet ... it felt so good to love someone, someone who had proven he was of good character, even if he did not return her love.

The pain, no doubt, would come later.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Felicity sat in her parents’ drawing room trying to study her book on the Chinese language. Her things had been sent to her from the Home Office the day before. Apparently, when the officials and militiamen went to arrest Lady Blackstone and Mr.Ratley the morning after Mr.McDowell’s daring rescue, Lady Blackstone and the rest of their group had fled. But Lord Sidmouth’s men had collected Felicity’s and Aunt Agnes’s things for them.

Three days had passed since she and Aunt Agnes had ridden back to London in Mr.McDowell’s hired carriage. She remembered little of the trip besides waking up snuggled against Mr.McDowell’s arm. She closed her eyes and groaned just thinking about it. What must he think of her?

Thankfully, she also remembered little of her rescue from Doverton Hall, but enough to know that she had said some very improper things. Felicity had asked Aunt Agnes,Was I very improper? Did I say and do many terrible things?Her aunt had blushed to the roots of her hair, coughed, and stammered,It was only Mr.Birtwistle, Mr.McDowell, and myself who heard you. They are gentlemen and will never tell anyone.

Felicity let out a pent-up breath. Well, it was not her fault, after all. She had been forced to take more laudanum than anyone should ingest. Hopefully, Mr.McDowell would not think the less of her.

She tried to concentrate on the images in her book. But instead of seeing Chinese, she kept seeing Mr.McDowell and all the events of the previous few weeks.

She sighed again and laid the book aside. It was no use trying to study. Her heart wasn’t in it. She wasn’t even sure she wanted to go to China to be a missionary, even if it was possible.

The front door opened and shut. Voices and then footsteps sounded on the stairs. Someone was here.

“Mr.Philip McDowell,” the servant announced as Mr.McDowell entered the room.

“Mr.McDowell,” Felicity acknowledged, her heart fluttering like a mad bird inside her chest. She had an irrational urge to throw her arms around him, seeing him again for the first time since he’d saved her, since he’d carried her in his arms, taking such gentle care of her. Only by his courage, strength, and cunning—and the favor and kindness of Providence—had she escaped being murdered. And when she remembered her laudanum-induced babbling, her face heated.

His eyes seemed even bluer than she remembered, with sunlight streaming in through the windows and highlighting the purple bruise on his cheekbone.

He bowed.

She did her best to remember her manners, but her heart had stopped fluttering and was now pounding so hard she wondered if he could hear it.

“Won’t you please sit down?”

They both sat, he on the sofa and she on a nearby chair.

“I was hoping I could speak with you alone, just for a moment,” Mr.McDowell said.

Her breath shallowed and her heart beat double time. How she had missed talking to him, as they had already had many private conversations.

He went on. “But first ... I wanted to inquire after your health, Miss Mayson.”

“Oh, I am completely recovered now, thanks to you, Mr.McDowell.” Just as her cheeks had stopped burning, she felt herself blushing again.

“I am very glad to hear it. I was concerned about the effects of the laudanum Lady Blackstone gave you.”

“No lasting ill effects, thank goodness. And you? Are you recovered from your injuries?”

“I am well. No lasting effects.”

“Except for the bruise on your face. It looks painful.” How she longed to let her fingers graze lightly over the skin ...Oh dear.She must control her thoughts.

“The bruise will disappear in time.” He smiled at her.

“Mr.McDowell, I want to apologize,” Felicity said quickly. “I know I must have said some highly improper things the night you came to rescue my aunt and me from Doverton Hall.”

“Please.” He held up a hand. “Do not apologize for anything. I realize ... you were not yourself. I could not begin to find fault with your behavior.”

His look was so gentle and sincere.

“You are very kind, Mr.McDowell.”