a talent for trouble

8/22/2019 A Talent for Trouble

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ATAlenTforTrouble

Jen Turano

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2013 by Jennier Turano

Published by Bethany House Publishers

11400 Hampshire Avenue South

Bloomington, Minnesota 55438www.bethanyhouse.com

Bethany House Publishers is a division o

Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Printed in the United States o America

All rights reserved. No part o this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

system, or transmitted in any orm or by any meansor example, electronic, photocopy,

recordingwithout the prior written permission o the publisher. The only exceptionis brie quotations in printed reviews.

Library o Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Turano, Jen.

A Talent or Trouble / Jen Turano.

pages cm

Summary: Ater getting into one scrape ater another in 1880s New York

City, are Grayson and Felicia destined to spend the rest o their lives keeping

each other out o trouble? Provided by publisher.

ISBN 978-0-7642-1126-3 (pbk.)1. Lie change eventsFiction. 2. Man-woman relationshipsFiction.

I. Title.

PS3620.U7455 T35 2013

813 .6dc23 2013023299

This is a work o ction. Names, characters, incidents, and dialogues are products o

the authors imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual

events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Cover design by John Hamilton Design

Author represented by The Seymour Agency

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 7 6 5 4 3 2 1


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For Al . . . just because.

All my love,

Jen


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1

New York CitY, 1881

Miss Felicia Murdock was wallowing.She did not normally have the propensity to wal-low, but given the trying circumstances o the day, she elt she

was entitled, at least or an hour or two.

Leaning her orehead against the cool pane o glass, she stared

out her bedroom window, watching the trac that paraded past

the Fith Avenue mansion she called home. Carriages sporting

liveried servants jostled or space amongst delivery wagons, while

well-dressed ladies and gentlemen strolled down the sidewalk

arm in arm, all o them apparently enjoying the lovely spring day.

Her nose wrinkled at the sight o so many cheerul people,

and when one o the couples stopped in the middle o the side-

walk and shared a quick embrace, Felicia jerked her head rom

the glass and trudged across the oriental carpet, coming to a

halt in ront o her bed.

Normally the sight o her whimsical bed, with its rothy bit


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o blue silk scooping graceully rom the canopy and comort-

able quilted ivory coverlet, brought a smile to her lips, but on

this particular day, smiles were dicult to produce.Feeling the need or a dramatic gesture in order to continue

with her wallowing, Felicia turned, held out her arms, and ell

backward, anticipating the moment her bed would cushion

her in a sot cocoon o luxury and allow her to descend into a

much-needed bout o sel-pity.

As she landed, a sharp stabbing o her behind sent all thoughts

o sel-pity disappearing in a split second. She bolted upright,beat down the voluminous skirt o the putrid pink gown tangled

around her legs, struggled to her eet, and permitted hersel the

indulgence o releasing a good grunt.

Acts o a dramatic nature were clearly not advisable when one

still had the required ashion accessory o the day, the dastardly

bustle, attached to ones backside. Disgruntlement now owing

reely through her veins, she reached around and twisted the

dreaded contraption back into place.

Kicking of her shoes, she eyed the bed once again and, un-

willing to abandon her dramatic gesture, took a ew steps back,

hitched up her skirt, and lunged orward. She ung hersel into

the air and landed on top o the coverlet with a resounding

bounce.

Air was dicult to come by, as her tightly laced corset pro-

tested such strenuous activity, but determination to continue

with her wallowing had her breathing in shorter breaths as she

cushioned her head with olded arms. She was hardly comort-

able, but at least she was in an appropriate position to sink

into misery. She closed her eyes and orced hersel to recall the

horrors o the day.

Reverend Michael Fraser, the gentleman shed held dear to

her heart or over our years, was now married.

Unortunately, she had not been his bride o choice.


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That honor had gone to Miss Julia Hampton, a young lady

Felicia might have actually liked i the lady hadnt absconded

with the man Felicia adoredthe man shed or so long believedGod had selected or herto marry.

It appeared she and God had experienced a slight misunder-

standing o late. Quite rankly, she couldnt help but be distinctly

put out with Him.

Shed been so certain He would intervene todaywith a

bolt o lightning or something equally impressiveright in the

middle o the wedding, which would have proven once and orall that she was meant or Reverend Fraser, not Miss Hampton.

But even though shed kept a sharp eye on the ceiling throughout

the ceremony, no such divine intervention had occurred.

A trickle o unease caused her eyes to ash open.

Good heavens, i God would have intervened, Miss Hampton,

or rather Mrs. Fraser now, would have been devastated. All o

Julias hopes and dreams would not have come to pass, and . . .

The sheer selshness o what Felicia had hoped or hardly spoke

well o her character.

It was little wonder God hadnt answered her many and varied

prayers regarding Reverend Fraser. She was a sad excuse or a

sel-proclaimed woman o aith.

How in the world could she have convinced hersel she was

destined to become the wie o a minister?

It was ludicrousthats what it was. And now, since shed

spent so many years pursuing Reverend Fraser, shed reached the

ripe old age o twenty-our and couldnt help but think shed

landed hersel in a bit o a pickle.

None o societys eligible gentlemen would want to court

a lady so long in the tooth, which meant she was destined to

remain a spinster orever.

An image o hersel ten years in the uture sprang to mind,

and it did absolutely nothing to calm her nervesespecially


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since the image shed conjured had her wearing a ratty old shawl

with dozens o cats slinking around her eet.

She didnt care or cats. They made her sneeze. They alsoseemed to spring out at her when she least expected it.

Groping out with one hand, Felicia yanked a velvet pillow

o periwinkle blue toward her and pressed it against her ace,

trying to orce her thoughts away rom anything to do with

cats. To her dismay, trying to push cats out o her mind only

caused more cats to prance through her thoughts. Pushing the

pillow aside, she began to whistle a jaunty tune shed picked uprom one o the grooms, and thankully, images o cats disap-

peared, replaced with sailors walking on bowed legs down at the

dock.

It wasnt much o an improvement, given that she wasnt ter-

ribly amiliar with sailors, but at least it was better than cats.

What in the world are you whistling?

Pressing her lips tightly together, Felicia glanced out o the

corner o her eye and, much to her dismay, saw her mother

striding determinedly across the room. She squeezed her eyes

shut and summoned up what she hoped was a credible snore.

I know youre awake.

Im not.

A chuckle was Ruth Murdocks only reply beore Felicia elt

the mattress shit and then shit again as her mother went about

the business o getting comortable, apparently intent on a bit

o a chat.

It was a beautiul wedding, wasnt it?

The last thing she wanted to discuss was the wedding. The

disappointment o it was still too resh, but her mother had no

way o knowing her daughter had sufered a blow today. Felicia

had never admitted to anyone the troubling act that she held

Reverend Fraser in high regard.

I thought Miss Hampton looked lovely.


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Felicia orced open her eyes, pushed hersel up and then of

the bed, shook out the olds o her gown, and summoned up

what she hoped would pass or a smile. She did.You looked lovely as well. Ruths eyes began to gleam. I

noticed the marked attention Mr. Zayne Beckett was sending

your way.

Felicia looked past her mother and caught sight o her reec-

tion in the ull-length mirror that stood next to the entrance o

her dressing room.

Lovely was hardly the term she would have chosen to describeher appearance.

White-blond hair was pulled ruthlessly away rom her ace,

the tightness o the chignon causing her deep blue and heavily

lashed eyes to tilt up at the corners. Her cheekbones were high

and her nose slim, but her ace looked strained and pale, and

she resembled a lady o orty instead o twenty-our. Her eyes

skimmed over plump lips that were entirely too ull and settled

on her gown, the sheer volume o it hiding curves she knew

perectly well were considered voluptuous. She winced when

the sun took that moment to stream through the window, the

beams o light causing the pink tulle she was wearing to glow.

Are you planning on seeing Zayne again soon? Ruth asked,

causing Felicia to pull her gaze rom her appalling reection and

settle it on her mother.

Mother, honestly, the only reason Zayne was paying me

marked attention was because I knocked him over that pew

ater you shoved me a little too enthusiastically in his direction.

Zayne, being a most considerate gentleman, was concerned or

any embarrassment his rapid plunge to the ground might have

caused me.

She blew out a breath. Besides, youre orgetting the pesky

little act that hes rmly of the marriage market, given that

hes practically engaged to Miss Helena Collins.


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Ruths eyes turned shrewd. Reverend Fraser was rmly of the

market as well, but that didnt seem to stop you rom continuing

to hold the man in afection. Really, Felicia, the manner in whichyou were staring at the ceiling throughout the ceremony today

was somewhat disturbing. Why, I was convinced you expected

a bolt o lightning to disrupt the service.

Sometimes her mother knew her just a touch too well, but . . .

Her eyes widened. You knew?

Ruth scooted back on the bed and took a moment to plump

up some pillows behind her. O course I knew, darling. Sheolded her hands over her stomach. It is my ondest hope that,

now that hes well and truly married, youll nally be able to

put the gentleman behind you once and or all. I also wouldnt

mind i youd set aside the rather demure attitude youve as-

sumed over the past our years.

Youve taken issue with my demure attitude?

Ruth bit her lip. Oh dear, that might not have come out

exactly right. She tilted her head. I certainly expect you to

be ladylike at all times, my dear, but ever since you made the

acquaintance o Reverend Fraser, youve ruthlessly pushed aside

your exuberance or lie. That is what I long or you to embrace

again. I also wouldnt be opposed to seeing a dramatic change

in the ashions you choose to wear. Your rather outlandish sense

o style, while always a topic o conversation at every society

event, has bothered me or years.

Youre the one who bought me my rst outlandish gown.

I truly do love you, darling, but Im not going to take re-

sponsibility or the manner in which youve been dressing. Did

I, years ago, purchase you a somewhat hideous gown bedecked

in ribbons? Yes, I did, but I only did so because the designer

assured me it would make you appear years younger. I you

will recall, at that time youd almost reached the ripe old age

o twenty and did not have a suitor to call your own.


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Only because my coming out was delayed due to Grand-

mothers death and Grandathers ill health.

Ruths lips curled into a smile. It was truly commendable,your diligence to your grandather, but . . . that has nothing to

do with the horrible dress I bought you. She gave a delicate

shudder. The moment you stepped out o your room garbed

in that ridiculous creation, I knew Id made a horrible mistake.

Unortunately, we were running late. There was nothing to do

but tell you how charming you looked and pray youd someday

orgive me.You never told me you thought I looked ridiculous.

I had every intention o doing so, dearater the ball, o

coursebut you made the acquaintance o Reverend Fraser that

very night. He rather oolishly, yet out o kindness, Im sure,

proclaimed you looked delightul . . . and charming.

He sounded sincere.

Im certain he was, since hes a lovely man. But he is woe-

ully decient in the matter o ashions. I cannot tell you how

appalled I was when the very next day you asked me to go shop-

ping, ordered an entirely new wardrobe comprised o question-

able styles, and discarded your old wardrobe. You havent worn

anything remotely ashionable since.

Something that elt remarkably like regret swept through her.

I was trying to impress Reverend Fraser, and I thought I was

on the right track because he did compliment my appearance

quite oten.

Again, hes a kind man and probably came to the conclu-

sion you needed extra compliments because you always looked

so peculiar. Ruth released a sigh. Ive never understood why

you decided he was the right gentleman or you.

I thought God had sent him to me.

Because . . . ?

Felicia walked over to a settee, sinking down on it as her


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skirts billowed up around her. I knew perectly well ater I

returned rom Grandathers house that I was rapidly approach-

ing spinsterhood, so right beore the Patriarch Ball, I had a talkwith God. I told Him that I wanted to nd a suitable gentle-

man that very evening, and then, much to my delight, Reverend

Fraser turned up.

Did it never cross your mind that you might have been mis-

taken? Surely you must have considered, given your slightly

mischievous nature, that you were hardly suited to a lie as a

ministers wie.Felicia leaned orward, earning hersel a aceul o pink tulle

in the process. She brushed it aside. I would make a ne min-

isters wie.

Youve done an exceptional job helping the needy and at-

tending church, but tell me, have you done those things because

you desire to do them, or was it simply a means to spend time

in Reverend Frasers company?

The answers to those questions werent something Felicia

cared to delve into at the moment. Shed already come to the

conclusion she was a horrible person or wanting a bolt o light-

ning to end Miss Hamptons dreams. The last thing she wanted

to contemplate was whether or not actions shed told hersel

were seless had actually been done in an attempt to urther

her appeal to Reverend Fraser.

A knock on the door provided a welcome reason to avoid an-

swering her mother. She rose rom the settee, walked across the

room, pulled open the door, and ound one o the housemaids,

Gladys, on the other side.

Gladys bobbed a curtsy. Theres a gentleman here to see

you, Miss Murdock.

A gentleman?

Yes. Mr. Sumner has come to call.

Apprehension was immediate. Are you certain about that?


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Gladys nodded and pressed a calling card into Felicias hand.

She glanced at it, and sure enough, it did appear as i Mr. Gray-

son Sumner had come to call. She jumped when her mothersuddenly peered over her shoulder.

Ah, how lovely. The card does read Mr. Sumner. My, I wonder

what hes doing here.

Felicia turned and quickly recognized that her mother was

batting innocent-looking eyes back at hersomething she did

quite oten when she was in the midst o a plot. I cant help

but wonder the same, Mother.Ruth ignored her and beamed at Gladys. Please tell Mr.

Sumner that Felicia will be right down.

I dont think so. Gladys, please tell him Im indisposed.

Shell be right down, Ruth repeated.

Im indisposed.

Ruth seemed to grow a little larger even as her ace turned

red. Youre not indisposed; youre sulkingwhich is quite

unattractive, by the way. She nodded to Gladys. Again, you

may inorm Mr. Sumner that Felicia will be down momentarily.

Not giving Felicia an opportunity to argue urther, Gladys

barely bobbed a curtsy beore she spun around and beat a hasty

retreat.

Why is Grayson Sumner here, Mother?

Because he enjoys your company?

Mr. Sumner and I have rarely spent time in each others

company.

Ruth smiled. Why, thats it. He saw you today at the wed-

ding, realized he wishes to become better acquainted with you,

and here he is, in our house, waiting or you to go greet him.

Im araid I dont think thats the reason a member o British

aristocracy is currently waiting or me to go greet him.

I disagree.

Out with it, Mother. What have you done now?


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Youre always so suspicious.

Felicia arched a brow.

Ruth arched one right back at her beore she seemed to deateon the spot. Oh, very well. I you must know, Mr. Sumner is

here to escort you to his sisters house. Elizas decided to host a

late-aternoon tea, and she specically sought me out in order

to extend an invitation to you. Ruth let out a breath. She was

quite concerned when no one could locate you ater the wedding.

Youll be relieved to learn that I explained your mad dash rom

the ceremony with as ew words as possible, stating somethingto the efect that the abric o your gown had brought on an

unortunate rash.

You told everyone I have a rash?

Well, not everyonejust Eliza, Grayson, and oh, that de-

lightul Agatha Watson. Ruth rowned. The thought did

spring to mind, right ater the word rash escaped my lips, that

it probably wasnt the best explanation I could have come up

with, considering rashes are hardly desirable. However, ladies

have been known to sufer rom wearing an excess o tulle,

which you were wearing today, so it certainly was a believable

comment.

Ruths rown turned into a smile. At least now your riends

will be considerate o your tender condition instead o recog-

nizing the real reason you ed the wedding was due to your

unortunate inatuation with Reverend Fraser.

There were no words at Felicias disposal to respond to that

bit o nonsense, and oddly enough, since her mother had men-

tioned a rash, her skin had begun to itch somewhat dreadully

underneath the swaths o abric she wore. Scratching her arm,

she took a moment to consider her mother. Tell me, why cant

I simply ride over to Elizas house with you?

Ah, well . . . I wasnt invited.

Her mother was getting more incorrigible with each passing


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day. Eliza would never neglect to extend you an invitation,

Mother.

I think its a tea or young people.They were getting nowhere ast.

How did it happen that Mr. Sumner was coerced to come

etch me?

I wouldnt say he was coerced. It seemed to me he was quite

eager to make the ofer. Ruths eyes began to sparkle. You should

eel extremely honored that a gentleman o Graysons caliber has

come to call. Why, with that delicious accent o his and his alltoo handsome ace, hes a gentleman any lady can appreciate.

Here it wasclear proo that her mother was indeed plotting.

Are you sure your name isnt Ruthless instead o Ruth?

Pardon me?

Youre scheming, Mother, and not very subtly. Youve set

your sights on Grayson Sumner as a prospect or me.

My goodness, Felicia, I never realized you have such an

overactive imagination. All I did was point out that hes a ne

candidate, er, suitable escort or you today.

Grayson Sumner is out o my reach. Hes an aristocrat, as

in a real-lie earl.

Ruth began inspecting the sleeve o her gown. Youd make

a lovely countess, and just think how adorable any children you

might have would be. When youre not downplaying your looks,

youre beautiul, and Grayson . . . Well, need I say more? Ruth

looked up. Would they be little lords and ladies, your children,

or do children o earls not get honorary titles?

Mr. Sumner abandoned his title.

He can always resume the use o it with a bit o prodding.

The conversation was quickly going downhill. Ive never

aspired to become a member o the aristocracy.

Thats not entirely true. When you were ten, you declared

to me you wished to become a princess.


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All little girls wish to become princesses.

Now you can contemplate becoming a countess. Theyre

almost the same thing.Felicia sucked in a deep breath o air, the action causing her

corset to brush against skin that, strangely enough, was still

itching. Youre going to have to tell him Im not eeling well.

In act, I do eel as i I might be coming down with a rash.

Youre not, and Ill do no such thing.

Then tell him I have nothing suitable to wear.

Your wardrobe is stufed to the gills with clothing.Thats exactly what my gowns resemble, gills.

Youre determined to be dicult, arent you.

Yes.

Ruth reached out and patted Felicias cheek. Darling, I un-

derstand that you sufered a great disappointment today, but the

last thing you should do is hide away in your room. You need

to reclaim your lie and pursue a uture that will allow you to

embrace who you truly are, not who youve been pretending to

be o late.

May I assume you believe I should do all o those things

while in the company o Grayson Sumner?

Hes a charming gentleman, Felicia, and the times Ive seen

the two o you together, both o you have always been smiling.

Im quite certain the only reason I smile while in his company

is to mask the act he makes me incredibly nervous.

Hmm . . . Ruths eyes began to sparkle once again.

Chaos normally ollowed that particular sparkle, which meant

Felicia was going to have to nip this subject in the bud beore

her mother got any truly crazy ideas.

Grayson Sumner clearly has a mysterious past, and I think

that past has caused him to be a rather dangerous man.

Ive always ound dangerous gentlemen to be very intriguing.

There was going to be no reasoning with her mother. Felicias


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hope o extended wallowing was rapidly slipping away. Fine,

Ill nd something to wear.

Thats the spirit, dear. Ruth patted Felicias cheek onceagain as her eagle eyes skimmed over Felicias hair. You might

want to do something diferent with your hair, darling. Im araid

it looks quite disastrous. With that, Ruth hurried through the

door and disappeared rom view.

Felicias shoulders sagged ever so slightly, knowing there

was no option but to change and then travel to Elizas tea. She

stifened her spine and headed or her dressing room, stridingthrough it beore she yanked the door to her wardrobe open. She

reused to allow hersel the luxury o a good sigh when the sight

o pinks, yellows, pale greens, and ar too many bows, ribbons,

and, more alarmingly yet, eathers met her gaze.

Temper took her by surprise. She moved into the wardrobe

and began rummaging through the garments, anxiety quickly

replacing the temper as realization nally began to sink in over

what shed actually done over the past our years.

Shed changed who she was in the hope o attracting the at-

tention o a gentleman.

Shed spent hour upon hour at the church, volunteering or

everything rom eeding the needy to distributing used clothing,

and, occasionally, even scrubbing down the pews.

Shed prided hersel on never missing a church service, when

in actuality shed gone to every single one only to gaze at Rev-

erend Fraser.

She was a raud, and it was past time she did something to

rectiy that.

Her hands stilled when a ash o dark met her gaze. She

reached into the arthest recesses o her wardrobe and snatched

at it, pulling out the black gown shed worn to her grandathers

uneral.

She tore the pink tulle rom her body, not bothering to ring


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or a maid, and slipped into the black dress, buttoning up the

ront beore she strode back to the mirror. She eyed her reec-

tion and then began to pull pins as rapidly as she could romher hair. Her ngers ew aster and aster as something that

elt very much like panic settled over her.

Shed wasted years o her lie.

Shed become someone she didnt know and really didnt

care or in the least.

Her mother was right. It was time or her to reclaim her lie,

but she had no idea how to go about that.An image o Grayson Sumner sprang to mind.

Her mother was not mistakenhe was a handsome gentle-

man, wealthy too, and he did possess a title, as well as a com-

pelling British accentbut . . . he really was dangerous. Shed

realized that the rst time shed made his acquaintance.

She pulled out another pin, tilted her head, and then nodded.

Perhaps a tiny slice o danger was exactly what was needed toget her lie back on track.


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2

Grayson Sumner picked up the china teacup the house-

maid had so thoughtully provided or him, taking a sip

o the pleasant brew beore he glanced around the tasteully

decorated drawing room. Hed never been in this part o the

Murdock residence beore, and quite rankly, he was surprised

to nd his surroundings so understated, without a single bold

color in sight.

Hed been expecting ussy, given the eccentric manner Miss

Felicia Murdock chose to dress, and was slightly disappointed

to discover everything so normal.

Amusement replaced disappointment when the thought came

to him that Felicia could never be mistaken or normal, no mat-

ter the conventional state o her home. She garbed hersel in

highly unusual ashions, her gowns always dripping with bows

and ribbons, but hed realized shortly ater making her acquain-

tance that underneath the yards and yards o abric draping her

orm, there resided a lady who possessed the spirit o a hoyden.

How hed come to that realization, he really couldnt say. It


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wasnt as i hed ever seen her behave in an untoward manner.

Felicia presented hersel to the world as a demure young lady,

but there was just something about the way her eyes twinkledwith mischie every so oten that lent credence to his impression

regarding her true nature.

For the lie o him, he hadnt been able to understand why

shed assumed such a retiring mannerwell, retiring except

or her peculiar taste in clothinguntil just a ew hours ago.

Hed watched her as shed perched on the very edge o the pew

throughout the wedding ceremony, looking or all intents andpurposes as i she were about to take ight. When hed remarked

on Felicias odd behavior to his sister, Eliza, shed leaned closer

to him and whispered that shed come to believe Felicia held

Reverend Fraser in afection, afection o the romantic kind.

That had explained much, at least in regard to her demure

attitude. He wasnt certain anything could explain her taste

in ashion. What had taken him aback though, once hed had

a moment to think about it, was that a clear eeling o dis-

gruntlement had settled over him right ater Eliza whispered

her thoughts into his ear.

What had caused the disgruntlement, he really couldnt say,

but hed been downright grumpy or the rest o the ceremony,

which had been rather odd, since weddings normally let him

in a pleasant rame o mind.

Grayson took another sip o tea, set the cup aside on a table

next to the chair, and pulled out his pocket watch, wondering

when, or even i, Felicia would appear.

Perhaps her rash had gotten worse.

I she did appear, was he expected to inquire about the rash,

or should he simply pretend Mrs. Murdock hadnt divulged that

rather personal inormation?

Deciding pretending ignorance would be or the best in this

situation, he leaned back and stretched out his legs, rising to


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his eet a mere moment later when Mrs. Murdock charged

into the room, her ace wreathed in its customary smile. He

stepped orward and took the hand she ofered him, bringingit to his lips, which caused her smile to widen and her cheeks

to turn pink.

I do beg your pardon or keeping you waiting so long, Ruth

Murdock exclaimed when he let go o her hand. Felicia will

be down in a moment.

I hope shes been able to address to satisaction that, er,

little problem you mentioned.Ruth winced but then smiled. Indeed she has, but it might

be or the best i you dont bring that up around her. Ladies are

extremely sensitive about such matters. She waltzed over to a

settee done up in watered silk and motioned him orward. We

might as well get comortable while we wait. She sat down and

gestured to the space beside her.

Grayson smiled and took a seat, his smile widening when she

reached over and patted his knee in a motherly gesture.

I must thank you again or coming to etch Felicia this ater-

noon. I know she would have been quite beret i shed missed

having tea with her riends.

I was more than happy to ofer my services.

Leaning closer to him, Ruth lowered her voice. Come now,

Mr. Sumner. I know ull well that you only ofered so quickly

because Eliza was treading on your oot.

You saw that?

Im a mother. I see everything. She patted his knee again.

Dont ret about it though. You are a gentleman, and gentle-

men dont always see the opportunities that present themselves

as well as we ladies do.

Opportunities?

Exactly. Which is why its so ortunate your sister is such

an observant sort. Its clear she only has your best interests at


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heart, so do be certain to thank her when you see her next or

stepping on your oot.

He no longer possessed any idea regarding what the conver-sation was about, or where it was leading.

Ruth charged ahead. Youre very indulgent with Eliza, arent

you?

He opened his mouth to respond, but she continued on as i

she hadnt just asked a question. Tell me, dear, do you think

that indulgence was brought on because you abandoned her or

ar too many years?There was no denying that.

He had abandoned his sister or years, and the guilt he su-

ered over that abandonment was the motivation behind his

granting Eliza her every whim.

Hed let her and his ather without a single word, without

thought or that matter, turning his back on his responsibilities

as hed set out on an adventure o a lietime ater he graduated

rom Oxord. Hed never considered the possibility that his a-

ther might die, their man o afairs would steal all o the amily

money, and Eliza would be let to end or hersel.

Shed believed him dead.

His sister had mourned him while hed been of in China secur-

ing a ortune or himsel through reprehensible means. For that

reason alone, Grayson would orever be plagued with remorse.

Regret was his constant companion, because what had eventu-

ally happened in China had been entirely his ault. His actions

had caused his wie and the rest o her amily to sufer the most

brutal o deaths.

Only he and Ming, the child he was raising as his daughter,

had managed to escape that horriying end.

Ruth suddenly let out a cough, causing him to remember he

was supposed to be in the midst o a conversation with the lady.

I do beg your pardon, Mrs. Murdock. What were you saying?


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I was inquiring about that adorable daughter o yours. I

missed seeing her at the wedding.

Mrs. Murdocks ability to change the subject at the drop oa hat was truly amazing.

Mings nethank you or askingbut since she has just

turned three, I elt it unwise or her to attend today. Shes at that

age where you can never tell what she may do.

I well remember those years. Felicia was a terror.

Silence settled over the room, most likely because Mrs. Mur-

dock had snapped her lips together and was perusing the carpetas i something had captured her interest.

Resisting the urge to laugh, Grayson placed his hand on her

arm. Im certain Miss Murdock was completely precious in

her youth.

Ruths head snapped up, and she began nodding, vigorously.

But o course she was. Why, whenever she ound hersel in the

midst o a bit o troublenot that she got into trouble oten,

mind youshed turn those big eyes on me and I was helpless

to resist her. She smiled. Im sure Eliza must have used the

same tactics with you in her younger years.

Eliza had been precious in her youth, with her yaway red

hair and large blue eyes. Shed adored him, had ollowed him

everywhere, which made it all the more disturbing that hed so

carelessly turned rom her.

You need a mother or little Ming.

This was what happened when one let down ones guard while

in the presence o a matchmaking mother. They were relentless

in their determination to see their daughters well married and

pounced when a man least expected it.

He considered Mrs. Murdock or a moment, unable to at-

tribute the gleam in her eyes to anything other than speculation.

Hed come to truly enjoy Mrs. Murdock and her manipulat-

ing ways, even though that manipulation was currently directed


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26

toward him. She was obviously a lady who loved her amily,

especially her daughter. He appreciated that about her, even

though he had no intention o going along with whatever dia-bolical plan she currently had prowling around her mind.

He was going to have to be honest with her, rm as well, and

make her understand that he was not the gentleman or Felicia,

or or any other lady or that matter. Hed vowed to never marry

again, and he intended to keep that vow. He was too damaged,

too lthy, i the truth were known. He would never be good

enough to become someones husband, let alone a husbandto a lady like Felicia, who was entirely too captivating or her

own good.

He elt a bead o sweat pop out on his orehead and begin to

dribble down his ace as trepidation rolled through him. It was

a bit concerning even thinking the word captivating and Felicia

in the same breath. Granted, it lent a bit o an explanation as

to why hed been grumpy at the wedding, but . . . he needed

to make a hasty retreat beore other words such as alluring,

enchanting, and compelling started swirling around his mind,

but . . . apparently, they already were.

Searching or an excuse that would allow him to take an

immediate leave, he casually pulled up the sleeve o his jacket,

wondering i he could hope Felicias rash had been a contagious

thing and was even now rapidly spreading through the wedding

guests. He leaned closer and peered at his skin, unable to detect

a single blemish. He scratched it just to be sure.

Good gracious, Mr. Sumner, are you itching?

Itching to get out o there, but he couldnt very well make that

proclamation without giving Mrs. Murdock a perect reason to

speculate, and that wasnt something he was willing to do, not

given her devious mind.

The sound o an uneven stomping gait right outside the

drawing room broke through his panicked thoughts. He turned


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toward the door and elt the breath leave him in one single

whoosh when Felicia stormed into the room, the sight o her

causing his mouth to drop open even as he belatedly rememberedto get to his eet.

Oh . . . dear, Ruth whispered as she got up rom the settee

as well.

Mrs. Murdocks exclamation summed it up nicely. The lady

standing in ront o him in no way resembled the Felicia hed

come to know. Instead, he was aced with a lady gowned all in

black, the cut o the garment emphasizing curves hed nevernoticed and certainly never imagined. Her hair was unbound

and tumbled to a waist that was incredibly small and accented

her . . . charms.

His mouth ran dry as another bead o sweat ormed on his

orehead and trickled down his ace.

Who would have ever thought such an enticing gure was

lurking under the vast amount o abric Felicia normally wore?

Realizing he was gawking, and with a mother bent on match-

making standing only eet away rom him, he pulled his gaze

rom Felicias surprising attributes and decided a sae part o

her to concentrate on would be her hair. Unortunately, ran-

dom pins sticking haphazardly out o her tresses captured his

attention, causing his mouth to curve up in a grin, something

he quickly strove to control when Felicias eyes began to shoot

sparks in his direction.

Ruth took that moment to clear her throat, loudly. Felicia,

what could you be thinking wearing that particular gown, and

where are your manners? Youve neglected to greet Mr. Sumner.

Mr. Sumner, Felicia all but purred in a husky voice, the

huskiness causing his mouth to eel as i it were suddenly ull

o sand.

Miss Murdock, he managed to say, wincing when he real-

ized his voice sounded unnaturally high. He swallowed, drew in


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28

a deep breath, and tried again, pitching his tone a ew octaves

lower. Dont you look . . . delightul.

Felicia rowned, narrowed her eyes, and olded her arms overher chest.

Oddly enough, it seemed as i she took ofense at the term

delightful. He tried again. Charming?

Her eyes narrowed to mere slits.

Diferent?

Felicias rown disappeared as her lips curved into an enchant-

ing smile, causing all rational thought to ee rom his mind.She was stunning when she smiled.

Thank you, Mr. Sumner.

Really, Felicia, Im not certain he was extending you a com-

pliment, Ruth muttered beore she waved a hand at Felicias

dress. Would you care to explain why youve garbed yoursel

all in black? Its not as i anyone has died recently.

Felicia lited her chin. I had nothing else to wear. And there

has been a death recently, very recentlythe death o the old

me. Ive decided to assume a new identity, at least or today.

Today . . . Im going to be Clara.

Grayson exchanged a glance with Ruth, who was looking

decidedly worried, beore he returned his attention to Felicia.

Curiosity stole over him. Why Clara?

Felicia swept a strand o hair out o her ace, the action

causing some o the hairpins to tumble to the oor, which she

ignored. I you must know, Clara was a character I ran across

in a moldy old book years ago. Given that she possessed a re-

markable zest or lie, Ive long admired her. She smiled. She

was a complete nuisance and came to an exceedingly bad end,

but she was an incredibly compelling characterso compelling,

in act, that Ive decided to emulate her.

You long to come to a bad end? was all Grayson could

think to ask.


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I its an interesting end, certainly.

What could he possibly say to that bit o nonsense?

He opened his mouth but was spared a response when Ruth sud-denly made a tsking noise under her breath, grabbed him rather

roughly by the arm, and began tugging him toward the door.

Thank you so much or coming by today, Mr. Sumner, but

I ear my deardaughters rash must be ar worse than I rst

imagined and is causing her to be out o sorts. Youd best get

on your way quickly beore you contract whatever vile disorder

Felicias evidently picked up.Forgive me, Mrs. Murdock, but I dont believe a rash is caus-

ing her behaviormore like insanity, and I dont think insanity

is contagious.

Ruth tightened her grip on his arm. We mustnt take any

chances.

They made it to the hall and were moving at a brisk pace

down it beore the sound o ootsteps echoed behind him. Even

though Ruth kept trying to prod him along, he slowed to a stop,

turned, and ound Felicia limping ater them. He looked to her

eet and couldnt help but grin. She was wearing two completely

diferent shoes, one with a high heel and one with a low heel,

which went ar in explaining her lopsided gait.

You should have kept moving, Ruth mumbled, right beore

Felicia teetered to a stop in ront o them and plopped her hands

on her hips. Ruth released a dramatic sigh. Are you aware, dear,

that youre wearing two diferent shoes?

Felicia lited her black skirt, looked down or a moment,

dropped the skirt back into place, and shrugged. So I am.

How odd.

Yes, it is odd, much like your demeanor, which is why youre

going to bid Mr. Sumner a good day and return to your room.

I suggest you spend the rest o the aternoon taking a good,

long nap.


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30

Im not tired.

Be that as it may, Ruth returned between now clenched

teeth, its past time Grayson took his leave.Im going with him.

Ruth shook her head. That wouldnt be wise.

I cant ignore Elizas invitation, and it would be beyond rude

to Mr. Sumner i he came all this way to etch me but then was

orced to leave me behind. She turned to him. Ill be right

back. I just need to change my shoes. With that, she began to

limp down the hall.I youre determined to continue on with this madness,

Ruth called ater her, you might want to etch a hat as well.

Felicia looked over her shoulder. Clara never wore a hat.

Ruth closed her eyes or just a moment, opened them, and

shook her head. It is beyond me at times like this why people

eel inclined to have children.

To bring you joy and comort in your old age, o course,

Felicia said briskly beore she turned her head and hurried of

down the hallway.

Shes in an unusual mood, Grayson said to ll the silence

Felicias departure had caused.

Im araid I cant argue with you about that. Ruth sighed.

I should not have agreed to the plan o having you come ater

her, especially knowing the disappointment she sufered today.

I think the only prudent thing to do now is to summon my car-

riage and accompany Felicia over to your sisters house mysel.

Eliza did, in act, issue me an invitation, but . . . Ruth suddenly

looked a little shity. It might be or the best i you didnt men-

tion that to Felicia.

Should I even bother to ask why youve allowed your daugh-

ter to believe you werent invited?

Ruth began to an her ace with her hand. Probably not, and

it hardly matters now. What does matter is rescuing you rom my


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somewhat deranged daughter. Ruth stopped anning her ace.

Do orgive me, or you have no idea what Im speaking about,

but Im araid Im not at liberty to disclose the particulars.Eliza told me about Reverend Fraser and Felicias afection

or him.

I was under the impression Felicia had kept that afection

a well-guarded secret.

Im sure she did, but Elizas always been intuitive, and shes

great riends with Agatha, one o New York Citys rising jour-

nalists. It probably didnt take much pondering or them togure out Felicias secret. I must admit, learning about Felicias

interest in Reverend Fraser explained quite a ew things about

her, especially why shes never shown an interest in any o the

gentlemen Ive watched you parade beore her.

Ruths eyes turned cunning. I think shes shown a little in-

terest in you.

Once again hed orgotten he was in the presence o a deter-

mined mother. She hasnt, as you very well know, and I must be

up-ront with you, Mrs. Murdock. Im not looking or a wie.

You need a mother or your daughter.

I employ several nannies who are more than capable o see-

ing to her needs.

Im certain they do an admirable job, but theres nothing

quite like a mothers touch, is there?

Grayson laughed. You are tenacious, arent you?

Ill take that as a compliment.

It was intended as such, but I dont want to give you alse

hope. Your daughter obviously hopes to settle down with a re-

spectable and aith-lled man, given her afection or Reverend

Fraser. I readily admit Im ar rom respectable and even urther

rom aith-lled.

Im sure thats not true.

Do you think it will ever be possible, Mother, or you to not


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32

try and pawn me of on some poor, unsuspecting gentleman

every time I leave a room?

Grayson looked up and ound Felicia marching toward them,her hair, surprisingly enough, stufed underneath a revolting

hat o lime green, pieces o it sticking out here and there, and

one o her hands was clutched around a parasol o brightest

orange. Determined to avoid the subject o wardrobe choices,

he stepped orward and smiled. Your mother wasnt really

trying to pawn you of on me.

Felicias eyes turned stormy. Oh ne, take her side. She litedher chin. Perhaps I should simply drive mysel over to Elizas.

Im araid thats not an option, because I promised Eliza

and Agatha Id do my very best to entertain you out o your

doldrums while . . .

Pain had a way o making a gentleman orget what hed

been saying.

Did you just poke me with your parasol?

Why would Eliza and Agatha have you make any promises?

Ah, well . . . He looked to Ruth or assistance, but she didnt

appear to be giving him the slightest bit o attention and was

instead staring at the ceiling as i shed never beore noticed the

cheerul cherubs rolicking above their heads.

What else did you promise Eliza and Agatha? Felicia de-

manded.

He summoned what he hoped was a pleasant smile. I prom-

ised them Id be charming.

Felicia drew in a sharp breath and rounded on her mother.

I thought you only told everyone I had a rash.

Ruth stopped looking at the ceiling and xed her gaze on

him. Isnt that exactly what I told you?

Is it permissible or me to admit I have been privy to that

type o personal inormation?

Felicia began to tap the parasol in a slightly menacing manner


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against the oor. I dont have a rash. Well, I have a small one,

but I think it was brought on by the mere suggestion o . . . Oh,

never mind. She narrowed her eyes on Ruth. Why would Elizaand Agatha send Grayson to charm me i they didnt know, and

i you didnt tell them, how did they nd out?

Grayson resisted the urge to bolt when Felicia stopped tap-

ping the parasol against the oor and shook it in his direction.

When it appeared Ruth was at a loss or words, he cleared his

throat. I expect Eliza and Agatha, being the nosy ladies Im

sure you realize them to be, simply gured it out.Felicias eyes widened. I thought I hid my eelings quite well.

Her shoulders slumped or a moment, but then she straightened

her spine and nodded. Well, theres nothing I can do about it

now. Whats done is done, and Im just going to have to ace

everyones pity head on.

Im more than certain everyone is going to pity Grayson ar

more than you, my dear, especially i you let it be known youve

decided to be Clara or the day, Ruth muttered.

Felicia looked at her mother, lited her chin even higher,

stepped closer to him, and grabbed his arm. We should prob-

ably be on our way. I would hate to be late or tea. With that,

she prodded him toward the ront door, barely waiting or the

butler to open it beore she pulled him through it.

Their progress came to an abrupt halt when three gentlemen,

all o them bearing a marked resemblance to Felicia, ambled up

the steps and blocked their way. He heard what sounded like a

sigh escape her lips.

On my word, Felicia, youre looking a bit rightul, Jefrey

Murdock, the oldest o the clan, exclaimed. Are you aware that

youre dressed in black?

Felicias grip on Graysons arm tightened. Dont be ridicu-

lous. O course Im aware o what Im wearing, Jefrey. And Ill

thank you to not call me Felicia.


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34

Conusion immediately clouded Jefreys eyes. What, pray

tell, would you have me call you, then?

Clara.Jefrey simply stared at her or a moment with his mouth

somewhat slack beore he turned to Grayson. Am I allowed to

call you Grayson, or have you assumed a new identity as well?

Hes Frank, Felicia supplied beore Grayson could get a

word out o his mouth.

Forgive me, Felicia, but I dont recall agreeing to change my

name to Frank, even or just today, Grayson said.Did you or did you not promise your sister you were going

to charm me?

Well, yes, but that agreement had nothing to do with as-

suming a new identity.

Her eyes began to sparkle in a slightly mischievous way, caus-

ing him to completely lose his train o thought.

Dont you want to do everything in your power to charm

me?

He suddenly ound he wanted to do much more than charm

her, which caused him to immediately turn rom her, and move

toward her brother Robert, his action causing her hand to all

away rom his arm.

Its nice to see you again, Robert.

And you as well, Grayson, but tell me, have you really agreed

to charm my little sister? Robert was regarding him somewhat

warily.

It was Elizas and Agathas idea.

Felicias third brother, Daniel, stepped orward, a huge grin

on his ace. Well, that certainly ts, considering the antics o

those two. He held out his hand and Grayson shook it. They

must have gured out Felicias afection or Reverend Fraser

and wanted to do whatever they could to cheer her up. Daniel

shuddered as he glanced at his sister and then back to Grayson.


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I cant say I envy you at the moment. Charming Felicia might

be a bit o a daunting task today.

Grayson couldnt say hed argue that point, especially whenall the mischie disappeared rom Felicias eyes to be replaced

with distinct irritation.

You knew about Reverend Fraser? she asked, moving close

enough to Daniel to give him a sharp poke with her parasol.

Daniel looked at her or a moment, reached out, and much to

Graysons relie, snatched the parasol rom her hand beore he

smiled. Dont ever do that again, and yes, weve known aboutReverend Fraser orever. He looked over her shoulder, and his

smile widened. Oh look, here comes Mother, and is that roast

I smell coming out the door? Im starving.

Me too, Robert exclaimed, and without another word, the

two brothers turned, greeted Ruth with a somewhat hurried

hello, and ed into the house.

Cowards, Felicia called ater them.

Felicia, really, its not well done o you to throw insults at

your own brothers, Ruth said as she marched up to join them.

Ah, Jefrey, this is a ortunate surprise. You can accompany

Felicia and Grayson over to Elizas house. Theyre going there

or tea.

Grayson thought that was a wonderul suggestion. He nod-

ded in ull agreement but stopped mid-nod when Felicia shook

her head.

Jefrey wasnt invited, nor were you, i youll recall.

Ruth waved the comment away. Eliza adores Jefrey, and he

can assume the role o chaperone, or rather, guardian.

Im twenty-our, Mother. I havent needed a chaperone or

years.

Not or youor Grayson. The poor man is going to need

all the guarding he can get, considering your state o mind.

Grayson grinned, extended his arm once again to Felicia,


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36

whod begun to sputter, and sent Ruth a nod. Well be ne,

Mrs. Murdock, but I do appreciate your concern. He looked

down at Felicia. Ready?O course Im ready, Frank. Lead the way.

With Ruths voice echoing in his ear, saying something that

sounded remarkably like Your sister has lost her mind and

theres nothing any o us can do to help her get it back, Grayson

helped Felicia down the short ight o steps and then heard the

ront door shut behind them.

I like your mother, he said, patting the gloved hand Feliciahad placed over his arm. Shes very managing.

You should try living with her.

I said I liked her, but I dont think Id be up or living with

her.

Felicia laughed, sounding much more like the Felicia he

knew, and then she took over the task o steering them to-

ward his phaeton, reminding him o one o the ew times

hed danced with her and shed taken to leading him around

the dance oor.

Felicia brought them to a stop right beside his horses and

surprised him when she let out what sounded remarkably like

a whistle. Nice phaeton. Is it ast?

Trepidation was immediate. It has been known to move

rather quickly.

She moved up to it and trailed a gloved hand along the pol-

ished surace. Will you allow me to drive it?

Hmm . . .

She turned her head and smiled a smile that was just a bit too

cunning. Did you, or did you not, make certain promises today?

Well, yes, but those had nothing to do with allowing you

to drive my phaeton.

Driving such a remarkable conveyance would go ar in lit-

ing my agging spirits.


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Not only was she captivating at times, it appeared she was

also rather diabolical.

Do you know how to drive? he heard himsel ask beorehe could stop the words rom escaping his mouth.

My mother tells everyone how procient I am with the reins.

Five minutes later, as Grayson hung to the seat or dear lie,

he came to the realization that Mrs. Murdock was not above

exaggeration when it came to her daughters abilities.


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3

The next morning, Felicia was somewhat surprised to nd

hersel in a delightul rame o mind. Even though shed

slept littlehaving spent ar too many hours contemplating her

uture and the disturbing events o the wedding and what had

occurred aterward with Graysonshe elt better than she had

in weeks, perhaps even months.

Unortunately, eeling in tip-top shape was causing her a

slight bit o distress, given that she was currently being tted

or a new wardrobe. She was supposed to remain perectly still

while pins were being thrust her way, but her high spirits kept

urging her to dget.

She needed to think o something distracting, something

that would allow her to relax and not get poked with any pins,

something that might amuse her.

The perect distraction immediately sprang to mind.

Grayson was worthy o more contemplation, especially since

hed nally proven to her without a shadow o a doubt that

gentlemen really were dramatic creatures.


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40

Shed never dreamed Grayson Sumner would overreact simply

because she might haveoh, very well, she denitely hadlost

a smidgen o control while shed been attempting to drive hisobviously high-strung pair o horses.

There certainly hadnt been any reason or him to throw him-

sel out o the seat once theyd arrived at Elizas and kiss the

ground numerous times. Ater hed nished that alarming busi-

ness, hed jumped to his eet and proceeded to give her a blistering

lecture regarding something to the efect that lying about ones

abilities with the reins simply wasnt done. Hed then proclaimed,in a very loud voice, that shed taken leave o her senses.

Why everyone believed him to be an amiable and pleasant

sort was beyond her comprehension.

Ater hed apparently run out o words, he resorted to grump-

iness and spent the remainder o their time at Elizas keeping

his distance rom her. He even went so ar as to let it be known

to one and all that hed rather someone else see her home. That

had earned him the old cold shoulder rom Eliza and Agatha,

but she hadnt been bothered in the least.

The last thing shed wanted to deal with was his continued

surliness, so when Agatha ofered her a ride, shed jumped at

the chance. She hadnt even bothered to wish Grayson a good

night, though it was unlikely hed noticed, given his continued

attempts to avoid her.

He really did possess the ability to be extremely annoying

when he set his mind to it.

She shited on her eet and let out a yelp when a sharp pain

pierced her side.

I do beg your pardon, Miss Murdock, Mrs. Brown, an al-

teration lady at B. Altmans department store, said as she pulled

a pin out o the waistband o Felicias new gown. I wasnt

expecting you to move yet again, considering you promised me

not ve minutes ago you were going to stay still.


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I did promise that, didnt I.

You did, several times.

Felicia squared her shoulders. This time I mean it.Mrs. Brown smiled and returned to the task o sticking ad-

ditional pins into the material but paused when a knock sounded

on the door and Agatha stuck her head in.

Ah, there you are, Felicia. I was hoping Id nd you here.

It was rapidly becoming apparent that everyone was under

the misimpression she was heading or a nervous breakdown.

While she appreciated having amily and riends who caredabout her, it was becoming downright annoying.

She was not some delicate miss who needed to be coddled

or, or that matter, pitied.

I thought you were going to be working on a story today,

she said as Agatha moseyed into the room.

I got the rst drat written or the New-York Tribune earlier

than expected and decided to take the rest o the aternoon

of.

O course you did, Felicia muttered. How did you know

where I was?

Agatha strolled over to a gilded mahogany chair upholstered

in red velvet and sat down, taking a rather long time to re-

arrange her skirt beore she looked up. Your mother told me.

She showed up at my house an hour or two ago and thought it

would be entertaining or me i I joined you.

Its hardly entertaining to watch a lady get tted or a new

wardrobe, so please dont eel Ill take ofense i you decide to

seek out true amusements.

Ah, tea, how lovely, Agatha said as she rose rom the chair,

glided across the room to the tea cart, poured hersel a cup, and

took a sip. Delicious. She raised the cup in Felicias direction,

moved back to the chair, resumed her seat, and sent Felicia a

cheeky grin.


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42

It was apparent Agatha was not going anywhere anytime

soon.

Thats a lovely color o green, Agatha remarked with anod toward the dress Felicia was currently wearing. Although

I do believe your mother is a touch upset you turned down her

ofer o a trip to Paris to secure new ashions.

Now they were beginning to get somewhere.

Is that why she sent you, to convince me to take a trip across

the ocean to visit the House o Worth?

Agatha took another sip o tea, swallowed, and shook herhead. No, especially ater I told her I balked at the same idea,

even though my mother believes I would look divine in gowns

created by Charles Worth. Lucky or me, my position at the

New-York Tribune gives me a ready excuse to avoid taking a

leisurely jaunt across the sea.

Perhaps I should look into securing a career. Maybe then

my mother would cease her relentless worrying and discontinue

sending my riends to check up on me. She caught Agathas

eye. Im ne, by the way, even though Im sure Mother told

you diferently.

That remains to be seen. Agatha set her teacup aside. But

returning to the idea o a career, how is your writing?

Mediocre at best.

Then Im araid you probably wouldnt make it as a jour-

nalist. She tapped her nger on her chin. Are you any good

at snooping?

Snooping?

You know, erreting out inormation. Arabella Wilder has

taken to helping Theodore with his private investigation busi-

ness, and Im sure theyd be more than happy to bring you on

i youre any good at that sort o thing.

I used to be procient at running down my brothers when

they tried to avoid me, but that was years ago. Felicia wrinkled


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her nose. Besides, Arabella and Theodore, even though theyve

been married or a ew months now, still seem overly enthralled

with each other. While thats a lovely state or them to be in . . .considering Ive recently sufered a direct blow to the heart, I

hardly think it would be wise or me to be in constant contact

with a couple so in love.

Aha, so you really arent ne.

It truly was unortunate Agatha was such an intelligent

sort, but since Felicia had no intention o discussing her re-

cent heartache, especially since she was in a lovely rame omind at the moment, she settled or waving Agathas comment

away with one deliberate ick o her wrist. Yes, well, getting

back to a career choice or me, Im araid I have no real skills,

and isnt that a sad state o afairs or a lady o twenty-our

to recognize?

Youre very good at helping the needy. Perhaps you should

continue on with that.

It wasnt as i she hadnt thought about continuing on with

her charitable eforts, even though she knew ull well it was

hardly likely shed ever help out as much in Reverend Frasers

church. That would be somewhat awkward, especially since it

appeared ar too many people had discovered her eelings about

the gentleman. It would only be a matter o time until he ound

out about them, or worse yet, his wie.

The new Mrs. Fraser was truly a compassionate soul, but

her compassion might not extend quite so ar as to embrace a

lady whod longed to be with her husband.

The pesky little problem o what to do with her lie now

that reality had smacked her in the ace had plagued her end-

lessly throughout the night. Shed taken to having a rather long

chat with God, not that Hed sent her any clear solution to her

problems as o yet, but in the midst o that chat, shed come to

a ew uncomortable truths.


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Shed changed her identity in order to secure the afections

o a gentleman.

Shed thrown hersel into charitable endeavors to please thatgentleman, and . . . although shed gone to more church services

than she could count, shed barely listened to any o the sermons.

Shed been completely ridiculous.

She needed to make amends, and in order to do that, she

needed to honestly and quietly help the less ortunatenot in

a manner that would draw attention to her actions and have

everyone exclaiming how wonderul and seless she was.That made what Agatha was suggesting a bit o a problem.

Felicia?

Felicia blinked. Good heavens, I do beg your pardon, Agatha.

I ear I was lost in thought. What were we talking about?

A career or you, but maybe we should change the subject,

considering the very suggestion sent you into a trance.

Worry was clearly evident on Agathas ace.

Maybe it was time to change the subject. She looked down

and then back to Agatha. What do you think about the color

o this gown?

For a moment, Agatha said nothing as she considered Felicia,

but then she shook her head ever so slightly and smiled. Fine,

well talk ashion, although I already mentioned I thought the

color was lovely. She tilted her head. Moss green does wonders

or bringing out the blue o your eyes, and I nd the richness o

the shade much preerable to the pastels you normally avor.

She bit her lip. Oh dear, that was hardly amusing or me to say.

Felicia laughed. It was honest, and honesty is something o

which Ive heard relatively little the past ew years. She grinned.

Youll be happy to learn that I havent purchased a single pastel

gown today, nor have I requested any rills or ribbons.

Agathas eyes grew round. Youre worse of than anyone

imagined.


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Im ne.

You keep saying that, but you just admitted you ordered

gowns without rills. Youre ar rom ne.Agatha, you and I both know a lady o my advanced years

should never wear rills in the rst place. Instead o being con-

cerned with my selections, you should be relieved. At least now

no one will have to avoid eye contact with me when I arrive at

a society event dressed in revolting styles. She glanced down

when Mrs. Brown paused in her work. No ofense, Mrs. Brown.

It wasnt your ault I demanded you attach bows and ribbonsto all my purchases. She blew out a breath.

Truth be told, I dressed that way because I believed

wrongly, o coursethat a gentleman who shall remain name-

less thought I looked delightul drowned in ribbons and bows.

That explains a lot, Mrs. Brown said beore she stuck one

last pin in the hem and straightened. There, all done. Ill have

this altered within the week, and then Ill send it to your house

along with the other garments youve chosen.

Felicia smiled her thanks and stepped of the raised platorm,

turning to allow Mrs. Brown access to the buttons running down

her back. When Mrs. Brown nished, Felicia held the bodice o

the gown in place with one hand as she moved over to a rack

o clothing that held many o the garments shed purchased.

Pulling out a darling navy-and-white-striped walking dress that

had already been altered or her while she shopped, she olded

it over her arm and stepped behind the privacy screen. It took

her only a moment to shrug out o the pin-ridden gown and slip

into the new dress. Mrs. Brown joined her behind the screen,

making short shrit o astening her up. She moved out into the

main room and winced when she heard Agatha release what

sounded like a snort.

You dont like it?

Agatha rose rom the chair, walked up to Felicia, looked her


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46

up and down, and then wrinkled her brow. Its lovely to be

sure, but you look . . . diferent.

Diferent was rapidly becoming one o Felicias avoritewords.

Wonderul. Thats exactly what I wanted to hear. She

smiled at Agatha, who was once again watching her in concern,

and then strode across the room, plucking the hideous conec-

tion o palest orange shed worn to the department store rom

a chair. She held it up to Mrs. Brown. Now then, let us move

on to discussing my old clothing.Alarm ickered across Mrs. Browns ace. I dont believe my

talents are such that I can turn that into anything resembling

the latest styles.

And didnt that speak volumes about how shed been parad-

ing around the city or the past our years?

She absolutely reused to sigheven though i thered ever

been a time to sigh, this was certainly it. I wasnt suggesting

you alter the gown, Mrs. Brown. Skilled as you obviously are in

the art o alteration, even you have your limits. Do you know o

anyone who could benet rom my old wardrobe?

Mrs. Brown eyed the massive amount o abric in Felicias

hand. I do have a cousin who works in the theater district. Hes

constantly lamenting the dismal state o their budget. I imagine

he would be thrilled to receive your old garments, and I would

be happy to urnish you with his address.

Shed apparently been garbed in outts best suited or the

theater.

She managed to nod, which sent Mrs. Brown hurrying over

to a desk, rummaging through it or a moment until she nally

located a piece o paper. She took a moment to scribble some-

thing down, walked back to Felicia, and handed her the paper,

taking the orange gown rom her in return. Ill send this along

with your order so you wont have to lug it around, but beore


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you go, would you care to show Miss Watson the gown youve

chosen or the ball?

Agatha rowned. What ball?The ball Mrs. Beckett is holding or Zayne, Felicia reminded

her.

Oh, that ball. Agathas expression turned somewhat glum,

but then she drew in a breath and practically stomped across the

room, coming to a stop in ront o the rack that held Felicias

new clothing. She began to sort through the garments, exclaim-

ing every now and then over the cut o a gown, or the color,but then her hand stilled right beore she plucked out a gown

o brilliant red and shook it in Felicias direction.

Im going to assume this gown has been hung here by mis-

take.

Felicia rowned. Thats what Im wearing to the ball.

Have you lost your mind?

Felicia eyed the wispy bit o silk Agatha was still shaking

at her and smiled. Not at all. Ive come to the conclusion red

is a wonderul color or me. Mrs. Brown believes it makes my

eyes sparkle.

It does, Mrs. Brown added with a nod. And it ts her

orm to perection.

I dont think youre helping me, Felicia muttered as she

glanced at Agatha, who was now staring back at her as i shed

suddenly acquired two heads.

Too right you are, Mrs. Brown exclaimed beore she con-

sulted a watch pinned to her sleeve. My, would you look at the

time. Ive almost missed lunch. She hurried across the room,

set Felicias old gown on a table, and plucked up a hat. I must

thank you once again, Miss Murdock, or your order today,

and . . . best o luck to you at the ball, and . . . She shot a look

to Agatha, snapped her mouth shut, strode to the door, and

disappeared a second later.


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48

You cannot wear this gown.

Felicia moved to Agathas side, took the gown rom her, and

hung it back on the rack. Theres nothing wrong with it.I disagree. For one, its red, and or two, well, it seems to

be missing a bodice.

Its not missing a bodice. Its simply a little low-cut. Im

quite certain there will be other ladies at the ball, younger and

more appealing ladies at that, who will be wearing similar styles.

Im an old spinster. No one will even notice me. She smiled.

Besides, its the of-season. Most members o society are lan-guishing at their summer homes, enjoying the sun and sea, so

they wont even be in attendance.

Oh, please, this is a Beckett ball. Everyone will come back

to enjoy it. Agatha planted her hands on her hips. All the

sticklers or propriety will be there, and I can guarantee you

that the talk o the evening wont center on the act that Zayne

is nally going of to join his soon-to-be ance, Miss Helena

Collins. No, talk will center on you, no matter your proclama-

tion in regard to your spinster status. Honestly, Felicia, spinsters

dont wear bright red gowns, and they certainly dont possess a

remarkable gure such as yoursa gure, I must add, that no

one is even aware you possess.

The gown I wore yesterday aternoon showed of my gure

was all Felicia could think to respond.

Agatha arched a brow. Did it?

You didnt notice?

Forgive me, but I was more concerned regarding your mood,

and over the act that Grayson was so obviously put out with

you. I didnt happen to notice the curves youve been hiding

or years.

Grayson might have noticed.

Agathas mouth went slack. He did?

He was rendered somewhat mute when he rst saw me at my


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house, and then, when he did speak, his voice was remarkably

high. She bit her lip. Although, he might simply have been

surprised I was wearing two diferent shoes, my hair lookedlike a rats nest, and I told him and my mother I was going to

be Clara or the rest o the day.

Ah, hmm was all Agatha seemed capable o saying or a

moment. She crossed her arms over her chest. I cant athom

why youd declare yoursel a Clara or a day, but an explanation

regarding that troubling matter will have to wait. She tilted

her head. Tell me, was your decision to purchase a red gowninuenced at all by what Grayson might think?

Needing a moment to crat a response to that rather uncom-

ortable question, Felicia headed toward a mirror hanging on

the wall and took a moment to secure her new hat on her head.

For a second she admired its navy base paired with a single

white ribbon wrapped around the body and not one bow in

sight, but then she heard the sound o Agathas toe tapping all

too impatiently on the oor and orced hersel to turn, having

no idea how to reply.

Had the thought o Grayson and how he might react to seeing

her in the red gown come to mind the moment shed spotted

the gown hanging on a dress orm?

Yes, it had, but she didnt understand why, nor had she taken

the time to ponder the matter, which meant she wasnt prepared

to discuss it with Agatha.

She loved the lady dearly, had enjoyed getting to know her

better the past year, but Agatha was a meddlereveryone knew

that. I Agatha discovered she was even remotely attracted to

Graysonnot that she was admitting she waswell, that would

simply never do.

I think Graysons interested in you.

Felicia blinked rapidly out o her thoughts. Come again?

He allowed you to drive his prized horses.


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50

What does that have to do with anything?

Eliza told me hes never trusted a woman with the reins.

Nor will he ever do so again, judging by his reaction to mydriving.

Agathas eyes turned cunning. It was quite chivalrous o

him to escort you yesterday over to Elizasvery telling, dont

you think?

There was nothing telling about it, Felicia argued. You

and Eliza badgered him into it, and dont even think about

arguing that point.There was only a small amount o badgering involved, and

perhaps a bit o toe stomping. She smiled but then sobered.

You need to reconsider your gown choice or the ball.

Its a very ashionable piece, Agatha. I know youll nd

this hard to believe, but beore I turned delusional and thought

my lie was meant to be spent as a ministers wie, I used to be

highly particular about ashion. I need to make changes in my

lie, and one o those changesnot one o the largest changes,

I knowis that Im going to dress to please mysel.

That dress pleases me. Its bold, but not in a orward way,

and the color makes me eel eminine. I it causes a ew tongues

to wag, so be it.

Please tell me youre not planning to continue on as Clara

in order to get the tongues wagging. A risson o awareness

swept over her, the masculine voice causing her to stifen.

She did not have to turn to know who was standing behind

her, because there was only one person she knew in New York

who possessed such a distinctive, and slightly intriguing, Brit-

ish accent.

What in the world was Grayson doing at B. Altmans?

He was supposed to be extremely put out with her, but or

some unknown reason, his tone seemed more amused than

annoyed.


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She drew in a steadying breath and turned. The sight o Gray-

son lounging oh so casually against the doorrame, looking every

inch the aristocrat, caused the unusual reaction o her breathcatching in her throat.

Her reaction to the man was ridiculous. Granted, he was ex-

tremely attractive, especially when he grinnedthe grin bringing

into sharp attention the two dimples her mother made mention

o rather oten. Her gaze drited to his jacket, and she ound

no ault with the impeccable cut o gray, or with the waistcoat

underneath, or even with the subtle dark tie that was tied toperection around his neck. Her gaze lowered, taking in the

pinstriped trousers and stopping at his shoes, unable to help

but notice their glossy shine.

Hed obviously secured the services o a well-trained valet

since hed come to America, which explained his immaculate

appearance, but it didnt explain why he was grinning. She lited

her head and, sure enough, he was still at it.

What was wrong with him?

Theyd parted on less than amicable terms. She knew ull

welleven i no one else appeared to realize itthat he wasnt

the type o person to blithely set aside a grudge, especially con-

sidering he seemed to believe shed almost caused him a horrible

death due to her driving abilities.

She nally realized he was waiting or a response, given that

he was staring back at her with a trace o expectation in his

eyes. Ive decided Clara is only to be brought out in extenuat-

ing circumstances, and since theres nothing extenuating about

shopping, shes not around today.

Well, we can thank the good Lord or that.

Funny, but it almost seemed as i there was now a touch o

surliness edging his tone. Oddly enough, that thought had her

eeling slightly better. A surly Grayson she could handle. What

are you doing here?


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52

Grayson pushed away rom the doorrame and stopped right

in ront o her. His nearness caused her pulse to once again go

galloping of through her veins.It was a peculiar eeling, and one she didnt happen to care

or in the least.

A Mrs. Brown ound me wandering aimlessly amongst the

dresses and took pity on me, telling me I would nd you in

here. Grayson took a step back and looked her up and down.

A sliver o disappointment slid over her when he didnt bother

to remark about her new gown or hat but simply nodded, justonce, and continued on with what hed been saying.

She assured me it was acceptable or me to enter what can

only be described as a eminine domain because, in addition

to telling me both o you were respectably gowned, she elt

there might be a need or a distraction, and apparently I t

that bill. He grinned yet again. So, why do the two o you

need a distraction, and more importantly, why are tongues

going to wag?

Felicia blew out a breath. Hasnt anyone ever told you its

rude to eavesdrop?

Hasnt anyone ever told you that i you plan on saying

something you dont want overheard, you should make sure

the doors shut?

Her pulse slowed immediately. He might be an attractive

gentleman who dressed to perection, but he was also irritating,

arrogant, and ar too sure o himsel.

Knowing ull well it would hardly be productive to continue

bantering with him, she decided her best option was to keep

him a little deensive. You never said what youre doing here,

and I must coness Im a little surprised youd seek me out. I

was under the impression you were annoyed with me because

o what happened with your carriage yesterday.

Just to be clear, it is not a carriage; it is a phaeton, which you


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had no business even attempting to drive, limited as your abili-

ties obviously are. As or what Im doing here, Eliza sent me.

It seemed to her that although his lips were still curved insomewhat o a grin, his voice was now sounding distinctively

surly, proving once and or all that underneath his pleasant and

afable appearance, there really did lie the soul o a grumpy

gentleman.

His grumpiness begged the question o why hed agreed to

Elizas request in the rst place.

That was sweet o Eliza to be concerned about me, but Iassure you, Im ne.

How lovely, but she didnt send me ater you. He turned to

Agatha. Ive been all over the city trying to track you down.

I nally stopped at Felicias house as a last resort, and thats

when I learned you were here.

Agatha rowned. Has something happened?

Grayson returned the rown. Youre supposed to be dis-

tressed.

Eliza told you I was distressed?

Yes, and she also gave me strict instructions that I was to

he held up his hand and began to tick items of his ngers

improve your spiritsone nger went upcharm you out

o your bad moodanother nger went upand put mysel

entirely at your disposal.

Eliza sent you to complete those arduous tasks?

Really, Agatha, you wound me. Do you not think Im up or

coaxing you out o your gloomy mood?

Im not in a gloomy mood.

Since Ive traveled all over the city in order to cheer you up,

youre going to have to humor me and get in a gloomy mood.

But I dont eel gloomy.

Grayson quirked a brow. Youre not upset that Zayne is

moving out west to join his Miss Collins?


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Agatha rolled her eyes. Really, everyone believing Im dis-

traught over Zayne Beckett is getting a bit ridiculous. Were

simply riends. Hes the brother o my dear riend Arabella. DidI at one time sufer a small inatuation or him? Yes, I didas

Ive admitted time and time again. Ive also insisted, on numer-

ous occasions, that I have come to my senses. Zaynes inten-

tions toward Miss Collins were ormed years ago, and since

hes determined to carry through with those intentions, Ive

rmly pushed aside any romantic afection I once elt or the

gentleman. Im happy or him and wish him nothing but thebest or his uture.

Felicia sucked in a sharp breath as yet another one o her aws

came into glaring evidence. Shed been so consumed with her

own problems in lie that shed not even realized Agatha might

be in need o a bit o cheering up.

Though her riend had claimed time and time again shed

abandoned all hope in regard to Zayne and his afections, every-

one knew she wasnt exactly telling the truth.

The very idea that shed neglected to even consider the plight

o her riend spoke volumes about her selsh character.

She was a sorry excuse or a riend.

Is something the matter, Felicia?

Felicia pulled hersel out o her thoughts and ound Grayson

watching her closely. No.

Youre looking a little pale.

To think Eliza truly does seem to be under the misimpression

that youre capable o charm. Felicia shook her head. Telling

a lady she looks anything other than delightul is not charming

in the least, and I suggest you remember that.

I thought you took exception to the term delightful?

All the breath let her in a split second. Hed remembered

their exchange. No one ever bothered to pay marked attention

to anything she said.


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Chills swept down her spine, ollowed quickly by alarm. What

in the world was the matter with her? Grayson Sumner was not

the sort o gentleman who should be causing her chills.He was too worldly, too jaded, andas shed mentioned to

her mothertoo dangerous.

Why then did she suddenly nd him rather ascinating, even

though she knew perectly well he was less than ond o her at

the moment? Could it be possible she was instinctively drawn

to gentlemen who were completely unacceptable or her?

Pushing that disturbing idea aside, she orced a smile. Ireadily admit the word delightul does annoy me upon occa-

sion, especially sinc

a talent for trouble

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