A Dangerous Engagement by Melanie Dickerson

Author:Melanie Dickerson
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Waterfall Press
Published: 2017-09-11T16:00:00+00:00

Felicity had to pull harder on the reins than she wanted to, more than once, as she followed Mr. Ratley along the trail. Why had she suggested going for a ride? She could barely get the horse to do what she wanted. Still, she tried to sound confident and comfortable as she engaged her fiancé in a conversation that might serve some purpose.

“So, Oliver, when will our revolution begin?” She was proud of herself for thinking to call it “our” revolution.

“You are not worrying about me, are you?” He glanced back at her with an amused smile.

“No, I’d just like to know, so that I’m not caught by surprise.”

“I don’t suppose there’s any harm in telling you.” He swayed with the movements of his horse as they ambled slowly—at least she could be thankful for their slow gait.

“In May, we will distribute in all the major cities the leaflets we’ve been printing, to as many people as we can.”

“Leaflets?”

“Yes, and some longer pamphlets too. Mr. Cartwright is quite good at writing essays that motivate and inspire. And we have our own printing press in the outbuilding beside the gardener’s shed, where Lady Blackstone has some servants employed in printing them. They’ve been working twelve hours a day for weeks now.”

Mr. Merrick probably knew this, but she needed to be sure and tell him in case he didn’t.

“I see. And then what?”

“Then, probably in May, we will target the army and the home guards, convince them that the government is so corrupt they need no longer feel any allegiance to it or to the king. After all, a king whose government is so unfair and unjust has forfeited his right to rule. If we can get the army and militia on our side, we shall be unstoppable.”

Felicity smiled as though the idea was a happy one.

“Meanwhile, we shall join with our supporters in London, who will assassinate the Members of Parliament, the king’s advisors, and . . . well, you probably don’t want to hear these particulars.”

“And this will happen in May?”

“Yes. We plan to act fast once we begin. Better to strike quickly.”

“When will you and the others have to leave here?”

“Probably the first of May. Lady Blackstone wants us all in place ahead of time. We’ll be so spread out, the authorities won’t possibly know where all of us are. And frankly, I don’t think anyone outside our group has any idea what is about to happen. Lady Blackstone is so clever, she has made sure to keep our activities very quiet.”

“Yes, Lady Blackstone is quite clever.”

“She is indeed. But it could be dangerous. It is likely we could even lose a few men.”

She should probably pretend more interest in Mr. Ratley’s welfare and ask where he would be and his role in the revolution. Instead, she rode on in silence, turning her attention to staying on the horse’s back.

“Here is a romantic spot I’ve been wanting to show you, but I had to wait for Lady Blackstone’s approval.”

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