Page 40 of Sensibly Wed

“Gads, I hope not. I would like to spend some time with you as well. I must be sure to steal you away tomorrow before she is able to.” He squinted. “I was not lying when I mentioned that her list of things to teach you is quite long.”

“I should get some rest then.”

He nodded, then reached for my hand. I gave it to him, and he placed a kiss on the back of my knuckles. “Goodnight, dear Felicity.”

My heart flipped over. “Goodnight, James.”

I closed the door behind him and leaned against it. Had I done the right thing? I was not being dishonest by keeping my concerns hidden. Indeed, if James had not yet made the connection that I was likely to be just as disappointing a wife as he believed Miss Whitstone could be, then I would not be the person to make that plain to him. Perhaps all I needed was to make Miss Whitstone’s acquaintance and learn her character, for then I could determine the components that were unsavory to James and do my best to avoid acting in a similar manner.

The Mysteries of Udolphobeckoned me, and I retrieved the book and wrapped a blanket over my shoulders, sitting close to the hearth so I might use its light instead of wasting a candle.

Surely, Mama only told me to avoid this book because I was too young for it then. Now I had grown and could make my own choices.

If ever I could use an escape, it was now. I turned the page and began to read.