A Talent for Trouble Read Online Free PDF Page A

any chances.”
    They made it to the hall and were moving at a brisk pace down it before the sound of footsteps echoed behind him. Even though Ruth kept trying to prod him along, he slowed to a stop, turned, and found Felicia limping after them. He looked to her feet and couldn’t help but grin. She was wearing two completely different shoes, one with a high heel and one with a low heel, which went far in explaining her lopsided gait.
    â€œYou should have kept moving,” Ruth mumbled, right before Felicia teetered to a stop in front of them and plopped her hands on her hips. Ruth released a dramatic sigh. “Are you aware, dear, that you’re wearing two different shoes?”
    Felicia lifted her black skirt, looked down for a moment, dropped the skirt back into place, and shrugged. “So I am. How odd.”
    â€œYes, it is odd, much like your demeanor, which is why you’re going to bid Mr. Sumner a good day and return to your room. I suggest you spend the rest of the afternoon taking a good, long nap.”
    â€œI’m not tired.”
    â€œBe that as it may,” Ruth returned between now clenched teeth, “it’s past time Grayson took his leave.”
    â€œI’m going with him.”
    Ruth shook her head. “That wouldn’t be wise.”
    â€œI can’t ignore Eliza’s invitation, and it would be beyond rude to Mr. Sumner if he came all this way to fetch me but then was forced to leave me behind.” She turned to him. “I’ll be right back. I just need to change my shoes.” With that, she began to limp down the hall.
    â€œIf you’re determined to continue on with this madness,” Ruth called after her, “you might want to fetch a hat as well.”
    Felicia looked over her shoulder. “Clara never wore a hat.”
    Ruth closed her eyes for just a moment, opened them, and shook her head. “It is beyond me at times like this why people feel inclined to have children.”
    â€œTo bring you joy and comfort in your old age, of course,” Felicia said briskly before she turned her head and hurried off down the hallway.
    â€œShe’s in an unusual mood,” Grayson said to fill the silence Felicia’s departure had caused.
    â€œI’m afraid I can’t argue with you about that.” Ruth sighed. “I should not have agreed to the plan of having you come after her, especially knowing the disappointment she suffered today. I think the only prudent thing to do now is to summon my carriage and accompany Felicia over to your sister’s house myself. Eliza did, in fact, issue me an invitation, but . . .” Ruth suddenly looked a little shifty. “It might be for the best if you didn’t mention that to Felicia.”
    â€œShould I even bother to ask why you’ve allowed your daughter to believe you weren’t invited?”
    Ruth began to fan her face with her hand. “Probably not, and it hardly matters now. What does matter is rescuing you from mysomewhat deranged daughter.” Ruth stopped fanning her face. “Do forgive me, for you have no idea what I’m speaking about, but I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to disclose the particulars.”
    â€œEliza told me about Reverend Fraser and Felicia’s affection for him.”
    â€œI was under the impression Felicia had kept that affection a well-guarded secret.”
    â€œI’m sure she did, but Eliza’s always been intuitive, and she’s great friends with Agatha, one of New York City’s rising journalists. It probably didn’t take much pondering for them to figure out Felicia’s secret. I must admit, learning about Felicia’s interest in Reverend Fraser explained quite a few things about her, especially why she’s never shown an interest in any of the gentlemen I’ve watched you parade before her.”
    Ruth’s eyes turned cunning. “I think she’s shown a