Otherwise Engaged by Amanda Quick Page B

that artists’ colony where she and Father are staying.”
    “And Father is no doubt enjoying his observations of the Australian flora and fauna. Nevertheless, they both apparently have time to keep up with the London gossip.”
    “You can’t be all that astonished. You know as well as I do that after the disaster of your last engagement they have been desperate to see you married.”
    Benedict started to respond but paused when he saw his sister-in-law in the doorway. Marissa’s light brown hair was caught back in a simple knot at the nape of her neck. The style emphasized her warm, gray eyes and pretty features. Benedict had not seen her for a month and a half. He was taken aback at the change in her appearance. The flowing lines of a loose-fitting housedress could not disguise the advanced state of her pregnancy. A quick calculation told him that she was now very nearly due to give birth to her firstborn. It was all he could do not to stare at her. There was a peculiar glow about her, he concluded. The dramatic changes that pregnancy wrought upon a woman were nothing less than terrifying to a mere male.
    “Marissa,” he managed. “Are you . . . well?”
    “I’m in excellent health, thank you very much, Ben.” She smiled and gently touched her rounded belly. “Do not look so nervous. I assure you I am not going to deliver this babe here in Richard’s study.”
    “Darling, you must sit down.” Richard was on his feet. He hurried across the room to take her arm and guide her to a large chair. “I’ll have Mrs. Streeter bring you a cup of tea.”
    “Mrs. Streeter has been pouring tea down my throat all day,” she said. “I’m fine, Richard.”
    Richard put a hassock under her feet. “Are you sure you shouldn’t be in bed?”
    “Nonsense.” Marissa looked at Benedict. “I couldn’t possibly take a nap, at least not until I hear all of the exciting news. You must tell us everything, Ben. What in the world is going on? Are you and Miss Doncaster involved in a scandalous affair?”
    “You needn’t look so thrilled with the notion, Marissa. As I was explaining to Richard, there has been some confusion regarding the nature of my relationship with Miss Doncaster.” Benedict paused for emphasis. “I am engaged to marry her.”
    “That is wonderful news.” Marissa smiled with approval. “Your mother will be thrilled.”
    “So Richard says.”
    “You know very well that your poor mother has been anxious to see you wed. As her firstborn son it is high time you gave the Rose Necklace to your bride-to-be.”
    Benedict wondered somewhat glumly what Amity would say if he were to give her the Stanbridge family necklace. He tried to cheer himself with the thought that most women adore exquisite jewels. But Amity was unpredictable.
    It was odd, he thought. As an engineer he abhorred unpredictability. Ever since the fiasco with Eleanor he had been searching for a predictable female, one who possessed all the qualities of a fine clock. She would be reliable and dependable. She would keep his household on schedule and remind him of his appointments. He would wind her up on a regular basis and she, in turn, would not surprise him by running off with a lover. Was that too much to ask?
    “I have been reading the papers,” Marissa said. “I cannot beginto imagine what Miss Doncaster went through. She is lucky to be alive.”
    Benedict propped himself on the edge of Richard’s desk and folded his arms. “Trust me when I tell you that there is no need to remind me of that fact.”
    “You met on board ship?” Marissa asked.
    “The story is somewhat more complicated,” Benedict said.
    He gave Marissa and Richard a summary of events.
    “Good heavens.” Marissa was horrified. “There wasn’t supposed to be any danger involved in that excursion to St. Clare. You were simply supposed to meet with that inventor and ascertain whether or not he had designed a truly revolutionary weapon.”
    Richard’s jaw