And what of her promise to Mr. Dunkirk? If ever there were a condition which placed Beth at risk, then her engagement to Captain Livingston was surely it. And yet Jane felt a cutting certainty that Mr. Dunkirk would feel compelled to seek satisfaction from Captain Livingston if he knew.

That, Jane could not condone. No matter the captain’s offense, taking his life would not set things right. Nor could Mr. Dunkirk be so easily assured to win, if a duel were in the offing. To face a glamourist such as Mr. Gaffney was a far different thing than facing a captain in His Majesty’s service.

She must try her level best to dissuade him, if he seemed set on pursuing that course.

Slowly, so as not to risk another faint, Jane pulled herself to her feet. She followed the curving paths of the maze back out by the regular route, one hand always upon the yew to aid in her balance. As she walked, she felt somewhat steadier, but nausea still gripped her middle.

Though the light shewed that it was somewhat past dawn, she saw no sign of her family’s carriage on the front sweep. Jane made her way up the Long Walk. She tried to believe that the lack of a carriage was because her mother had delayed travel due to health, yet dread slowly filled her with conviction that her mother and sister had already departed.

Her stride quickened as she neared the house and saw no signs of the bustle that must precede a departure. Bursting into the house, Jane hurried for the stairs and nearly collided with Nancy as she came down.

“Lord, miss. You gave me a start. Your ma was looking for you, and here I thought you were still in bed.”

Thank heavens; they had not gone. Jane slowed her headlong rush. “Thank you, Nancy. I will attend her at once.”

Confusion creased the maid’s face. “But she’s been gone this hour or more, miss. She was right put out that you weren’t there to see her off, she was. They tried to wake you before they set out, but Miss Melody told me to let you sleep. She said you were feeling poorly when you went to bed.”

Jane gripped the banister to keep from falling. Gone, with Melody in the company of Captain Livingston. Oh! What mischief would occur while they were in Bath.

“Are you well, miss?” Nancy seemed only now to see Jane’s disheveled appearance. What a state she must look, from having slept the night in the shrubbery.

“Yes, thank you, Nancy.” Jane must apply at once to her father to bring Melody and their mother back to Long Parkmead. She took her leave of Nancy and descended to the ground floor to seek her father out in his study.

“Papa, may I have a word with you?”

“Eh? Of course, come in, come in. Good heavens! Jane, are you quite well?” Mr. Ellsworth pulled a chair out for her with a haste that alarmed Jane.