Madame Beaulieu admired the ideas which Jane wove in the air for her, and added her own touches to bring the whole together. Miss Dunkirk turned to her brother, her eyes asking the question to see if he approved.

At this tacit invitation, he stepped closer and bent to examine the design. He smiled. “I was quite right that meeting you was a stroke of good fortune, Miss Ellsworth. This is everything I had hoped.”

His approbation brought a flush to Jane’s cheeks, and she turned to his sister to hide her disconcertion. “I do hope, Miss Dunkirk, that you are pleased as well.”

“Thank you, I am.” The girl kept her eyes downturned, but a hint of a smile curved her cheek.

Before they parted company, Jane sought and received the Dunkirks’ assurance that they would call at Long Parkmead so that they might have an opportunity to converse in more agreeable circumstances.

Three

Nymphs at the Ball

Banbree Manor was lit with thousands of candles and hung with streaming folds of glamour, which filled the halls with light and colour. Jane adjusted the shawl draped over her dress, which was all that Madame Beaulieu had promised, and patted her turban á la Oriental to make certain it was poised to best advantage.

“You look charming, Miss Ellsworth.” Mr. Dunkirk appeared behind her as though drawn out of the ether himself.

“Thank you, Mr. Dunkirk.” Oh, that he had not caught her preening like a vain idiot. She cursed her ill-placed vanity and vowed to keep her hands at her side.

He bowed to her before turning to Melody. “And Miss Melody Ellsworth illuminates the hall with her presence, as always.”

His bow to Jane’s sister was precisely as deep as it had been to her, but Jane could not help noticing that Melody was luminous while she was merely charming.

“But where is Miss Dunkirk?” Jane asked.

“My sister is within. Lady FitzCameron would hear of nothing less than having her maid do Beth’s hair. I expect that I shall not recognize her when she descends.” He looked self-conscious for a moment and then said, “I cannot thank you enough for your kindness to my sister.”

“It has been my very great pleasure to make her acquaintance.”

The smile on Melody’s face seemed set in plaster. “I look forward to making Miss Dunkirk’s acquaintance as well.”

“Thank you. You are both very kind.” Then, as if in an effort to cast off the mood and embrace the festivities in Banbree Manor, he said, “Have you seen Mr. Vincent’s glamural yet?”

“No, indeed, I have not.” Melody’s eyes, wide and cornflower blue, fixed on Mr. Dunkirk as if he were the only person in the crowded hall.

“But you must.” He held Jane with his gaze. “I would very much like to shew it to you.”

Her heart danced to a faster tempo than the music in the hall. “I should like to see it.”