Footsteps caught her ear as someone approached the dining room. The tears on her cheeks burned their tale of upset on her skin. Spinning in place, Jane sought another exit, but Mr. Vincent’s art had hidden the other doors.

Rather than let herself be seen in this state of violent emotion, Jane pressed herself back into a corner, and used the light from the room to blow a bubble of glamour around herself in the manner which Mr. Vincent had shown her.

Trembling lest she be discovered, Jane held herself as still as possible, trying to hold her breath even. Silently, she blessed Mr. Vincent for giving her the ability to hide.

First through the door was Beth, followed by Captain Livingston. He looked behind him as he came through the door and pulled it closed behind him.

And then she nearly lost her ability to keep still, for Captain Livingston placed his arm around Beth in a manner reserved for lovers. “Now, dearest. What troubles you?”

Beth shrugged his embrace off. “How can you pretend to not know? You must know what torment it is to watch you pay such attentions to Miss FitzCameron.”

He laughed. “Is that all? She is my cousin. Further, I was seated with her during dinner, and so could hardly fail to attend her.”

“But then you all but ignore me!”

Captain Livingston said, “Dearest, you must understand that if we are to keep from under my aunt’s notice, I must share my attentions with others. I have no wish to hurt you, but my aunt, though good, is a jealous woman. She expects me to engage myself to Livia.”

“Why can you not tell her that you are engaged to me?”

At Beth’s words, Jane pressed her hands against her mouth to hold her shock inside.

“Because I am poor. Until I am assured of her good graces, I do not want to risk a breach. So I must broach the subject carefully. Trust me, dearest; let me proceed as I feel I must. If it were within my power . . .”

“I know, truly I do.” Beth lowered her gaze. “But it is hard to wait.”

“For me as well. But for now, we should rejoin the party so that no one misses us.” He patted his jacket pocket and winced. “Buffington expects me to sit in on the next round of rubber. Dearest, I told him I was going to fetch my wallet, but my room is in the east wing. I don’t suppose . . .”

“Oh! Of course.” Beth opened her reticule and pulled out a handful of bills. “Father just posted my allowance to me, so I feel quite flush.” She pressed the bills into his hand. “You go first. I should like a moment to collect myself. Besides, it would not do to be seen alone together.” Her back was to Jane, and hid her expression, but her voice was resolute.

Captain Livingston smiled and kissed her on top of her head. “Thank you, dear.” Without further word, he slipped from the room.