“Oh! And then you found me there when you sought solitude.”

“One might say that you found me, and I must beg your forgiveness for that. You see, I was here first, and too distraught to bear company, so when I heard voices I wove one of Mr. Vincent’s bubbles around me in a moment of panic. You must believe that I had no intention to overhear any private conversation, but once—”

“Do you mean to say you have been here since—since I entered?” Beth’s voice trembled with sudden understanding.

Jane nodded.

“And you heard . . . ?”

“Everything. Yes. Forgive me. When you came into the dining room, I was too startled to say anything, and then there did not seem to be a good moment to stop you. But I thought it best to tell you what I had heard.”

Beth left Jane’s side and paced the room, her hands twisting in restless agitation so their fine bones stood out in sharp relief. “I hardly know what to say. I am equal parts angry and dismayed and, to some measure, relieved, for I have had no one to whom I could unburden my heart. And then, too, I am frightened. Oh, Miss Ellsworth. I beg you. Do not tell anyone; you do not know what the consequences could be.”

“But surely you would not enter into a liaison of which your family would disapprove.”

Beth laughed with a bitterness far beyond her years. “They would approve of Henry, but my brother’s sense of honour would not permit him to allow the engagement to continue unannounced, and, if it is to continue, then it needs be kept secret for Henry’s sake. Please. I beg of you. Tell no one. Will you promise me that? Oh, Jane, will you promise? I do not know what I should do if anyone knew.”

Beth’s posture spoke of desperation, and Jane was reminded of the sadness she saw sometimes in the young woman’s eyes. Though it was not a conversation to which Jane should have been privy, she felt uneasy at contributing to the subterfuge of Beth and Captain Livingston’s engagement.

From without the dining room, voices drew closer. Beth turned to the door. “It is my brother. You must promise. Please, Jane, or we are undone.” She gripped Jane’s hand with such impassioned strength that it left Jane little choice but to blurt, “I will not tell.”

At once, an ease swept over Beth’s features, and she was able to greet her brother with admirable aplomb. Jane was not so easy in her manner. Two upsets so close to one another left her nerves frayed to their very centers.

Mr. Dunkirk and Mr. Vincent entered, discussing in animated detail the touches he had placed within the glamural. Mr. Dunkirk alone perceived Jane’s agitation and raised an eyebrow. “Is anything troubling you?”

At his side, Beth’s eyes widened in entreaty, but Jane kept her faith. “No. Thank you.” Still, Jane’s voice shook so much that even Mr. Vincent noticed her state and inquired again.