“My dear, I do not know what we should have done without you. It is unimaginable.” She gestured languidly to the table and to a book lying upon it. “I want you to have this as a token of my very real affection for you, and for what you have done for poor Mr. Vincent.”

“Lady FitzCameron, no thanks are needed.” Jane curtsied, almost thrown off balance by the jab in her back which her mother gave her.

“Please. I insist.” The jewels on her fingers sparkled as she waved Jane forward to receive the book.

It was a handsomely bound edition of Gothic tales with illustrations by the famous member of the Society of Lady Etchers, Alethea Harrison. Such a gift was far more beautiful than any book in her father’s library, though its subject matter was more to Mrs. Ellsworth’s taste than Jane’s. Still, she thanked Lady FitzCameron very prettily, and the Viscountess seemed to think that the business was done.

“I am so very, very sorry that Mr. Vincent is not able to receive you, being still confined to his bed. Of course, he sends his best wishes and fondest thanks.”

Jane had wished to see him herself, to ascertain that he was quite well. The last image she had of him was lying insensible on the bed with the cold-monger’s weaves shrouding him.

Melody put her worries into words. “How is he? Is he much improved? Captain Livingston has been so good as to bring us tidings daily.”

“When I saw him—was that yesterday?—he seemed quite well, though he is not able to rise yet, and bright light pains him. Still, I think that you could not ask for him to be in better condition. I know that he would be terribly disappointed to not greet you himself if he knew you were in the house, but of course he is too, too grateful for your aid.”

So they were not to see him. This troubled Jane, who had wanted to drive the horrible image of his collapse out of her head. “I wonder at your moving him to Bath if he is still confined to bed.”

“Dr. Smythe thinks it is quite the best thing. The waters, you know, and the air there will be so much better for his recovery. Of course, he will be in my carriage, not one of those horrid post carriages, and we will keep the shades drawn. My nephew will accompany us, and he will help terribly with the journey.” She paused, and her eyes briefly rested on Melody before returning her bland gaze to Mr. Ellsworth. “Your family will miss Henry terribly, I am certain. He seems so much more in residence at Long Parkmead than at Banbree Manor. But he is a young captain, after all, and you know how they like to wander. I do try to keep him under control, but it is so terribly difficult.”

It seemed that Lady FitzCameron had her suspicions that Captain Livingston had formed an attachment, but she chose the wrong target for his affections. Jane refrained from glancing at Melody in an effort to not give Lady FitzCameron a false confirmation.