Frankly, Jane had her suspicions about the widow when it came to the accident. She’d seen Mrs. Langford’s footman in the stables and wondered if he’d done anything to tamper with her saddle. Tampering with a saddle and then challenging your opponent to a race? A bit predictable, was it not? Of course there was no way to prove it without accusing Mrs. Langford outright. Perhaps that was what Jane deserved for being so quick to race that woman. She shouldn’t have trusted her for a moment. She wouldn’t make that mistake again.

Jane rang for Eloise to help her put the lilacs in water. Then she settled back against the pillows to continue reading her book. She didn’t have much more time to enjoy the peace and quiet. Mama would be here this afternoon. Jane could only hope the Mrs. Bunbury plan would work. As for the idea of starting a scandal, she was beginning to realize how dangerous that particular plan had been. She’d do well to stay far away from scandal until the house party ended.

*   *   *

Thankfully, by the late afternoon, Jane was able to walk on her ankle again. It was still a bit tender and she had to rest it more than she would have liked, but she was no longer confined to bed.

After the hunt, the wedding guests began to arrive. Along with Jane’s parents, Lucy’s parents, Lord and Lady Upbridge, came. Garrett’s mother, Lucy’s Aunt Mary, bustled in, hugging everyone and declaring that Cass had never looked more lovely. Derek’s brothers, Adam and Collin Hunt, arrived as well, and so did Lord Berkeley, one of Garrett’s good friends from school whom they had all met in Bath the previous summer.

The wedding was to be held the next morning and the festivities would last well into the night. Jane was torn. Part of her was relieved that the house party would soon be over and she could go back to reading her books and ensuring that Mrs. Cat and her kittens had enough to eat. But another part of her … a part she didn’t want to fully admit to, was a bit melancholy over the thought of leaving the party, and Garrett.

Though, admittedly, Jane had little time to think about Garrett. Well, less time than usual. She was busy bustling around—as best she could on her tender ankle—in an attempt to keep her mother from meeting Mrs. Bunbury.

Jane hobbled a few doors down to her mother’s room to greet her.

“Your father’s in the study with the other gentlemen,” her mother announced. “What is it about gentlemen and studies?” She shook her head.

“It’s lovely to see you, Mama.” Jane kissed her on the cheek.