Lucy nodded. “Oh, yes. She’s a delight but such a quick one. I swear I’ve seen her half a dozen times this evening, but at present I cannot seem to locate her.” Lucy stood on tiptoes and made a grand show of scanning the ballroom for the elusive Mrs. Bunbury.

Jane’s mother merely nodded. “If you see her again, Your Grace, do point her out immediately.”

“Mama, I saw her in the corridor just before I came in,” Jane added. “She said she might go and lie down. She wasn’t feeling particularly well. She wanted to ensure that I found you and was properly chaperoned this evening.”

“Of course you are,” Jane’s mother huffed.

“She said to give you her regrets that she has been unable to make your acquaintance.” Jane shared a knowing look with Lucy.

Hortense fluttered her silk fan in front of her face. “I am sorry to hear she’s feeling unwell. I suppose there’s always tomorrow at the wedding to meet.”

“Yes, of course,” Lucy said brightly.

Jane winked at Lucy. She’d never been much of a winker before, but this little victory called for a wink if anything did.

“Janie, come with me. Let’s take a turn around the room. We’ll go slowly for the sake of your ankle,” Lucy said. “You’ll excuse us, won’t you, Lady Lowndes? There is a certain gentleman I’ve been wanting Jane to meet.”

Jane’s mother looked as if she’d just been told that Jane’s engagement was imminent. A smile spread across her face. “Oh, yes. Yes, of course. Please go. Have fun.”

“I shall see you later, Mama,” Jane said, waving as they left, arm in arm.

“That was a nice touch with the bit about the gentleman, Lucy,” Jane said with a laugh, after they were well away from her mother.

“She’s predictable, the poor dear,” Lucy replied with a sigh.

They made their way slowly around the room while Jane continued to test the strength of her ankle. They were nearly to the other side of the large space when she spotted a small group of people that unfortunately included Mrs. Langford.

The widow was wearing purple this evening. Jane snorted. Typical. She thought she was a queen.

Mrs. Langford’s head snapped up and she spotted Jane and Lucy.

“Miss Lowndes,” she called, leaving the group of gentlemen who were paying her homage and coming to stand near the two ladies. “May I have a word?”

“I suppose so,” Jane replied, wanting to be anywhere but in Mrs. Langford’s odious company. Reluctantly, Jane relinquished Lucy’s arm and painstakingly followed Mrs. Langford over to the wall where there was a bit of privacy.

The widow turned to face her. “I wanted to say one thing.”

Jane sighed. “Very well. Say it so that I may limp back over to my friend.”