Garrett had helped his mother get a plate of food and danced with her to one of the reels while Jane and Lucy watched and laughed and clapped along. Aunt Mary, for her advanced years, was a wonderful sport. She’d hugged Cass soundly and declared how happy she was about her wedding to Lord Swifdon. “I must admit, dear, when you were in Bath last summer, I was convinced you should take the duke up on his courtship, but all’s well that ends well, isn’t it?” The older woman patted Cass’s arm.

“Yes, Aunt Mary. That’s absolutely right,” Cass replied with a laugh.

Julian pulled his bride’s hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it. His eyes sparkled with love and admiration. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Aunt Mary sighed. “You two are so perfect for each other. I just wish my darling Garrett would find someone special. I’d like to meet my grandchildren before I’m too old to know who they are.”

Garrett’s eyes nearly bulged from his skull. “Don’t get any ideas, Lucy,” he growled as Lucy opened her mouth to speak. “Mother, please do not encourage her.”

“Lucy needs no encouragement,” Aunt Mary replied with a wink.

Soon afterward, their little party broke up to speak and dance and share time with others, but Garrett remained by Jane’s side. He ensured she had a proper chair to sit in along the sidelines and that her foot was propped up, and he brought her a glass of champagne and a plate of teacakes.

“You do know the way to a lady’s heart,” Jane said, laughing when he returned with the teacakes.

The look Garrett gave her was so serious, so sincere. She wished she hadn’t mentioned her heart. Had it been too much?

“Dance with me,” he whispered as another waltz began to play. “We’ll mind your ankle.”

She stood and placed the plate of teacakes on the chair. “I should like nothing better.”

The dance was lovely. They didn’t speak. No ribbing or word play or teasing or taunts. Garrett whirled Jane around and around and they stared into each other’s eyes as if they were the only two people in the room.

After the music ended, Garrett escorted her back to her seat. “How’s your ankle? The dancing didn’t make it worse, I hope.”

“It held up just fine.”

“Excellent.” He tugged at his cuff and arched a brow at her. “In that case, would you care to … see the portraits?”

Jane returned his knowing smile. “I do still have the key.”

“I’m quite glad to hear that.”