Jane hurried back down to the ballroom. Her belly was performing somersaults, but a thrill shot through her. She and Garrett were going to make love. She wanted it. She wanted it very much. It would complicate things to be sure, but it would also be the perfect opportunity for him to tell her he loved her. Surely he would. Wouldn’t he? He’d mentioned having a serious talk in the morning, that had to be about love and marriage. A man like Garrett would never take his cousin’s friend to bed without knowing the consequences of such an act.

As Jane made her way slowly down the stairs still favoring her ankle, the clocks chimed one. An entire hour to wait, an eternity.

Garrett returned to the ballroom as well. He smiled and laughed and danced with Cass and wished her well and joked with his cousin. Aunt Mary had already retired, but the rest of the friends enjoyed themselves, while Lucy noticeably dodged her parents.

The entire time, Jane couldn’t keep her gaze from Garrett. He was so handsome. So handsome and he would be … Ooh, he would be touching her in a little while. Touching her everywhere and anywhere and making her feel all of those amazing things he’d made her feel before … and more.

Jane bit her lip. How would she ever tell Lucy and Cass about this? She couldn’t not tell Lucy and Cass, but not tonight. Tonight she wanted to keep it to herself. A special secret only she and Garrett would share.

When Garrett turned and winked at her minutes later before he left the ballroom, Jane nearly came undone. Oh, she desperately wanted to tell Lucy and Cass.

Thankfully, Jane’s mother had retired as well. She’d insisted that Jane stay and have a good time dancing, with Lucy as her chaperone. Apparently, Jane’s earlier admittance that she’d met some wonderful people had given her mother hope. Jane had never before wanted to stay at a party longer than her mother; no doubt the woman had been saying a prayer of thanksgiving as she hurried from the room.

Jane took a deep breath. She counted ten. She would go upstairs and change into her night rail. No, upon second thought, her night rail wasn’t exactly enticing. Oh, she was clearly not prepared for midnight assignations with gentlemen at house parties. What self-respecting bluestocking spinster was? Very well. She’d leave on her chemise and cover herself with her dressing gown. Yes. Perfect.

“Cass, dear. I’m going up to bed,” she said to her friend, hugging her closely.

“Frankly, I’m surprised you made it this long. And we’re not far behind you,” Cass said, grinning back and returning her hug. “I love you, Janie. I hope your ankle feels better soon.”