Her arrival had absolutely nothing to do with seeing Garrett. Nothing at all. She was here in search of a book.

Yes, this was strictly professional.

She squared her shoulders and took one small step closer to the door. She rapped upon it three times and stood back, staring at it expectantly.

The door swung open moments later and a distinguished-looking butler and two well-behaved dogs stood at attention in the entryway. Upton had dogs?

“Yes?” the butler said, giving Jane a not unfriendly once-over.

She cleared her throat. “I’m Miss Jane Lowndes, here to see Mr. Upton. I am borrowing a book.” The last part was completely unnecessary, but seeing as how she was an unmarried female, she felt it wise to explain she wasn’t here for some sort of mid-afternoon assignation. God only knew what sort of women arrived on Upton’s doorstep at all hours of the day and night.

“Come in.” The butler stood aside, allowing Jane to move past him into the house. The dogs politely moved to the side as well. She studied them. They were some type of spaniel. One was red and white and the other, black and white. They looked quite handsome. Upton had never given her any indication that he owned dogs.

She’d never been here before, actually. She used to visit Lucy at her Aunt Mary’s town house, which wasn’t far. Upton had had this particular house before his father died, and while he was often at his mother’s house, this was his main residence in London.

The butler shut the door behind her.

“What are their names?” she asked, gesturing toward the canines.

“Miss?”

“The dogs? What are their names?”

The butler straightened to his full height, which was impressive indeed. “Dogberry and Verges, miss.”

Jane’s eyes went wide. “Dogberry and Verges?” she echoed. “From Much Ado About Nothing?”

“Indeed, miss.”

Jane stared at the dogs. She couldn’t help but smile to herself.

“Mr. Upton is not in at the moment,” the butler continued. “But he left instructions to show you to the library.”

“He left instructions?” Jane pointed to herself. “For me?” And then, “Did you say ‘library’?”

“Yes, miss. He specifically told me that if Miss Lowndes paid him a call, to show you to the library and inform you that he intends to return shortly.”

Jane shook her head. She and the dogs trotted behind the butler. Upton’s house was well appointed. She would give him that. It was tastefully decorated in hues of blue and brown. Not overly stuffed or stuffy. A lovely home, actually. The butler had said “library.” That had piqued her interest. How had she never known Upton had a library?