Garrett’s sense of honor ran deep, Jane knew, but deep enough to marry a woman like Isabella? She doubted it. She also doubted Isabella would admit to the things she’d done, and there was no way to prove any of them.

Garrett intended to confront Isabella, but that was between them. What Jane couldn’t stop thinking about was his question to her. Could they have a future together?

Could they? She’d spent the night contemplating that question and still didn’t have an answer.

Another sharp rap sounded at her door, pulling Jane from her thoughts.

“Who is it?” she called.

“Your mother!”

Jane groaned and pulled the pillow over her head. Mama knew better than to bother her at such an ungodly hour. If she was rapping on Jane’s door this early, it wasn’t going to be good.

“Come in,” Jane managed to reply, though her words were horribly garbled by the pillow.

Her mother marched into the room. Jane dragged the pillow from her face and blinked one bleary eye.

“Miss?” Her mother crossed her arms over her chest. Another bad sign.

“Yes?” Jane stuffed the pillow behind her head and managed to sit up.

“Did you do something you ought not at the wedding house party?”

Jane blinked. Panic rose within her. Stalling was the best tactic. “Pardon?”

“Lady Elrod just left. She said she was distressed to report she’d heard some unsavory gossip about your behavior at the house party.”

“What in the world is Lady Elrod doing paying calls at this time of day? It isn’t even noon, is it?” More stalling. Well done.

“It is nearly noon, young lady, and that is not the point. Were you or were you not gallivanting about the corridors of the Morelands’ estate in the middle of the night in your dressing gown?”

“Gallivanting? I’m not even certain how one goes about gallivanting, Mama.”

Her mother stamped her foot. “Answer me, Jane!”

Jane rubbed her sweaty palms against the bedsheets. “I’m trying to answer you. I don’t know what you are implying.”

“Lady Elrod informed me there is a rumor that you were seen in the bachelor wing of the house far past a decent hour wearing only your dressing gown and night rail.”

It was her chemise, actually. “I’d like to know how Lady Elrod knows anything about it,” Jane replied. “She wasn’t even invited to the house party.”

“Jane, I’m not going to ask you again. Is there any truth to this rumor?”