She’d have to find another scandal. Not this one. This one wouldn’t do at all.

“I’m sorry, my lady,” he said, and Jane heard a tinge of true regret in his voice. “I couldn’t control myself. It’s entirely unforgivable and I—”

“There were two of us here tonight,” she answered, lowering her voice in a desperate effort to disguise it. “Neither is more at fault. But it’s true, we should get back.” She took another deep, shaky breath. “Right away.”

He stood, adjusted his clothing, and held out his hand toward her. “Allow me to help you up.”

God help her, she took it. Perhaps it was the part of her that wanted to enjoy this last moment of scandalous behavior. Perhaps it was the part of her that knew something like this would never happen again. Perhaps it was the part of her that knew that Upton, when he knew who she was, would never be this kind, considerate, and solicitous of her. That was the part that made her feel a little sad for a reason she couldn’t describe.

Instead, she took his hand and allowed him to pull her to her feet. Before she could turn to go, he pulled her into his arms one last time and placed a warm kiss on her cheek. “To an evening I’ll never forget, Lady Blue.”

Jane’s throat inexplicably tightened. She couldn’t answer.

She didn’t have to. The click of the door handle across the room had them both spinning toward it.

“What was that?” Jane asked, her eyes as wide as an owl’s.

“I didn’t see anyone,” Upton replied. “But let’s hope if someone was there, that they didn’t see us.”

Jane pressed her fist against her mouth. “Or if they did, they didn’t know who we were.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Jane awoke to a pounding head. She had tossed and turned for what felt like hours before sleep finally overtook her. She’d awakened every bit as full of nerves and doubt. What in heaven’s name had she been thinking last night? She’d known it was Upton. Known it! Perhaps not the entire time, but long enough to make it reprehensible that she hadn’t stopped kissing him. Which was more than she could say for him. He’d clearly thought she’d been some mystery harlot, but she’d discovered who he was and she’d still allowed him to kiss her.

She had no excuse. Absolutely none. The worst part was, she could only hope Upton wouldn’t put it together and realize he’d been passionate with her.

What was her excuse? Could she blame it on the lack of spectacles? Obviously that had played a part in her not recognizing him sooner. Was it the gown? The lilac perfume? Blast and damn that lilac perfume. It had attracted a gentleman all right, but the entirely wrong one. Not that there was a right one, but that was hardly the point.

She sat up and hugged a pillow against her chest. She’d kissed Upton last night. Kissed him and liked it.