“That’s what I was afraid of.” Lucy stopped pacing and plunked down on the amber velvet settee. “There’s no way around it. We have been witness to Jane and Garrett sneaking off together.”

Cass’s brow was furrowed. “Perhaps they were only speaking about something … something about the wedding.”

“Like what?” Lucy sat forward on the edge of the seat, genuinely interested.

“Like … like … Oh, I have no idea whatsoever.”

“I cannot imagine what they’d have to speak about. They can barely tolerate each other. He took her hand, Cass. I was certain my eyes would pop from my skull.”

“I almost wish I hadn’t seen it. The world would still make sense.” Cass plucked at the silver bob that dangled from her ear.

“There is only one thing to do.” Lucy rested her elbow on her knee and plopped her chin on her palm.

“What’s that?” Cass stopped pacing and stared at her.

“We’re going to have to discern what’s going on. Learn the details.”

Cass nodded. “Yes, I’ll go fetch Jane. We’ll ask her.”

“No. We cannot allow her time to come up with an excuse. We must go to her immediately and ask her what happened. Confront her directly. That’s the only way we’ll know the truth.”

Cass nodded again. “Very well. Let’s go.”

*   *   *

The knock at Jane’s bedchamber door nearly scared her half to death. Oh, God, it wasn’t Upton again, was it? Come for more of the same? She might not have the willpower to tell him to go. No. That made no sense. Upton didn’t know it had been her. He wouldn’t come to her room, and she doubted that even Upton, rake though he may be, would be trolling the halls in the morning looking for another assignation. Very well. It was no doubt safe to open the door.

Though one couldn’t be too careful. “Who is it?” she called, smoothing down her hair.

“Lucy,” came her friend’s voice.

“And Cass.”

Jane breathed a sigh of relief. Grabbing her spectacles from the bedside table and placing them upon her nose, she hurried to the door. She paused along the way to stare at her reflection in the looking glass. Her white linen dressing gown was perfectly pressed. Her hair was in place. Her cheeks had no rosy glow. She looked normal. Not guilty at all.

It would be best if she could admit what happened to her friends, and she would have. If it had been anyone other than Upton. Ugh. It was a complete disaster. She didn’t even like Upton. How in the world had this happened?