Mrs. Langford, however, was dressed like a doxy. Jane watched the woman laugh and smile at every word Upton said. Quite nauseating. Mrs. Langford’s hair was swept up in a set of black curls, held in place by the tiniest hat Jane had ever seen, and a small gown to match her tiny hat. The gown was small in that it had very little fabric covering her chest. It would be more in place at a demimonde banquet than a friendly little rowboating venture at a country house. I hope she gets a sunburn. Not to mention it was a garish shade of red. Though Jane had to admit it brought out the rosy color of Mrs. Langford’s full lips.

By the time their party made its way to the lake, Upton had managed to extricate himself from Mrs. Langford’s clutches. When Jane peeked up from the book she’d been attempting to read while simultaneously attempting not to trip, Upton was strolling alongside her, his hands in his pockets.

They all stopped at the line of newly painted white rowboats that sat in front of the calm, green lake like fat little ducks. “Would you do me the honor of accompanying me?” Upton asked.

Jane snapped her astonished mouth shut, then opened it to ask, “Me?”

“Yes.” He smiled and made a sweeping gesture toward the rowboats.

Jane glanced around. There was no doubt. He was talking to her. The man was so in love with her, poor sop. She might as well take pity on him and do him the honor of accompanying him about the lake.

Jane closed her book and made her way toward an available rowboat with Upton leading the way.

“Mr. Upton, wait for me!” That harlot Isabella Langford’s voice rang out at the last possible moment. She waved her hand as she came scurrying up to them. “Do you have room for one more?” The shameless widow batted her eyelashes at Upton.

Over Mrs. Langford’s head, Upton gave Jane a long-suffering look. “Yes. Of course we can fit one more.” Jane returned his chagrined expression. He’d had to say it. He would hardly be a gentleman if he refused. But Jane wasn’t about to get stuck in a rowboat with Upton and Mrs. Langford, of all odious partners.

“I’m happy to allow the two of you to go. I’ll just find Lucy or Cass.” Jane scanned the bank. Confound it. Lucy and Cass had already pushed off in two separate rowboats being captained by their respective mates.

“Nonsense, Miss Lowndes, do come with us,” Mrs. Langford purred, malicious triumph etched upon her features.