“Don’t go,” Upton repeated. Why did he have to look almost boyish? But even at his most charming, he couldn’t keep her here to watch him interact with his mistress, of all people.

Jane stepped closer so only he could hear her reply. “In case you haven’t noticed, Upton, Mrs. Langford is much more interested in your company than I am. I’m not about to compete with her for your attention. Not to mention how disgusted I am by your relationship.”

His brow knotted into a frown and Jane turned again just as Mrs. Langford sidled up.

Upton placed a hand on Jane’s elbow. “Stay,” he pleaded.

“No, thank you.”

She took a step, but he grabbed her arm and pulled her close to whisper in her ear. Gooseflesh pebbled her neck. She tried to will it away, but Upton’s deep voice vibrated along her nerves. “Don’t walk away from me, Lady Blue.”

Chapter 24

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Jane had no recollection of how she managed to make it to the library. In fact, she had no memory of retrieving her jaw from the floor, let alone fleeing, but less than five minutes after Upton had fiercely whispered those shocking words, she was lying on her back on the settee in the empty library, one hand resting upon her forehead, wondering how angry Cass would be if Jane left the house party before the wedding actually took place.

She could not face Upton again. Ever. She could not. She made a mental list. Things she would never do, ever: travel to Egypt and view the frightening tombs of mummies, sleep outside on the ground with insects, give up teacake for Lent, and face Garrett Upton ever again. Yes. Quite a good list, actually. And a plausible one. She could just stay here, in the library, her happy spot. There was a window that overlooked the village church in the distance where the wedding ceremony was to be held. Perhaps Cass would allow Jane to view the nuptials from her safe little perch here. Teacakes could be served here, couldn’t they?

Jane rubbed the back of her hand against her forehead and blew out a long, deep breath. When had everything become so complicated? When she’d kissed Upton, that’s when. The good thing about being a spinster bluestocking was that one didn’t ever do anything to embarrass oneself. The bad thing about being a spinster bluestocking was that when one did do something to embarrass oneself, one had no resources or experience with which to deal with said embarrassment.

Very well. She’d got herself in this predicament. She’d get herself out. One problem at a time. All she had to do was think. Think. Think! She removed her spectacles and rubbed her temples.

Slam.

Jane jumped.