She had not sat out a single set, and whether the reason was her title, her large dowry, her new gown, or simply that it had been her ball, she had revelled in every moment. Except... She sat bolt upright as the memory struck her. Oh Lord, Lavinia and Fitz! Fitz had opened his mouth to say something that was bound to give her away. Quicker-witted, Lavinia had read the desperate plea in Jane’s face and gripped her brother-in-law’s wrist, silencing him. “Please, I’ll explain later!” Jane had hissed. Lavinia had glanced around the crowded foyer and replied, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, “We shall call tomorrow, without fail, shall we not, Fitz?” Fitz had nodded speechlessly, and Lavinia dragged him off in her mother’s wake. Jane had exchanged a few words with each later in the evening, but they had both obligingly refrained from interrogating her. Now she looked at the pretty porcelain clock on the mantel and gasped. Noon already! They might call at any time and if she was still abed the butler would deny her.
