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.
