“No, Jane. I…Iforbidit.” Bertie had straightened himself in his seat for this announcement, which was issued in a weighty tone. It was hard to say which of them was more surprised.
“Forbid it?” she repeated. He might never have forbidden her anything, really. Oh, Jane had been scolded when she’d done something naughty, of course, but those days were so long behind her she could scarcely remember them. She’d always been a rule-abiding child. To have the gavel come down upon her now, when she was a grown woman and only trying to provide for herself—it was ridiculous! “Uncle, youcan’t. Della is counting on me. And besides, all our guests are expecting us on Monday. It would be humiliating to let them down.”
All her work, wasted! Just when they were meeting with real success. But what was she to do—defy her uncle while she lived on his charity?
Tears stung Jane’s eyes, and she bit her tongue, too frustrated to continue her protests. At the sight of her distress, Uncle Bertie’s resolve fell apart like a sandcastle crumbling beneath the tide.
“Perhaps I could let you finish up this next week,” he amended, “as you’ve already issued your invitations. So long as you promise not to place any extravagant bets.”
“I never do.” Jane sniffed.
“Well, one last time then. To say goodbye.”
Jane looked out the window, unable to bring herself to thank him.
They fell silent for a long stretch. The carriage rattled as the coachman drove the horses quickly through Hounslow Heath, where the risk of robbery was greatest, and continued on Bath Road.
“I don’t do this to make you unhappy,” Uncle Bertie said gently, after a time. “You shall thank me one day, once you realize how close this might have brought you to ruin.”
They continued on until Osterley Park, where they found a crofter’s cottage overlooking the manor house to provide them with fresh-baked bread for a collation. The footmen set out blankets and ginger beer while the coachmen (and Edmund) watered the horses.
Jane took some refreshment, but didn’t join the others, pleading the need to stretch her legs. She wouldn’t risk being trapped in conversation with anyone in her current spirits, least of all Cecily or Eli.
But Eli didn’t sit either. Nor did he take any bread. Instead, he paced the hillside, staring over the grounds without seeming to see them.
“How long until we depart again?” he asked.
“About a quarter hour, I think,” replied Cecily.
Eli turned to Jane abruptly. “Would you accompany me on a walk down to the lake, Miss Bishop?”
“I’m quite comfortable here,” she declined.
Eli produced a slip of paper from his breast pocket and handed it to her without a word.
“You’re using your forfeit?” she asked, incredulous. “To make me walk with you?”
“If I must.” He seemed tense, his tone slightly clipped. His usual, casual air had vanished.
“Very well.” She certainly wasn’t going to argue in front of everyone, even if she didn’t appreciate being singled out. It might do her good to have a private talk with Eli. She had a few choice words for him. And the others were mostly absorbed in cooing over Tommy again, whose wet nurse had brought him out to lay on the blanket.
Jane accepted Eli’s arm and they walked down toward the lake together. It wasn’t far, and once they got past the initial stretch of farmland, there were enough trees lining the path to the manor house that they were shielded from the rest of their party.
“We don’t have much time,” Eli began. “What did Cecily say to you? Does she know about us?”
“I should think everyone knows about us,” Jane snapped. “Or should I say, everyone knows about you and Mr. MacPherson fighting over me at the Pearsons’ ball last night.”
“What?” Eli halted his step, coming up so suddenly that she nearly lost her footing. Jane pulled her arm free, turning to face him.
“Am I not meant to have learned of that?”
“I—” Eli closed his mouth without finishing the thought. Clearly, she wasn’t. “How did Cecily find out?”
“Does it matter? Someone saw you, and now we’re the ton’s latest piece of gossip.” Her heart was pounding in her ears. “How could you, Eli? I trusted you. You promised no one would know.”
It seemed her whole life was falling down about her ears. Bertie was taking away her club to protect a reputation that could soon be in shambles anyway. Without the slightest warning, she was losing everything.
This is what happens when you take foolish risks.She should never have kissed Eli in the first place.
