Cecilia smiled into the mirror. "My reputation precedes me, eh?"
"Verily. Oh, and father arrived, as did the baron. I sent them both over to Cheney House, where they are more than likely squaring off over the body like two dogs over a bone. I also directed all callers to them. I think I should love to be a mouse viewing the happenings over there today," she mused.
Cecilia laughed and turned to face her aunt directly. "Those two together? You are too bad, Jessamine."
"I know, but I do tire of their posturing. Besides, I felt it should reasonably keep society entertained and out of your realm."
Cecilia nodded. "That's true, and I thank you for that."
"So tell me what happened last night. All I know is what Loudon told me—that you went out with Sir James after midnight, and it was more than an hour before you returned again. What were you about, Cecilia? I shudder to consider the ramifications should that get about the ton. Between the two of us, Loudon and I have assured ourselves of our servants' loyalty. The story shall not get spread abroad from here."
"Admittedly, I'd not considered improprieties. My concern was for Angel Swafford. She never got here last night."
"I know."
"We went to her home to see if she was detained. We were, perhaps, just minutes too late."
She told her what happened and Branstoke's discovery that the government had a spy in the group. "All I can hope is that, whoever he is, he can save Angel."
"I'm sorry, my dear,” Jessamine said, sitting down in a chair by the window. “I know you feel this deeply."
"Oh, Jessamine, how could I have been wrong about so many things? I feel responsible, for if I hadn't made wrong assumptions and deductions, none of this might have happened. I'm so stupid."
"Nonsense. You had no breadth of knowledge against which to judge the situation or people. Do not hold yourself accountable. Given the information you had, your deductions were quite reasonable."
"I wish I could believe that," she said sourly.
"Don't wish it, believe it. Ah, here's Sarah with your breakfast. Why don't you relax and eat a nice meal? I shall see you downstairs when you are dressed."
Cecilia nodded and rose to cross to a table near the fireplace where Sarah was laying out breakfast.
When she came downstairs less than an hour later, she found Lady Meriton entertaining Miss Amblethorp.
"Janine! Hello, I'm glad to see you," she said, crossing the room to where her friend sat on the sofa. She sank down next to her, taking her hands.
Janine Amblethorp smiled shyly. "I told mama I was going to visit Lucy Farnham. Mother dislikes Mrs. Farnham, so she let me out with just my maid."
Cecilia laughed delightedly. She glanced over at her aunt. "Didn't I tell you, Jessamine, that there was a streak of independence and stubbornness hidden in Miss Amblethorp?"
Lady Meriton chuckled. "Yes, you did."
Janine blushed. "I don't know how it is, but of late, I have not been willing to continue this charade of husband hunting. I grow tired of mama thrusting me toward any single gentleman with the least pretensions to civility. I have nottaken,as they say. All the dances and soirees I could attend will not change that."
"You are too hard on yourself, Janine. But I think you are right to follow your inclinations," said Lady Meriton. "Smarter than some people I know who push themselves to be what they are not to achieve goals that are not for them." She looked pointedly at Cecilia.
Cecilia scowled in fun at her aunt, then sobered and nodded. "I know, Jessamine. Who knows if I had it to do over again what I would do? In my search for answers, I've managed to open Pandora's box while at the same time waylaying my own heart. I'm uncertain as to the resolution of either. The question that stalks my every waking moment and haunts my dreams is: Did I cause Randolph's death or Angel's disappearance by my inquisitiveness?"
Janine looked from Cecilia to Lady Meriton and back, confusion written on her face. Cecilia looked over at her and smiled wanly.
"I'm sorry, Janine. That was rude to talk of things you know nothing about. I'm afraid I'm not good company as I am obsessed."
"I don't mean to be rude or nosy," her friend said carefully, "but I have often observed that a fresh insight on a problem aids in resolution."
"I do not think a fresh insight could solve this situation," Cecilia said.
"It will not change the facts, but it may change how you view them," Lady Meriton suggested pensively. "Let me order refreshments while you consider. She needs to talk," she told Janine.
Janine looked uncertainly from one to the other. "Please, I did not mean to cause a problem. I just thought—"
