As soon as she had left Blake, she had sought out Cressida.
I need to leave. I cannot be here a moment longer.
Her friend had been easy enough to find, but to Jane’s frustration, Lady Waterburry lingered nearby.
She is the last person I want to see.
“What? Oh goodness, Jane! Is anyone hurt? Can I do anything to help? Let me find Richard, I am sure he will be able to do something.” Cressida glanced around, her eyes wide with concern.
“I am not sure. I do not think anyone is hurt, but Father said we must return home as fast as we can,” Jane replied. “Do not worry yourself, and there is no need for you to leave your wedding ball.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she could have sworn Lady Waterburry had a smug look on her face. Jane refused to look at her properly.
What does it matter what she thinks? If she thinks she has won Blake, fine. Let her have him.
“You are one of my dearest friends, of course I am concerned about you. Can you not depart in the morning?” Cressida looked worried. “Traveling by yourself will be rather dangerous.”
“I will have Emily, and our estate is not far away.” Jane smiled at her friend.The sooner I can be away from Blake, the better.“I would not leave, but time is of the essence.”
“Of course, I understand.” Cressida squeezed her hand. “Are you sure I cannot do anything to help?”
“I could not bear it if I did anything to take away from this special day, at least any more than I already have.” Jane smiled weakly at her friend.
“Well, I shall come with you. I can help you pack,” Cressida offered.
“Do not be ridiculous,” Jane insisted. “It is your wedding ball, you should enjoy the festivities. I will see you in a few weeks when you return from your honeymoon, and perhaps I will have a fiancé to introduce you to.”
“A fiancé?” Cressida looked confused and then hopeful. “Have you met someone, then?”
Jane’s heart broke at the look of excitement on her friend’s face, but she shook her head. “My father will have found suitable matches by now. Once I have whatever this emergency is in hand, I shall meet them and… well, then we shall be wed.”
“Oh Jane.”
“Do not fret, Cressida, not all of us get what you and Richard have.” Jane’s heart twisted, and she refused to look at the dance floor, to seek out Blake. “I am sure whoever I marry will be lovely.”
“And if he is not, well, he shall have me to reckon with,” Cressida said, her eyes fierce. “And I am married to a marquess now, so unless he is a duke or a prince, he had better watch out!”
Jane laughed, overcome with affection for her friend. “You are far too wonderful for words, my darling Cressida. I must go and pack.”
“Of course. I really would be more than happy to help you, dearest Jane.” Cressida glanced at the dance floor and then back at her.
“Really, I do not need any help. And I would appreciate a little time to myself. You know what I am like in large crowds.”
“If you are sure…” Cressida glanced at Jane, frowning slightly.
“Of course I am, darling Cressida.” Jane gave her friend a quick kiss on the cheek. “I cannot wait to hear about your adventures.”
Jane left as quickly as she could, trying to draw no more attention than she already had. As she left the ballroom, she thought she saw Lady Waterburry prowling about.
No doubt she is looking for Blake.
She felt a stab of pain in her chest at the thought, and she pictured the look on Blake’s face as they danced. The dread etched on it as he steeled himself to propose.
At that moment, Jane had seen just how little he actually wanted to marry her, and though it had broken her heart, she knew she could not accept his proposal.
“Jane, wait!” Emily’s voice rang out behind her.
Jane ignored her sister and walked faster, tears streaming down her face as she made for her rooms.
