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When one of the maids walked by, Regina touched the servant’s arm, stopping her. “Sarah? Do you know why my parents have not come down for breakfast yet?”
Sarah curtsied. “Yes, Miss Regina. They were both sick when they returned home from the ball last night, and they went straight to bed. I haven’t wanted to bother them yet.” She blinked and slowly tilted her head. “Do you think I should?”
Inwardly, Regina groaned. Sarah had been working for the family less than a year, yet the girl didn’t know how to think yet. “Yes, if you would wake my mother. If she is still ill, she’ll let you know.”
“Yes, Miss Regina.” Sarah curtsied again and hurried up the stairs.
Regina wandered outside. The weather was better than it had been last night, thankfully. The temperatures were warmer, and there was no wind. Not yet, anyway. As she strolled toward the flower garden, she heard birds chirping in the nearby trees and bees pollinating in the flowers. She also heard a horse galloping toward the house.
She turned to see who the unexpected visitor was, and when she saw Jane and Pearl – Jane’s companion – coming to a stop in front of the house. Regina quickened her step until Jane noticed her in the yard.
As Regina walked toward her friend, she studied Jane’s expression. Fear jumped inside Regina for fear that her friend had found out what happened with Mr. Nichols. But if the earl’s daughter knew she had been with Mr. Nichols most of the night, would she come to yell at Regina, or would the heartbroken woman stay home locked in her room for days?
Holding her breath, she waited for Jane to say something. Instead, the woman waited until she stopped in front of Regina before looking her over slowly.
Jane folded her arms and arched an eyebrow. “You do not appear ill today.”
“I thank you, but I’m feeling better.” Although it wasn’t a lie, it wasn’t the whole truth, either. Regina would feel much better if she knewwhyshe acted so aggressively with Mr. Nichols.
“I’m pleased to hear that.” Jane smiled wide. “Perhaps you feel up to going with me this afternoon to the dressmakers. After all, you are my best friend, are you not?”
Regina wanted to sigh with relief. Jane didn’t know what had happened last night. Yet, would the earl’s daughter ever learn? As much as Regina wanted to tell her friend, she only wanted to do it in order to stop the wedding. However, once the truth came out, Jane would never want to be friends with Regina again. That was something she couldn’t allow to happen.
“Yes, I am still your best friend.” Regina cleared her throat, wishing the tightness in her voice would disappear. “Why do you need to visit the dressmakers’ shop?”
“I need to be fitted into my wedding gown.”
“Wedding gown?” Regina’s voice squeaked. “You have a gown already? Your engagement has not even been announced.”
Jane shrugged. “There is no reason to put off the inevitable. And I’m certain my father will make the announcement soon.”
Bile rose in Regina’s throat. She needed to stop the wedding. But unless she confessed to being with Wayne Nichols last night, she didn’t see herself stopping it at all. Bringing scandal upon her family was not an option.
“Then I suppose,” Regina said, finding the strength she didn’t possess, “getting fitted for your wedding gown needs to be done posthaste.”
Jane lifted a chin stubbornly. “Indeed, it does. I’m surprised to see you are taking this so well instead of trying to talk me out of going. By chance, have you changed your mind about Mr. Nichols?”
Just hearing the man’s name caused Regina’s nerves to quake. “I still do not believe he is the man for you if that is what you’re asking. I think he is after your father’s money.”
Jane rolled her eyes. “If only you would take the time to get to know him, you will see he is a very kind man. Although he doesn’t possess a title, his family is wealthy.”
“Are you certain about his wealth?” Regina shook her head. “How can you be certain this is not a lie?”
Exhaling slowly, Jane’s expression grew irritated, and Regina knew it was time to stop. No matter what she said, Jane was just not going to believe it. Yet, being the best friend to the earl’s daughter, Regina didn’t want to give up, either.
“Reggie, if you are going with me this afternoon, you cannot continue to do this. I grow weary of arguing with you and trying to convince you that Mr. Nichols is a sweet man. He is not lying to me about his wealth or anything else for that matter.”
“You are correct, of course,” Regina quickly replied. “I shall not say another word.” Well, at least today, she wouldn’t. However, from tomorrow until Jane’s wedding day, Regina was going to try to talk Jane out of marrying the man.
* * *
WAYNE KEPT HIS HATpulled low over his forehead and face down as he moved toward the Bow Street Runners’ office. He pulled the collar of his cloak higher, hoping that anyone who knew the earl or Jane wouldn’t recognize him. Nobody could know his real purpose for getting close to the Meyer family. Not yet anyway.
He entered the building quickly, closing the door behind him. A rush of air escaped his throat, feeling somewhat more at ease now that he was amongst his friends. All the men who worked as Bow Street Runners led Wayne's same type of lifestyle. They were his family away from home.
“Nichols, I heard you had a rough night.”
Wayne jumped from the voice nearby and swung around to face Randolph Donley. The smirk on Donley’s face confused Wayne. How would the man know about what happened inside the coach between him and Regina?
