The Unlikely Lady (Playful Brides #3)(10)

Cass bowed her head slightly.

Lucy quickly hugged Cass. “Of course it’s real, dear. It’s real and it’s wonderful.”

“The size of this wedding has my nerves in knots,” Cass continued. “There will be dozens of guests!”

“An earl is getting married, dear,” Lucy replied with a warm smile.

“Yes, but I had no idea it would be so large. Normally these things are small, quiet affairs. You married a duke and didn’t have half so many in attendance, Lucy. It’s no wonder I have a red spot on my nose. The wonder is that I don’t have several.”

“When a war hero earl marries his true love, who just happens to be the daughter of another earl, the entire ton wants to celebrate it,” Jane added.

Cass bit her lip. “I don’t want to be a spectacle.”

“Be a spectacle, darling.” Lucy flourished her hand in the air. “And have the time of your life while you’re at it.”

“Well said,” Jane agreed with a nod.

Lucy hurried over to Cass’s wardrobe. “Now, I’ve got your costume for the masquerade and—”

Jane’s head snapped up. “Masquerade?”

Lucy turned her face and blinked at her. “Yes. Masquerade. Two nights hence. I thought I told you. Oh, Janie, please say you’ve remembered to bring a costume for the masquerade?”

“No, I have not remembered to bring a costume for a masquerade. I’ve never even been to a masquerade. Why in the world would you think I owned a costume for one? And why are we having a masquerade at a house party where everyone knows everyone?”

Cass and Lucy laughed and shook their heads simultaneously.

“Everyone does not know everyone. Many guests haven’t even arrived yet,” Lucy said. “Don’t worry about your costume. I’ve a gown you may wear and we’ll see to making you a domino. I think Mother has one. I’ll send one of the servants over to Upbridge Hall for it.”

Jane sighed. Drat all the luck that Lucy’s and Cass’s parents were neighbors, making it easy to send to Upbridge Hall for a domino mask. Growing up as neighbors, Cass and Lucy had become friends despite their differences. Lucy was a tomboy with a sharp tongue and matching manners and Cass was the soul of demure, ladylike perfection.

Jane fell somewhere in between. She’d never been much for demure ladylikeness, but she also couldn’t quite be bothered to not follow Society’s rules. She was too busy reading. She loved her friends fiercely, mostly because they did the lion’s share of the talking while she was left to blissfully read. Oh, she could offer a pithy comment now and again, but usually was quite happy to allow Lucy and Cass to sort out everything and tell her the relevant facts.

Too bad the latest relevant fact happened to be a masquerade ball. Jane sighed again. She would be a good sport for Cass’s wedding festivities, but really, a masquerade?

“Don’t worry. It’s certain to be fun, Janie.” Cass patted her hand.

“Of course it will.” Jane replaced her thoughts with a bright smile for Cass’s sake. If Cass wanted a masquerade during her wedding celebration, Jane would procure a domino and be there.

“Tell me,” Cass asked. “Have any other guests arrived since I’ve last been downstairs?”

“Upton’s here,” Jane announced, trying—though not particularly hard—to keep the disdain from her voice.

Cass clasped her hands together. “I’m so glad. Having the three of you with me makes me feel ever so much better.”

“Why must you include Upton in ‘the three of us’?” Jane scrunched up her nose.

Lucy gave Jane a warning look. “You promised to be civil,” she whispered.

“Very well,” Jane whispered back.

“You know Garrett is one of my dearest friends.” Cass made her way to the looking glass to examine her nose again. She poked at the red spot.

Jane crossed to the window and pulled back the curtain to view the sweeping landscape behind the manor house. Upton was still on the lawn, practicing his archery. Jane eyed his form. She’d like to challenge him to a round, show him just how superior ladies were. “A wonder he came, considering his feelings for you.”

Cass turned abruptly toward Jane. “Whatever do you mean?”

Jane pushed up her spectacles. “I mean Upton wanted to marry you, himself.”

“Yes, but—” Lucy began.

Jane turned to see her friends exchange a glance.

Lucy nodded toward Cass. “You should have been there, Cass. I told Garrett that after I help Janie with Mrs. Bunbury, I’ll help him find a wife.”

“You did?” Cass smothered a laugh with her hand.

“She did, indeed.” Jane turned back to the window.

“What did Garrett say to that?” Cass wanted to know.

“He gave me some more dire warnings of what would happen if I caused any trouble at your wedding and then spouted some nonsense about how he doesn’t need a wife. The man is going to be an earl one day. Of course he needs a wife. The sooner, the better if you ask me.”

Jane snorted. “Very best of luck finding someone who could stand him long enough to marry him, but we’re focused on Cass, this week, not Upton.”

“That’s absolutely right,” Lucy agreed.