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certainly a first in her rather bleak employment history. A nervous laugh bubbled up from her throat and she nearly choked on the half-sob, half-giggle.
    The butler cast a sideways glance her way. She braced for the sneering disapproval. Instead, concern filled his old eyes. Fortunately, he said nothing and allowed her the small trace of pride that remained. Their footsteps fell in unison as they moved down the long corridors, past familial portrait after familial portrait of distinguished kin, but for their powdered heads and dated attire, may as well have been the austere Marquess of Waverly for the coldness in their gazes frozen in time.
    She fixed on the outrage coursing through her, for it prevented her from giving in to the swiftly rising panic that threatened to consume her. The marquess, of course, didn’t know that returning to Mrs. Belden’s was an impossibility for her because there was no post at the finishing school. Not for one of Jane’s quick tongue. The irony of this moment did not escape her. The demmed marquess had taken her for a spineless, cowardly sort who’d be trampled by his too-spirited sister and that weakness of character touted by Mrs. Belden had seen her sacked before she’d started. That was what happened to those who stole into a stranger’s home and attempted to steal a position of employment.
    Jane and the butler walked quietly up a wide, darkened staircase. They reached the landing. The stairs spilled out onto a darkened corridor. She followed the old servant down the hall and then came to stop beside him.
    “I have taken the liberty of having your belongings installed in your room.”
    Ah, so the butler had anticipated she’d been given a room in the guest chambers. Had he also anticipated that she’d be effectively out of a position before she’d begun? “Thank you, Mr.?” She gave him a gentle look and he started.
    A flash of surprise lit his eyes. “Joseph,” he supplied.
    Annoyance stirred to life in her breast once more. This was the manner of household that foul beast ran? One in which his servants were unaccustomed to those small courtesies and kindnesses? “Thank you, Joseph.”
    He pressed the handle and admitted her to her chambers. With a forced smile, she entered the rooms and closed the door behind her. The hum of quiet filled her ears, blending in blaring cacophony with the steady beat of raindrops upon the crystal windowpanes. Drawing in a shuddery breath, Jane laid her back against the door and shook her head slowly back and forth as a laugh worked its way up her chest. In all her fears of stealing into the marquess’ home and commandeering the role of companion, she’d never once considered that she’d be turned out the moment she arrived. The insurmountable challenge had been orchestrating the travel arrangements and entering the marquess’ home. She’d erroneously assumed that the challenges presented by her plan ended the moment she’d stepped into his room.
    Filled with a restive energy, Jane shoved away from the door and took in the opulent space. The Marquess of Waverly’s guest chambers were finer than any of the modest dwellings her illustrious father had set Jane and her mother up in. With tentative steps, she walked over to the vanity. She trailed her fingertips along the mahogany surface and absently picked up the pearl-encrusted brush. The smooth handle was firm and reassuring in her grip. Her gaze snagged upon the bedraggled, rumpled creature in the bevel mirror and she studied herself with a critical eye. With her wrinkled uniform and the flyaway curls that had escaped the tight knot at the base of her neck, was it any wonder she’d been judged and found lacking in a man whose home could surely rival the palaces of most kings? Her lips pulled in a grimace and she set the brush down.
    Returning to Mrs. Belden’s was not an option. There was nothing to return to. She removed her spectacles and pinched the bridge of her nose. She’d no