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“It was Killian,” Keane says, leaving me staring after him as he heads to where Hawke waits on the other side of the room.

16

By the time I make it to wardrobe, my head is reeling from the news.

Braxton’s first Trip was with Killian.

Was that when their mutual loathing began?

And if so, why has Braxton never told me?

Why has he never said much of anything other than repeatedly insisting that Killian is an untrustworthy psychopath, while failing to provide so much as a shred of evidence as to why?

And why hasn’t—

“So, you got roped into this, too, huh?”

I look up to find Elodie, and not only am I surprised to see her, but I’m happy to see her. If for no other reason than if Mason decides to go rogue, at least I’ll have backup.

“Do you know where we’re going?” I ask, figuring if anyone does, it’s Elodie. Having been here the longest, she knows all the ins and outs of this place.

Elodie’s about to speak when Charlotte, who, from what I can tell, is in charge of wardrobe, appears with a gown clutched in each hand.

Immediately recognizing the cap sleeves and empire waist, Elodie and I both say, “Regency England!” our voices overlapping.

Only Elodie claps and bounces on her toes as she says it.

My own enthusiasm is a lot more muted.

“Oh, it’s my favorite!” Elodie squeals. “All those fussy manners, elaborate courtship rituals, and pent-up sexual tension.” Her blue eyes glitter on mine. “It’s so delightfully fun.”

“I think you just summarized exactly why I love all those Jane Austen retellings,” I say, watching as she takes a shimmering green satin gown from Charlotte and hands it to me before claiming the beautiful powder-blue for herself. Then, with her dress clutched to her waist, she grabs hold of my hand and twirls me about the room as she laughs.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen her so happy, and it reminds me of the old days when the two of us would skip school to go in search of adventure, or at least something more exciting than the drudgery of the classroom. And in this moment, as the two of us dance and laugh, it’s like all the old resentments and grudges have been fully washed away.

“It’s going to be amazing!” Elodie exclaims. “I can’t wait for you to experience it—you are in for a treat.”

“You’ll not be traveling anywhere if I don’t get you dressed.” Charlotte tries to act stern, but the twitch at the corner of her lip reveals how amused she is to see Elodie acting like this.

As Charlotte leaves to gather our stockings and shoes, Elodie leans toward me and whispers, “Can I tell you a secret?”

I look at her, startled. “Um, sure.”

“I have a friend there.” Her gaze glitters on mine. “A boyfriend, actually. Or should I say,a serious male suitor.”

That last bit is pronounced in a spot-on impression of an upper-crust English accent that’s like the female equivalent of Braxton’s. Still, I squint, not entirely sure I understand. “In Regency England, you mean?”

She bites down on her lip and nods. “His name is Nash,” she says, a flush of pink spreading across her cheeks. “He’s an earl, and he’s totally dreamy.”

“Other than movies and books, I don’t really know much about that time, but doesn’t it span several years, at least?”

“Around a decade.” She nods.

“So then, how can you be sure—”

“That he’ll be there?” she cuts in. Then, still clutching the dress to her waist, she strikes a series of poses before the mirror. “Let’s just say he’s someone I’ve researched.” She faces me then, grinning in a way that showcases the dimples on either side of her cheeks. “And depending on what timeline I arrive in, sometimes we meet for the first time, and sometimes we reconnect after a long absence. Either way, it’s always super hot and totally thrilling.” She wiggles her brow and breaks into a fit of giggles that’s so unlike her, it’s a moment before I process it all.

“And Jago?” I finally say. “He’s okay with that?”