Meanwhile, Eloise knelt beside Jane, who had not been so fortunate as to hold back long enough to reach her chamber before vomiting.
Eloise patted Jane's back, trying to soothe what she felt.
"Stand back!" Eloise ordered the maids rushing forward. "No one is to come on this floor or the second. Turn around at once."
Jane pressed the back of her trembling hand to her mouth, mortified by the sight the maids had witnessed.
Her head felt light and dizzy, and the food she had eaten that morning now rested on the floor before her. More threatened to rise, twisting her stomach cruelly.
"Eloise," Jane whispered, her voice hoarse. "Do you have a handkerchief?"
"It seems I have dropped mine, but I can fetch one for you," Eloise offered, her eyes filled with concern.
"No," Jane answered quickly, shaking her head. "I can make it to my chamber from here. I apologise for the floor. I did not mean to."
