"No, it is for mine,” he returned.

She looked away, suppressing any feelings of promise that rose in her breast. “If I stay, it is only for Lady Harrowden’s sake.”

“For now, it is enough simply that you stay.” Sir Lucius took her hand in his and raised it to his lips. He pressed a warm kiss on her bare hand, which made Selena feel faint.

Mrs. Randall entered, carrying a tray, and closed the door firmly behind her, her back turned to Lucius and Selena. She seemed to take her time in doing so, and Lucius used it to lean back away from Selena. Both were silent as Mrs. Randall came forward, setting the tray on the table near them. She served them coffee and little cakes.

Then she went to the other side of the room and took a seat near the window, giving them both a small degree of privacy.

"I hardly know what else to say, Sir Lucius. I make no promises,” she whispered.

“Please just…" His voice trailed away, and he began again. “I know I am not being fair, but I am not dallying with you, Miss Lockhart. I promise.”

Selena sighed. "I do not know what I will say to Lady Harrowden today when I see her."

The coffee and cakes sat between them untouched. Lucius said, “Tell Lady Harrowden I have gone to visit the dower house, and it will be a simple matter to move in. She will be able to have parts of it painted with very little trouble to herself while she is in residence. Tell her I will assist you in all the details. She may remove to it as soon as she pleases and will not need to stay here, where I suspect her small income is partially used to assist with the expenses of this big estate. Lord Harrowden will have to carry the expenses on his own."

Selena darted a glance at Mrs. Randall, wondering if she were listening. In any case, it would soon be known throughout the staff if Lady Harrowden were to remove to the dower house. True, Selena did not desire to live under the countess’s sharp tongue longer than was needed, but Lady Harrowden would surely need her to help direct matters if they were going to move. And Selena did need the income. Perhaps she would also find that, away from Lord Harrowden's influence, she, Rebecca and Lady Harrowden would get along much better.

Perhaps she might even learn to harden her heart to Sir Lucius. He had not put her interests above his own at the ball, despite the olive branch he seemed to be offering her now. If she could just keep that detail at the forefront of her mind, then it should be possible to stay to suit her own purposes while keeping Sir Lucius at arm’s length. It was certainly worth a try.

She gave a nod. "Very well. I will stay at least as long as the removal to the dower house and until a new companion may be found."