She served him a pointed look in return. “And yet, you did not leap to her defense, did you, Lucius? You may preach all you like, but you are not any more favorable to courting such damaged goods than I am in promoting them.”

Lucius swallowed. The knowledge that his behavior spoke volumes—and not to his honor—combined with the cutting words ‘damaged goods’ filled him with an almost irrepressible desire to lash out, preferably at someone he could actually hit. The bulk of his anger, however, was directed at himself.

It would not do to answer Maria now. He could not win this argument until he had proven to Selena—and to everyone else—that she took precedence over his own comfort.

He adopted a neutral tone when he changed the subject. “You’ve not specified your proposed plan for the entertainment of your guests.”

Maria’s eyes lit with the victory of having won this round. "I have planned dinner and whist two nights from now. I wasn't intending to open it up to more than just our guests staying here, but of course I would be delighted if you would come. You are always a welcome addition to any gathering,” she added, graciously.

At last, his goal. “Would you be equally delighted to invite Lady Harrowden and her household?"

The smile hovered around Maria's mouth. “You’re taking my words to heart, I see. I am glad to hear it. I suppose that can be arranged. I will have an invitation sent off today."

Lucius stood. There was no point in remaining now that he had achieved what he came to do. “Very good. I expect George back that same morning, so he might be in attendance as well.”

Selena stared through her bedroom window, thinking of Sir Lucius. You disturb my very orderly existence. She wondered what it would have been like had he leaned the few remaining inches and kissed her. She rested her fingers on the small square windowpanes, which were cold to the touch. Her breath steamed the glass.

Lord Harrowden came into view as he walked on the snowy ground below, and by instinct, Selena drew back behind the curtain and out of sight. She peeked down again and saw that the earl was agitated about something. His face was hidden under his hat, but his breath came out in clouds as he stalked forward, head down and clenching his fists.

Just then, Rebecca ran outside after him with only a light cloak around her. So she was out of bed already. Lord Harrowden turned and lifted his face to Rebecca, and Selena saw a smile appear. She ducked behind the curtain again, but when she looked out, he had taken Rebecca by the arm and was leading her back indoors. He leaned in to give her a peck on the cheek, and Selena frowned. Something must be done to stop his advances.

It was eleven o'clock, and Selena could avoid it no longer. She exited into the corridor and began walking, the runner muting the sounds of her feet. Her thoughts churned fruitlessly as she traced the steps to Lady Harrowden’s room. She may as well find out sooner rather than later what her fate here would be. Selena wasn't sure if she minded a sudden end to her position—though it would mean a loss of income and perhaps future positions if she could not gain a reference—if Lady Harrowden still harbored those feelings of disgust she had alluded to last night.