Lady Harrowden stood and signaled for her maid to bring the dress she had laid out. “Now I see we shall have to revise our plans, but perhaps only a very little. The packing for the dower house must start immediately. I will direct the servants to begin packing the linens and dishes that are mine—if there are indeed any servants left. I see less and less of them these days. And you”—she lifted her finger to Selena—“you will also help, but I am of the firm belief that your priority is to spend a couple hours a day teaching Rebecca proper deportment. Test her on the skills a genteel woman must possess to see what she lacks and begin teaching her those skills.”

Selena began to think that perhaps Lady Harrowden had no intention for her to leave at all. And although she wasn’t sure if she should put ideas in the countess’s head, it surprised her so much she couldn’t refrain from asking, "My lady, after your words in the carriage ride home last night, I had understood you wished me to leave. I have been in expectation of my immediate dismissal."

Lady Harrowden turned as Morgan buttoned the back of her dress, conveniently avoiding Selena’s gaze. “I was, perhaps, too harsh with my words last night. I do not like surprises. But Mr. Downing showed an appalling lack of manners by attacking you in such a way, and you did not deserve such treatment.” Adopting her usual acidic tone, she added, “If there are no more incidents like this, I suppose I can overlook it. I cannot make this move to the dower house without assistance, and Sir Lucius knows that. Do go find Rebecca and see that she is up so she may begin her lessons at once.”

“As you wish, my lady.” Selena gave a small curtsy and left. She did not bother to tell the countess that this incident would likely happen again, especially if they were to take Rebecca to London for the Season where everyone knew Selena. She was too surprised at the countess showing any sort of softening.

As Selena descended the stairs, she considered that it might be prudent to build up a savings, then find a new position before the trip to London would take place. That way she could not be accused of cruelty toward Lady Harrowden, who needed her during the move, but she would not have to bear this situation much longer either. In any event, it was bound to be more bearable at the dower house than at the estate where Lord Harrowden lurked at every turn.

Selena sought out Mrs. Randall and sent her up to Lady Harrowden, who had decided to direct some of the affairs from her spacious bedroom. Then she went to find the ward.

Rebecca exited the drawing room with Lord Harrowden at her side, and Selena was behind them, so she had a view of their behavior together, which was more intimate than was proper. Rebecca’s head was bent next to his, and she laughed at the things he was telling her.