George shook his head. “Nor I.”

Lucius looked up when Briggs opened the door carrying two tankards. “Ah. The ale you’ve been waiting for. Here—then I imagine you’ll want to go back to Maria's to refresh yourself? Just so you know, there is a dinner party tonight, and I plan to attend."

“Trying to get rid of me already? Much thanks I get.” George took a deep swallow, then looked at Lucius with interest. “You’re coming back to Maria’s so soon? What do you hope to achieve by going?"

“It’s none of your business, young cawker.” Lucius laughed as George pulled a face. “However, since you troubled yourself to go to London for me, I’ll tell you. My hope is to right a past wrong and restore Miss Lockhart to a position of dignity. I believe Downing is still there, and I made sure an invitation would be sent to the Harrowdens."

“You hope to redeem yourself in Miss Lockhart’s eyes," George said and smiled knowingly. “Good. May she be willing to overlook your gross lack of chivalry and not have you tossed you out for the presumption, as you deserve.”

“As you say.” Lucius would let his brother tease. In any case, he deserved the reproach.

Selena stood in the corridor, listening. She turned in a full circle but saw no one. No one carrying a tray or standing at the door or ducking out of sight when she passed by. How strange that she didn’t notice the servants’ activity until the absence of it overwhelmed her with its silence. Could it be possible they were all upstairs assisting Lady Harrowden with the packing?

A knock sounded at the door, and Selena waited, but no one came rushing to answer it. After a moment’s hesitation, she went to the door and opened it.

Standing on the other side was a tradesman or a servant of some sort, and Selena looked at him questioningly. He pulled off his cap and bowed before her. "Excuse me, miss. I was told to speak to the cook."

"I believe you will find her at the servant's entrance," Selena replied, slowly. A tradesman at the front door? “You are not aware of how to reach it, perhaps?"

“I knocked there, but no one answered. And Messir Anton, the butcher, said I was to deliver the message come what may, begging your pardon, miss. He said as to tell you there warn't be any more meat delivered until his bill is paid.”

Selena knit her brows. Surely such a basic bill could not be overdue? She had suspected there were some inconsistencies with Lord Harrowden's manner of living and the allowance the estate provided, and Lady Harrowden had hinted as much. But meat was such a basic item. Surely there must be some misunderstanding?

"Wait here. I will bring the cook to speak to you." Selena closed the door and hurried down to the kitchen. She met the sight of Mrs. Randall with some relief. There were still servants at Harrowden after all.