"I am told you’re pursuing her." Downing nodded in the direction of the room where Selena was sitting.

Lucius wondered what interest the man could possibly have in who Lucius chose to pursue when he had already abandoned all claims to Selena. "Who gave you such information?" he asked.

Downing took out his snuff box, eyeing Lucius as he took a pinch. "Selena did," he said shortly.

Lucius drew back in surprise. Selena told her ex-betrothed that Lucius was pursuing her? That seemed an awfully bold move on her part, unless she wished to make Downing jealous. Perhaps the unthinkable was possible. Perhaps she still had feelings for the man, although he had treated her abominably. Lucius thought about it. No, it was more likely that she wished for Downing to know she was not wearing the willow for him.

"It is true," Lucius said carefully. “I am hoping she will become my wife.” There! I’ve done what I came for. Lucius would no longer remain silent where his feelings for Selena were concerned. He would tell the whole world and defy them to criticize his choice.

"I might have some interest in that quarter too,” Downing replied in just that pompous, arrogant way, as if they were discussing horseflesh for purchase at Tattersall's. Lucius could scarcely credit his ears.

"I regret to inform you that you had your chance long ago. You gave it up, and that is your own loss.”

Downing scrunched his pale eyebrows together in confusion. "I've only just met the girl. How can you say I’ve already had my chance?”

Downing glanced at Selena, where Lucius’s eyes were trained, and understanding dawned. “Oh, are you now referring to Selena? Yes, I had my chance and was clever enough to pull out before I was irrevocably tied. That would've been ruinous for my career. But with Miss Woodsley, I will acquire a charming social hostess at my side and, if I may speak freely between gentlemen, her dowry at my disposal."

Lucius's mind was reeling, for as much as he’d planned to declare his intentions towards Selena publicly, he hadn’t intended to wear his heart on his sleeve without provocation. He looked about the room as he fiddled with his pocket watch, needing a minute to gather his thoughts. So Downing had not been talking about Selena. He was now intent on pursuing Miss Woodsley? Well, he could join the list of people who had their eye on her fortune. Lucius couldn’t care less about that.

Now that he’d committed himself, he may as well go the whole way. “You may do as you like. I was not referring to Miss Woodsley for myself. I was referring to Miss Lockhart."

Downing's eyes opened in astonishment. "You are interested in Selena? But there is a scandal attached to her name, of which I am sure you are aware.”

“I could hardly have remained in ignorance after you publicly humiliated her at the ball. But unlike you,” Lucius replied, “the scandal affects me not in the least, as it was not of her making but her father’s, and he is no longer alive. I don't need the income of a wealthy bride. I have only to please myself in choosing a wife.” He faced Downing squarely. “And I will thank you to address her as Miss Lockhart from now on.”