“Until she becomes Lady Clavering, or even then?” Downing sneered. His eyes on Selena, he added, “She can be a bit of a shrew. I suppose you’ve not become acquainted with that side of her, but it will surface, given enough time.”

Lucius could not retaliate. He had no way of knowing if what Downing said was true—he’d not had enough time to know her deeply. And the fact that Downing knew Selena better than he did incensed him. However, now committed, he refused to give Downing the last word.

“I have seen Miss Lockhart in difficult straits, but nothing has given me cause to feel anything but esteem for her. I can only suppose your lack of gentlemanly conduct has been behind any untoward behavior you imagine her to have displayed.” Lucius worked his jaw, trying to keep his temper in check. “I thank you for having thrown her over all those years ago. Although I would not like her to have suffered such humiliation, it suits my purposes exactly."

Then, because Lucius could not bear another moment in Downing's presence, he walked over to where Philippa was still sitting with Selena. He paused before addressing her.

“Miss Lockhart,” he began, attempting a light tone to cover the irritation that still coursed through him. “I hope you are instructing my ne’er-do-well sister on proper decorum. I begin to fear it is lost upon her."

Selena smiled and blushed prettily, darting a glance at Philippa. "No, she was telling me all about your antics when you were little. I have learned so much."

Lucius raised an eyebrow and allowed a smile to lift the corners of his mouth. "She could not possibly know anything about me. She is years younger."

"No, it is only what I cobbled together from George—and Finn when he’s saddling my horse for me. He lets things fall.” Philippa’s eyes twinkled in amusement, and Lucius opened his mouth to speak.

“Lucius!”

He looked around as Maria called his attention, then turned back to Selena and Philippa. “It looks as though I'm going to be called into another game of whist. I will come and see you tomorrow, Miss Lockhart, where I hope to undo all the falsehoods Philippa has poured into your ear.” He gave her a wink and left.

Chapter Twenty-One

The next day Lord Harrowden strolled into the breakfast room, looking as though he had not slept or bathed in two days. It was clear to Selena that he had spent the night carousing.

"What. Is this all there is?” he asked, examining the collection of dishes on the sideboard. There was coffee and chocolate in silver pots, and there were rolls with butter and jam in small dishes. But there were none of the kippers or sausages or any of the other breakfast foods that generally graced the sideboard.

Selena met his gaze directly. “A tradesman came from town demanding to be paid for the butcher's bill. He said until it was paid, there would be no more meat delivered. In addition, a great number of servants abandoned their posts yesterday.”