Lord Harrowden averted his eyes, and she delivered the home thrust. “The estate cannot continue to function in its usual way until some of the bills are paid, and measures have gotten rather desperate.”

It was all she needed to say. Lord Harrowden had a wild look about him—she'd never seen him appear so panicked and unkempt. He dropped the saucer he had picked up, and it clattered on the wooden sideboard. He turned without a word and walked out the door.

We're in for it now. She needed to send a letter to her mother to let her know she would be returning home, but she wasn't sure she could even expect her wages. Had Lord Harrowden’s folly touched the countess in some fiscal way? How would Selena get home if she were not to be paid?

She left the breakfast room and met Rebecca coming downstairs at an unseasonable hour. Selena had decided to continue her work as if nothing were amiss until the estate could no longer support her, so she seized this chance.

“Rebecca, I did not look to see you up so early, but I'm glad you are here because we have much work to do. Why do you not go into the breakfast room and eat something, and then we may begin."

Rebecca exhaled through puckered lips. “Very well then.”

Selena went to the stairs, but a knock on the door brought her up short. She no longer expected anyone to answer the door unless the lone footman happened to be nearby. As Selena headed to the door, she saw Rebecca disappear into the billiard room instead of the breakfast room. Rebecca must have seen Lord Harrowden there, which did not bode well. The less time they spent in each other’s company, the better.

When Selena opened the door, Sir Lucius was standing on the other side of it. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw her.

“What, are you answering the door now? They have not given you a third role, I should hope."

His teasing brought a reluctant smile to Selena’s face. With him she could almost feel that the world was not falling apart at the seams. "Why, yes, indeed. Please come in—what has brought you to Harrowden?”

“You.” Sir Lucius stepped inside, inches away, and she turned her eyes up to meet his. A smile hovered on his lips. “The solicitor and accountant will both arrive shortly, but I came ahead of them so I might speak to you alone. May we have private conversation in the drawing room?"

Selena's heart began to beat wildly, and she turned to hide her confusion. “Certainly. Follow me."

The drawing room was empty, and her footsteps echoed as she walked across the floor. Through the window, she saw mounds of white snow which had not melted, although they’d had a warm wind in the past day that would bring on a temporary thaw.

Selena turned to face Sir Lucius, who was standing at arm’s length. His normally severe expression held a tender look. She could not explain it to herself, but she craved his nearness. Breathless, Selena gestured to the seats before the fire, which brought to mind the intimacy—and pain—of their last conversation.