Desperate protests sprang to Selena’s lips. She could defend herself if only she had the time. And couldn’t Lady Harrowden see that Selena had been given an unfair burden? She had two roles instead of one. Selena strove to remain calm.

"In general, I do rise before her, but I did not see her at breakfast, and we did not cross paths in the house. I looked in her bedroom, and she was not there. I cannot work miracles, my lady.”

Lady Harrowden accepted this without further reproach. “And my nephew—have you seen him?”

Selena shook her head. “Then again, I’ve not had time to look. I asked Alice to send a footman to find him, but…” She did not want to say she feared the worst.

"Ring for my maid, and tell her to return at once,” Lady Harrowden said. “We have no time to lose.”

The countess's intensity propelled Selena toward the door, needing no further encouragement. She pulled the bell for Morgan on her way out and took hasty steps toward the staircase. At the bottom of the stairwell, she turned to the side entrance, which was the fastest route to the stables.

She had gone two steps when the sound of the knocker echoed through the house. This could be news of Rebecca! Without waiting for anyone to come, Selena ran to the door and opened it.

Lucius’s face lit up when his eyes fell on Selena. The white cravat tied with more care than usual highlighted the gleam of his white teeth and bright eyes. Selena’s breath always seemed to leave her in his presence.

“Selena,” he said.

"Rebecca is missing.” The words came spilling out of her.

Lucius’s smile fell, and he stepped forward. "Might I come in? Perhaps I can assist in some way.”

"I will take you to the countess at once,” Selena replied, then stopped. "No, she is not dressed. I will tell her you are waiting upon her in the drawing room."

"I can find my own way. Let Lady Harrowden know I’m here, and if you can, come and speak with me before she arrives."

Selena did not wait any longer but rushed up to the countess's room and knocked. Lady Harrowden was still in a state of undress, and her hair had not been done. The maid was only tying her stays.

"Sir Lucius is here and wishes an audience with you. What shall I tell him?"

"Did you find the girl?" the countess asked.

"No,” Selena said, despair overtaking her. “I began looking, but then Sir Lucius arrived. I cannot be everywhere at once."

“Try harder," the countess snapped. Selena set her mouth in a firm line, and Lady Harrowden added after a moment, “Tell Sir Lucius I will be right with him."

Dismissed, Selena hurried down the stairs, her heart beating from fear as much as exertion. She rushed into the drawing room, where Lucius stood, peering at the snowy landscape through the window. He had not sat but turned when she entered and held out his hands, as if to invite Selena to rush forward and place her hands in his. It was a tempting proposition, but she could not trust herself.