In the end, Lucius did not discover what Miss Lockhart was going to say, nor was he given a choice whether or not to remain. "Lucius, you may as well come in too,” Maria said as she advanced toward the drawing room. “Lady Harrowden has not seen your face for two years, and she will want a glimpse of you."

Lucius entered the room in time to see Lady Harrowden’s brows snap together as Miss Lockhart came to stand before her. He was struck by the change in the widow’s face. While she had always been a rather severe old woman in all the time he had known her, her severity seemed to have been replaced by bitterness.

"What do you mean by coming to me in this ramshackle manner?” she demanded of Miss Lockhart. “And in the company of a known rake no less—Sir Lucius, you know very well it is true, no matter if I have known you since you were in short coats.” Turning back to Miss Lockhart, Lady Harrowden added, "I sent my footman to get you, and he returned empty-handed.”

Although Miss Lockhart’s expression remained veiled, Lucius saw her rising color. This is not a woman who will take to her new position easily. She will likely not last the week.

“My lady, you can hardly expect me to be blamed for the stagecoach breaking down—” Miss Lockhart was cut off.

“Do not try your impertinence with me, young lady, or your employment here will be short-lived."

Lucius began to be uncomfortable. He could in no way defend Miss Lockhart—what right had he? But something had happened to Lady Harrowden to cause her to be so uncivil.

Miss Lockhart’s color rose further, and Lucius knew by instinct that it took every ounce of her self-control not to respond in kind. Miss Lockhart was gently bred, but with her straightened means, she might not find a position in more favorable circumstances.

Miss Lockhart met the widow’s gaze and remained silent. There was nothing challenging in her expression, but neither did she back down. The silence stretched.

"Lady Harrowden, I am happy to see that your companion has been safely restored to you by my brother. She will be a great help to you, I daresay.”

“A very odd thing to have an unmarried man and single woman arrive together—”

Maria continued in a commanding voice, as if the countess had not raised an objection. “It is a fortunate thing the weather detained me here long enough to keep you company until her arrival. Well…” Maria clasped her hands together in front of her. “I must be off now that the snow has abated. I promise to come more often, and I do so hope you will grace our Twelfth Night ball with your presence.”

"If the weather is anything like today, you may be assured I will not,” Lady Harrowden snapped. She seemed to recollect herself, however, and softening, added, “However if it is warm enough, I will come. I know the importance of showing support for local celebrations.”