Lucius met her gaze unflinchingly. Yes, he had lapsed in his promise, but he thought he had more than made up for it by finding out news of her nephew and engaging a solicitor to oversee her affairs. However, it only took a split-second for him to calculate that her command fit his objective with precision. If he were alone with Selena in a carriage for hours as they chased after the errant couple—who would not be found in time, of that he was sure—he would have time to press his suit.

Selena’s reasons for saying no were based on past hurts and fear but did not represent the desires of her heart. He had to convince her that he could protect her, and that anyone who would scorn her for her father’s transgressions was not someone he would have any dealings with. The contentment Selena would bring to his life was worth any Society he needed to cut to keep her there. It wanted only time to win her over.

"Very well, my lady," he said. “But I will do this correctly. I will get my coachman and undergroom and a closed carriage. I will not subject Miss Lockhart to the discomfort of late January weather in an open carriage, as we are likely to be riding for hours in it.”

"That's the first sensible word you've spoken," Lady Harrowden grumbled.

Lucius turned to go, and she added, “Stay a minute, Lucius. Those fools will have to marry now, and I suppose her fortune will save the estate from immediate ruin. But their marriage must not be done by elopement. I happen to know that the archbishop is in Hertfordshire on a visit—in Graveley. I will pen a note that you will take to him in order to request a special license.”

Lucius opened his eyes in surprise. “Willingly,” he said. “But I must warn you that there is small chance of them being found before they have gone too far. They seem to have had a head start of several hours.”

“Nevertheless, you will try. If I know the pair of them, Rebecca will wish to stop at every stage, and Richard will have his pockets to let before they leave the county, or he will drive his carriage into a ditch or some such thing.” Lady Harrowden made her way to the desk and sat. “I have hopes of their being found.”

She wrote a brief note, sanded and sealed it, and handed it to Lucius, which he took. He turned to Selena.

“Miss Lockhart, if you will accompany me to the door, I have some instructions to give you for the journey.” He saw her swallow in apprehension, but she followed him. When they arrived at the front door, which was blessedly empty due to the lack of servants, he leaned in.

"I have no expectation of reaching this couple. I will accompany you to satisfy Lady Harrowden’s request. But I will not compromise your reputation in any way, even if that means abandoning the pursuit. And—” He caught her gaze and held it. “I look forward to continuing our conversation.” He watched her eyes grow wide before she hurried away.