She didn’t feel any alarm in getting farther and farther from Harrowden Estate. On the contrary, she felt free. What would it be like to be under the protection of such a man as Lucius? Under his sardonic exterior, he had revealed himself to be kind. It had been some time since she found someone so easy to talk to—and he made her laugh.

And that kiss! Selena’s heart skipped a beat when she thought about it. If she agreed to his proposal, that would be what she woke up to every day. Selena tugged at the tips of her gloves, toying with their seams. It was getting harder and harder to refuse him, or to remember why she should.

After a short time, they arrived at the village of Graveley, and the sounds of human activity outdoors broke into her thoughts. Lucius opened the carriage door and helped Selena down, before guiding her into the posting house.

“As you know, Lady Harrowden has charged me with business here,” he said. “I will see the archbishop as quickly as I may and will leave my servants with you as protection.” He went over to the innkeeper and conferred with him for several minutes, then returned.

“I’ve had a private parlor readied for you while I am away, and I have the directions now of where to go. The innkeeper’s wife is preparing a luncheon for you, and I shall not be long.”

Selena, alone in the parlor, ate from the delicious fare that had been set before her, and although she was prone to feeling jumpy from having set out on such an unanticipated mission, she experienced a surprising amount of peace. The food tasted better than anything she remembered having tasted, the sun beamed gaily through the window of the parlor, she was under the protection of an honorable man, and…

She leaned her chin on her hand. And I hope I might remain with him always.

I am in love. The reality hit Selena like a bolt.

As if responding to the beckon of her heart, Lucius entered the room at that moment. “Selena, I do not think—”

He stopped short and studied her as she stared up at him wistfully. Selena knew her feelings for him were written all over her face. In three strides, he was at the table, where he took his seat next to hers, clasping her hands in his. “My dear, what is it?”

She smiled and shook her head. It was nothing she could voice. “You do not think what, Lucius?”

He kept his eyes trained on her for a few seconds longer, but when she did not enlighten him, he smiled and brought one of her hands to his lips.

“I do not think we should continue on this mad pursuit. Harrowden's carriage passed through here in the early hours of the morning. It did not even stop, but one of the hostlers recognized the crest as it rode by. We will never reach them, and I refuse to compromise your reputation for them."