Lady Harrowden gasped.

"I married only to oblige myself,” Lucius added. Selena glanced up at her husband and warmed under the protection of his loving gaze.

He turned back to the countess. “It is true we did not meet with success where your nephew and protégée were concerned, but I believe they were most determined to be married in their way. However, as you said, Miss Woodsley’s income will stave off the most pressing debts of the estate, and one can hope your nephew has learned his lesson. From what little I know of him, he is not keen to lose his exalted position in Society, and I believe he won’t be eager to plunge himself into ruin now that he has this second chance.”

Lucius glanced back at the door to the entryway, a questioning look in his eyes. “By the bye, I see Mullings has returned. How is that?”

Lady Harrowden puckered her wrinkled lips and paused before answering. “My nephew had dismissed Mullings because he thought he was too loyal to me. Your solicitor discovered the misunderstanding and has brought him back to serve here until he can follow me to the dower house. Although,” she continued waspishly, “I don’t see how I can remove there now without a companion.” She shot an accusing look at Selena.

“I believe I have someone who can take Lady Clavering’s place,” Maria said. “Let me tell you what I have planned.”

Lucius shifted, revealing that the interview was at an end. “I suppose you will see Lord and Lady Harrowden in a matter of a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I will send a maid to collect Lady Clavering’s possessions. And now, it is time we returned home.”

Philippa ducked her head as though she were trying not to smile. She peeked at them as they walked past her toward the door. George offered a single salute, and he and Philippa went to sit near the fire with Maria and Lady Harrowden.

Selena and Lucius left to the sounds of Lady Harrowden speculating in shocked accents on which was more scandalous of the two—Lord Harrowden and Miss Woodsley’s elopement or Lucius and Selena’s suspiciously sudden marriage without the banns even being read. Maria was applying herself to soothe the countess’s agitation.

Mullings opened the front door to show them out, and Lucius leaned in. "The next time we come to visit the countess, you may introduce Miss Lockhart as Lady Clavering.” He paused to level a glance at the old butler. “And I hope you will do so in a manner that is worthy of my wife.”

The butler abandoned his stiff posture and studied the floor. "Yes, sir.”

Selena and Lucius left the estate, stepping into the wintry landscape bright with snow and a thawing wind that melted the drifts as it blew. They climbed into the waiting carriage, and Lucius gave a tap on the roof to start.

He stretched and sighed in deep appreciation before turning to Selena, who could not hide her look of adoration. He opened his arm, and she slid into his embrace. A comfortable silence stretched as they rode, and a ballooning sensation of happiness prodded his lips up into a grin.