"What time tomorrow would you like me to be at your disposal, my lady?"

“The maid will apprise you of my habits. I am not an early riser, so you will have the mornings to yourself. I will expect you to tend to me starting from eleven o'clock.” Lady Harrowden’s papery skin shrouded her with frailty, and the deep pockets under her eyes gave her a disconsolate air. But there was an edge to her words when she dismissed Selena. “That will be all."

Lady Harrowden turned her gaze to the flickering logs in the chimney, signaling an end to their conversation. Selena rang the bell and waited quietly until the maid entered the room. Only then did Lady Harrowden stir from what looked to be a sober contemplation.

“Show Miss Lockhart to her room. Tomorrow morning, I will expect Mrs. Randall to give her a tour of the house so she knows where to find everything. Miss Lockhart knows when she is to come to me."

Selena gave Lady Harrowden a curtsy and turned to follow the maid. The corridor was drafty but, surprisingly, not much colder than the drawing room. Her own room, however, although small, was nicer than she expected and warmed by a small fire. Her apprehension over her new position, that had increased with the day’s events, now abated somewhat. She would have time to walk in the mornings or read, and she had a warm fire. The role was likely to be tedious, but there were these small pleasures, at least.

"You have no trunk, miss?” The maid looked around in confusion. They must not have communicated belowstairs what had happened.

"No, the stagecoach broke down, and I only hope they will find my trunk and bring it to me without delay. I have one change of clothes in my portmanteau, and that will have to do until I have the rest.” Selena tried to speak with more confidence than she felt. “And what is your name?”

“Hazel, miss.” The maid dipped a curtsy. “There is hot water, and I will bring you more in the morning. Will you take your breakfast in your room?”

Selena shook her head. "I am an early riser. I will go for a walk before breakfast if the weather permits it, but I will come to the breakfast room to take my meal.”

The maid dipped another curtsy and left. Selena was alone. She looked around her room. There was a large, single, four-poster bed and enough space to move comfortably between the bed and the wardrobe. The corner of the room to the right of the fire held a writing desk, and she could hardly believe her luck. If only she could reconcile herself to Lady Harrowden’s dragon-like personality, she might be easy.

Selena unpacked her portmanteau. It was only then she realized the maid should have thought to help her remove her dress, and Selena should have thought to ask. She had grown self-reliant in their straitened means at home. However, by the time the idea of requesting help had occurred to Selena, she was hesitant to call the maid back. Did she merit any of the attentions paid to a guest? Selena was a gentleman’s daughter, after all. She really did not know what to think.