“Good morning, sir,” she said, hiding her dismay. “I am Miss Lockhart, and I am Lady Harrowden’s companion. I was not aware she had other guests.”

Selena paused, thinking that perhaps it was no business of hers to know whether or not there would be guests. She wished she’d had a manual of how to be a lady’s companion—what she was entitled to and what she certainly must or must not do.

"I am not a guest,” he replied, his smile ready as he took a step toward her. The smile changed his appearance and made him more attractive. She began to think her first assessment that he was of a querulous nature was incorrect.

“Perhaps that is why you were not aware of it,” the gentleman went on, “but allow me to introduce myself.” He bowed. “I am Lord Harrowden, nephew to Lady Harrowden, and the current earl since my uncle died two years ago."

Selena was considerably surprised. There had been no mention of anyone in residence other than Lady Harrowden, and it had not occurred to her to wonder who had inherited the title.

"Excuse me, my lord. I was not aware Lady Harrowden had anyone else living with her. Do you reside here permanently, if…if such a thing is not too bold to ask?"

"I have been residing in London and had left my steward in care of this estate, permitting my aunt to continue to live here as long as she wished. But I arrived a week ago to take up residence. I have recently become absorbed in the affairs of the estate and must spend time here to better understand how it is run.” Lord Harrowden puzzled his brows. “I had not been made aware that my aunt had engaged a companion."

Selena received this news with bafflement. Why would Lady Harrowden not tell her nephew something as significant as that? “Perhaps your wife knew of it, my lord,” she volunteered.

"Perhaps she would have, were I married,” Lord Harrowden responded with a self-deprecating smile. "However, I have not yet found a lady to fill the position."

Selena darted a glance into the corridor and then back at him as she considered how best she should answer. This was likely to be an uncomfortable situation and something she had not been prepared for—to live in such close quarters with an unmarried man. She wondered that Lady Harrowden had not thought to mention it. But then she remembered that Lady Harrowden had sent for her before her nephew had taken up residence.

"Well, I am on my way to find Mrs. Randall so that she may give me a tour of the house. I bid you good day." Selena curtsied and turned, hoping to make her escape, but the earl precipitated her movement toward the door.

"Please, allow me," he said. “I would be delighted to show you my house and grounds, and I have nothing so important it cannot wait.”

Selena could not refuse without sounding churlish, but she did not wish to have more time alone with a strange gentlemen than she could avoid.