Lady Harrowden’s eyes widened, stopping Selena short. “Why did Sir Lucius have your trunk?” she demanded.

Selena paused, abashed. This did not look good, and the awkwardness had not occurred to her until now. “The…the stagecoach driver brought it to his house, and he came upon me walking with the earl and brought me to you straight away in his carriage.”

"So Lord Harrowden has sought your acquaintance, has he?" The countess studied Selena’s face keenly. "And how do you find my nephew? He is pleasing to look at, I am told, and his title only adds to his attraction.”

How could Selena answer such a question? Lord Harrowden’s title was of absolutely no interest to her. And since she was not a suitable candidate for him, there was no point in considering such a thing. However, truth be told, he awakened Selena’s instinct of self-preservation. He seemed bent on reminding her she was under his power, even if only by the subtlest of hints. Discovering him at the estate lent a sense of peril to Selena’s situation that was more than she had bargained for.

She chose her words carefully. “I can see why members of the ton have their eye on Lord Harrowden, as he is certainly charming. As for me, I wished only to show him the respect that was due as lord of the manor and for that reason agreed to accompany him. Even as it grew late, I did not dare oppose him by returning to the house against his will."

"So he forced you to walk with him?" Lady Harrowden’s tone was a mixture of curiosity and annoyance.

"Not…exactly.” How could she answer this? Selena tried again. “I had hoped to view the estate with Mrs. Randall, as you suggested. But when Lord Harrowden insisted, I could not refuse him. Fortunately, Sir Lucius came upon us, as I mentioned, and I must say his arrival was providential, for not only was I late in coming to you, but I was half-frozen.”

"And where is Sir Lucius now? Did he scurry back to his hunting box—or wherever it is he is currently residing?”

"As a matter of fact, he did not, my lady. He said he wished to speak with you, and is waiting in the drawing room if you can spare the time.”

Lady Harrowden sniffed and looked to the window. “So he seeks an audience with me, does he? At last.”

Selena was beginning to accustom herself to Lady Harrowden’s rapid questions, not all of which required an answer. The countess threw off her covers and stood in a movement that was brisk for someone her age. Selena rushed over to help.

"I am not such an invalid as that," Lady Harrowden snapped. "Ring the bell and get Morgan here. She will know just what to do with my hair."

Selena did as she was bid, and while they were waiting for her maid to arrive, Selena ventured, “My lady, perhaps you will be so good as to tell me what you expect of me. I should like to be a useful companion to you, but I have no experience."