“Does your nephew have access to your funds?” Lucius asked. “I will do as you wish, of course, but it seems odd that he could have the means of reducing your income without your consent or knowledge.”

“Richard has the handling of my bills and accounts,” Lady Harrowden said, with an annoyed huff. “Both the steward and solicitor have said it is the most natural arrangement. Yet I am constantly receiving word that my portion cannot permit such and such expense. I was not led to believe my husband had left me in such straitened means. I can only think those two are under his power.”

She leaned forward in her chair. “In addition to the accountant, I would like you to find me a solicitor who is not employed by the estate. I need someone who can assist me in protecting my interests. May I rely on you?”

“I can do that for you,” Lucius replied, vaguely conscious that his willingness had something to do with seeing Miss Lockhart more regularly. “I cannot go to London until after Twelfth Night, which will probably be necessary if I am to locate a solicitor who can be trusted. I would offer mine if he were not already overworked. But I will endeavor to find a local accountant before then in the meantime, and I have one in mind who might do the trick.”

Lucius took his leave of Lady Harrowden and walked toward the front door. It was currently empty of footmen. He would have to wait to have his carriage brought around or go out to the stables himself. He turned as Miss Lockhart stepped into the corridor from the morning room.

When he saw her, a smile touched his lips, and he bowed. “I will take my leave of you, Miss Lockhart."

She curtsied, her gray eyes somber, despite an answering smile. "I have already thanked you perhaps one time too many, but I feel I must do so again. Your arrival was timely."

Lucius paused, struck by her features and dignified mien. The more time he spent in her presence, the harder it was to imagine her in this role. She was better suited to be countess—if the earl were not so undesirable.

“It is my pleasure,” he replied, reining in his thoughts, which were beginning to unravel. “And if you should be in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to send word. I am not far. My sister Maria has twisted my arm, and I suspect we will be meeting again at the Twelfth Night ball. That is, if Lady Harrowden is well enough to go."

"We shall see," Miss Lockhart said. “At any event, wherever she is, that is where I will be.” The words were spoken lightly, as if in jest, but they held a forlorn sound to them.

Lucius looked toward the footman, who had entered the corridor and was now standing at the front entrance. He turned his back on the servant and leaned toward her, saying in a quiet voice, "Miss Lockhart, may I suggest you keep your door secured at night?” He did not trust Harrowden and was not certain enough of his being a gentleman for Miss Lockhart to be safe in the same house as him.