“He is a good man. If you won't think me forward for offering my own opinion?” Mrs. Randall looked to Selena for confirmation, who shook her head. As a matter of fact, she was very interested in hearing Mrs. Randall’s opinion on Sir Lucius. And apparently Selena, a mere companion, was not above being taken into the housekeeper’s confidence. She was glad, as she would need some friends here.

"My husband was a groundskeeper for the former baronet, and I have watched Sir Lucius grow. Whenever he is present, you are sure things will be done as they should. It’s a small wonder his family relies on him the way they do, what with his mother coaxing him to accompany her to the watering holes in search of a cure—although she does not seem to suffer from any clear ailment—and Miss Philippa and Master George always getting into one scrape or another. It's a shame…" Mrs. Randall smiled and closed her lips. "But what am I going on about? There is no need for me to ramble," she said.

“Please go on,” Selena said. “I am interested.”

“It’s just…” Mrs. Randall paused. “When the former Lord Harrowden was alive, and Sir John as well—Sir Lucius’s grandfather—the two friends spent a great deal of time together, and the two families were often in each others’ company. Things were peaceful in Woolmer Green.”

She sighed and shrugged before continuing. “I suppose when Lord Harrowden’s nephew became earl…” There was a long pause before she said, “But I should not speak about my employer that way.” Mrs. Randall gestured forward, and Selena accompanied her toward the stairwell leading to the floor below.

She could only infer from Mrs. Randall’s comment with all she’d left unspoken—and her own gut feeling—that with the new earl, things were not as peaceful.

Chapter Eight

Three days after Selena’s arrival, she entered Lady Harrowden’s bedroom and found her reading a letter that was spread out on the covers. The countess was so engrossed in its contents she did not spare a glance for Selena.

"Good morning, my lady." Selena came to stand at her bedside, wondering if it would be impertinent to ask about the letter. When the countess did not speak or even look at her, Selena decided to risk it. “You have had some news?"

Lady Harrowden looked up at last. “Pull up that chair, girl. I have indeed had news, and as it will affect you, I had better inform you of it at once."

Selena did as she was bid, and Lady Harrowden turned the letter, squinting at the signature at the end.

"I have had a letter from the trustee of my ward stating that there is no longer a place for her in the school in which she has been residing. I can only assume from this that Rebecca has been up to some mischief. The trustee begs to know what I will have her do next, and I am of the mind that she will come here."