“You asked if I would disclose how we met, and the answer is ‘no’, although I would like to know how you ended up at Sir Lucius’s house, as it was most certainly by design.”

Rebecca tossed her head, attempting to evade the question. Selena folded her arms, and when Rebecca saw she was waiting for an answer, said, “Well, it is only that I set my sights on him, and I knew I was pretty and rich enough to succeed if only ill luck had not brought you at that exact moment.” The memory brought forth a scowl.

“But how ever did you meet him? You said you’ve never been invited to stay with Lady Harrowden.” The circumstances of her guardian being Sir Lucius’s neighbor seemed too incredible for the introduction to have happened any other way, but it had not appeared as though Sir Lucius knew Rebecca.

“Lady Harrowden? Hmph! No. If she ever invited me to stay here, I don’t remember it. I saw Sir Lucius once in Brighton when I was there visiting my friend, and I asked who he was. Everyone knows he is a confirmed bachelor who has simply not set eyes on the right woman, so I decided to take matters into my own hands,” Rebecca explained. “It was a simple matter of getting my brother’s help. He hasn’t a feather to fly with since he’s already run through this quarter’s allowance, so I promised to pay off some of his more pressing debts.” She shrugged.

That was a great deal of calculating for one so young. Selena wondered if Rebecca could be brought to decorum or if it was too late. Selena filled in the rest of the pieces.

“So your brother found out where Sir Lucius lived and hatched the scheme.” Selena breathed in sharply as the realization dawned on her. “That was quite a risk embarking on such a…” she bit back the words she had almost uttered—such a wanton pursuit—and finished more mildly, “such a project when your guardian was so near.”

“I nearly died from fright when Sir Lucius mentioned her name, I assure you,” Rebecca said. “I did not know her direction, since we do not correspond with any regularity. And I daresay I wouldn’t have remembered it if I did. The game would have been up, though.” She bit her lip. “I suppose it was best my brother came when he did.”

“Yes, I suppose…” Selena’s words died away. She little knew if her keeping the confidence would benefit Rebecca or not—whether the girl’s character was already ruined or not. But she knew how much a good name was worth, and she would not be the one to cause the downfall of another—even if she found the girl tiresome at best and morally bankrupt at worst.

Rebecca studied her in silence, and at last, Selena said, “This is a chance for you to start fresh. I will do nothing to hinder you. In fact, I wish very much for you to have the life you dream of and will help you achieve it.”