“So you will visit Harrowden?” she said at last. “And keep an eye on things? Your presence will remind Lord Harrowden that the young lady is not entirely without a protector.” Maria peered at her brother from above her cup, leaving the rest mercifully unsaid. And remind Lord Harrowden there is more than one in pursuit of her hand.

He met Maria’s gaze, his mind full of thoughts he would not share. “I believe I owe it to Lady Harrowden in any case.”

That same afternoon, Lucius arrived at Harrowden Estate and sent his card in to the countess. When he entered the drawing room, Miss Lockhart stood before Lady Harrowden and next to a young lady who stood with her back to Lucius. With the two side by side, Lucius couldn’t help but compare the graceful, womanly form of Miss Lockhart to the youthful, sturdy frame of the girl, who must be the ward.

A movement to his right caught his eye, and Lucius turned to see Harrowden start toward him.

“Sir Lucius,” Lord Harrowden said, not looking pleased to see him.

Lucius greeted him civilly. He could not like the fellow. He sought out Miss Lockhart’s gaze, who had turned at last and raised her cool, gray eyes to his. There was apprehension in those eyes, and Lucius tried to puzzle out what could have happened to trouble her since he saw her last. The ward turned as well, and Lucius took in a sharp breath.

Thankfully, a log in the fire cracked and rolled forward so that Harrowden was obliged to tend to it. Although Miss Lockhart must have expected it, no one else seemed to notice Lucius’s reaction to seeing Miss Woodsley—except Miss Woodsley, who met his gaze with an arch look of her own. He now understood Miss Lockhart’s apprehension. What a quandary! His questions came faster than he could process them.

“Good afternoon, Sir Lucius,” Lady Harrowden said. “May I present my ward, Miss Woodsley?”

Lucius greeted the countess, then bowed to the women. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Woodsley.” He glanced at Miss Lockhart, whose smile was full of understanding, then turned to study the ward. Keeping such a determined flirt at bay, now that they were neighbors, would tax even his finesse, especially as he had promised to handle Lady Harrowden’s affairs.

Lady Harrowden called the butler over and began speaking for his hearing only, and Miss Lockhart filled in the pause. “Miss Woodsley will be residing here at present, and I was just going to take her to the greenhouse, at Lady Harrowden’s request, to create bundles of dried flowers to decorate the charity auction next week.”

“A worthy project,” Lucius said. His mind was spinning, but he came to a snap decision. He would not mention their previous encounter, especially since that might implicate him in a way that could entrap him. He was not sure how ambitious Lady Harrowden was for her ward. However, he would give anything for a private word with Miss Lockhart.