“I believe I will accompany you to the greenhouse,” Lord Harrowden interjected, his eyes on Miss Woodsley. “I’ve been meaning to get out of doors, and it’s too cold for a ride.”

Harrowden had too much time on his hands if he was shadowing the women. Lucius would have to find out how things stood with him, first from the countess, and then—if he could snatch a few moments alone with her—from Miss Lockhart. Was Harrowden causing her much trouble?

“My lady, if you are not occupied, I came to see you on a matter of business,” Lucius said.

“Why yes, now that you’re here, you may as well give me your family’s latest news.” Lady Harrowden gestured to the chair beside her.

Lord Harrowden’s steps had paused at the door. He was surely suffering from curiosity over whatever business Lucius could wish to discuss with the countess. He will have to remain in ignorance, Lucius thought with grim satisfaction.

“Was Mrs. Holbeck’s visit not enough to inform you, Aunt? She was certainly here long enough.” Lord Harrowden’s biting tone penetrated the room before he seemed to recollect himself. “However, that is of no concern of mine. Ladies, shall we?”

When they left, Lucius took the seat beside Lady Harrowden. "I had no idea you had a ward. Is this to be her permanent home?”

The countess waved her hand toward the bell string on the wall. “Ring for something to drink if you wish. I am sure you'll want something after your ride. I want nothing.”

"No thank you, my lady. I had tea with my sister before setting out."

Lady Harrowden pursed her lips. “You saw Maria, did you? I suppose that’s what brought you here and not news regarding my nephew."

Lucius hid his impatience. He hoped Lady Harrowden knew better than to join the list of matchmaking mamas—or guardians, in her case. She would catch cold at it. "I do have some news of your nephew, as a matter of fact, but nothing I can confirm, and still nothing concrete pertaining to your income,” he said. “Do you wish to set up a meeting with your current solicitor when I bring in the accountant? It might scare him into rectifying anything that is not quite in line.”

Lady Harrowden replied, “No. Find me someone new. I wish to retain what is mine, and I don’t want a solicitor that must be frightened into doing what is right.”

When Lucius remained silent, she tapped her fingers on the armrest. “I would like to know the state of things, and then I will know what to do—what my possibilities are.”

"I'm curious,” Lucius said. “Why do you not see to it yourself that the dower house is painted, so you might remove there? Surely it is your right to do so, and the dower house associated with Harrowden is larger than most and will be comfortable. There would be room for both Miss Lockhart and Miss Woodsley." And they would be out of Harrowden’s reach.