“A move of that magnitude requires assistance, and I have not had any. I cannot be expected to oversee the servants’ activity to ensure everything is done right. I do not have youth on my side.” Lady Harrowden picked at the fringe of her shawl peevishly. “That is why Miss Lockhart’s letter was timely. I have had no one to see to my interests until now.”

Lucius experienced an uncomfortable jolt of conscience. He had not been available to advise Lady Harrowden right from the beginning, as he had promised her husband. He was determined to see everything through now.

"I am happy to assist you in whatever you need, my lady. If a move to the dower house will benefit you, as well as the two young ladies living with you, then your removal is not such a difficult thing to accomplish. With your permission, I will go inspect the house myself.”

Lady Harrowden nodded and pressed her lips together, without a doubt refraining from giving him the reproach he deserved. “Yes, go. I suppose I was waiting until a new Lady Harrowden took up residence before removing to the dower house, but I begin to think that it will be more comfortable for all of us—myself, Miss Lockhart, and Miss Woodsley—if I were to take this step without delay. What did you find out about my nephew?"

Lucius pulled the corners of his mouth down. It brought him no pleasure to confirm her suspicions. "I am told he has had some bad dealings. He is frequently found in the gaming hells—or he was until he went on a repairing lease. I cannot know the extent of his fortune, but it appears he has sustained some heavy losses, and that might be why he has chosen to retire here.”

Lady Harrowden turned pale. “A significant portion of the estate is unentailed. Surely my nephew has not run through his entire fortune—the one my husband built faithfully throughout his lifetime? He has not taken out a mortgage on the estate?"

Lucius could only shrug. All he had to go on was the letter from Robertson. “I believe it should not be difficult to find out, but nothing can be learned until we bring in the outside accountant, and even then we can only know if your own portion has been diverted to cover some of the estate’s debts.”

Lady Harrowden pulled herself up, her lips pinched in a frown. “All my husband’s hard work…The estate was running beautifully in his hands, and he took great pains to leave it in better condition than he received it. And to think now that it is left to a fool." She sighed sharply. "I do not know how I will bear to be in the same room with Richard.”

Lucius did not feel it an auspicious moment to inquire more specifically after the ward. Upon promising to engage a solicitor as soon as possible and to let Lady Harrowden know when an accountant could be found to go over her ledger, Lucius took his leave of Lady Harrowden.