He did not want to come all this way and miss an opportunity to speak with Miss Lockhart, although it was probably too much to hope that he could gain a private audience with her. However, when he walked out to the stables, luck was on his side.

Miss Lockhart glanced through the window in the greenhouse as he passed by, her stiff bonnet framing a serious face. Lucius gave a small wave, then cut across the path and pulled open the wood-and-glass door. He found her in the process of tying bouquets to hang upside down to dry. She looked at him as he walked in, a smile on her face, and the sight stopped him in his tracks. Her smile softened her eyes. Miss Lockhart needed to smile more often.

Lucius looked around. At least Harrowden was not here. Then again, neither was Miss Woodsley. “Where is your new charge?"

"Her maid came to fetch her, saying the modiste is here, which is perfect timing, for she may now take Miss Woodsley’s measurements for her first ball gown. She will attend the Twelfth Night ball, since your sister was kind enough to include her.” Miss Lockhart gathered some of the fresh blossoms and laid them on the table with a broad ribbon underneath.

“I suppose that means that you will attend as well, even if Lady Harrowden does not?” Lucius asked, the idea of the ball suddenly taking on a degree of interest.

“I suppose so,” she answered. “She cannot go alone, but I cannot know until Lady Harrowden has told me her wishes.”

“Did Lord Harrowden not come out with you after all?” Lucius fingered the end of the ribbon she held, as he studied her profile. “He said he would accompany you here, but perhaps he remembered he has an estate to run in between his numerous dalliances.” He raised a brow, and Miss Lockhart laughed.

“To my relief, he left shortly after Miss Woodsley did, and I can only be grateful he has diverted his attention from me, for it is most unwelcome.” She pulled the ribbon from his fingers as she wound it around her bouquet.

“That is a relief. Has he then fixed his attention on her?” Lucius could only hope so, for that would leave Miss Lockhart in peace.

“He has certainly flirted with her,” Miss Lockhart said, “although how fixed his attentions are, I cannot be sure.”

It would not benefit Miss Lockhart to have Harrowden running off with the ward, as he was likely to do if he was all rolled up like Robertson had implied. He ought, perhaps, to give Miss Lockhart a word of warning. “As much as I am convinced Miss Woodsley can handle Lord Harrowden’s flirtations, you would do well to curtail his attentions if you can. I suppose he has followed her in?”

“I do not believe so.” Miss Lockhart turned her clear gaze on him. “He could hardly force his way into a dress fitting. I believe she is safe enough for now, and I have plenty to occupy myself with for Lady Harrowden. I cannot be everywhere at once.” Her tone had grown sharp, and her movements were brusque when she turned back to the flowers.