That sober fact did nothing to improve her mood. Even when her family had left London’s Society for Bedford’s, Selena was cast aside and ignored as soon as their circumstances were made apparent to the local gentry. It was even less likely that Sir Lucius—a member of the ton and a peer—would overlook such a thing. Even though he was surely aware of her straightened means, he did not know that Selena’s father had died leaving a number of gentlemen’s debts unpaid. Once Sir Lucius found that out…

Without realizing that she was leading a guest through a servant’s entrance, Selena stepped over the threshold of a smaller door that led past the library and fed into the main corridor.

Sir Lucius ducked through the doorway and followed her into the house, and the silence prompted Selena into awareness. She had not yet answered his kind gesture or words. Inside, all the doors to the rooms with windows were shut, blocking out the main sources of light, and she stopped to face him in the dark corridor.

"Are you…will you be taking your leave now?”

Sir Lucius trained his gaze on her still. “I shall take my leave of you, Miss Lockhart, but perhaps I can speak to Lady Harrowden on your behalf? If you are truly being overworked…”

“No—that is kind of you, but I think it will do more harm than good.” Selena despised being the object of pity. She looked down at her torn glove. “I will bind my finger, then go speak to Lady Harrowden.”

Sir Lucius turned to leave but paused before he had taken many steps. "Tell me something," he said turning back. “You spoke of Miss Woodsley’s fitting. Do you have a dress for the ball my sister is hosting?”

"I?" Selena was surprised he would think to ask. Perhaps he did not wish her to lower the tone of his sister’s ball by appearing in a shabby gown. If he had known her three years ago, he would not have questioned whether she would arrive not only in the correct attire, but in the first stare of fashion. With the advance on her salary, Selena had procured some fine cambric muslin, and she was now in the process of sewing her own dress. She was not rapid with the needle, besides being busy, but would have it finished just in time for the ball.

"I will be properly attired," Selena said, and she could not mask the haughtiness in her tone. “You need have no fear for me.”

“I have no fear at all.” Sir Lucius bowed and smiled warmly at Selena in a way that cut through her irritation—and her defenses. “I am convinced you are a very resourceful woman, Miss Lockhart.”

Selena watched him as he left. His kindness brought her a lingering degree of comfort. He thought her resourceful! But the comfort did not last long. He thought Selena resourceful in…what? In the way of a governess? Could he be seeking out candidates for his future progeny?