Selena summoned a smile that fled at the rest of what Philippa had to say. “I think what happened to you in London was perfectly horrid and is not your fault.” She saw George shoot his sister a warning look, and Philippa faced forward again, ending her whispered confidence. Selena, cold and wet through, trudged onward, her heart sinking. Sir Lucius must know everything now.

The road was still slippery, but the inn beckoned to them with light spilling out of the sash windows against a darkening winter sky. When they entered, they were greeted with warmth and the smell of a mincemeat pie baking in the oven. One glance at Lady Harrowden told Selena she was already doing much better. Sir Lucius sat beside her, entertaining her with some story, and he even pulled a chuckle out of the old countess. The scene was so cozy, and Selena’s heart gave a strange lurch.

Sir Lucius looked up at Selena, the smile reaching his eyes. “Have you finished with your purchases?” Then his gaze fell on his siblings. “Ah. You here as well?”

“A merry family reunion.” This came from Sir Lucius’s brother, George, and was said in a wry tone that mimicked his elder brother’s but with more playful mirth.

“George, go find Harrowden’s groom and tell him to bring the carriage,” Sir Lucius said, ignoring the banter. He turned to Lady Harrowden. “May I procure anything for you before you return to the estate?”

Lady Harrowden shook her head. “Nothing. Maria, your brother came at just the right time. Don’t tell me this is Philippa now, so grown.”

Sir Lucius’s younger sister gave a dimpled smile and curtsied before the countess. “Indeed it is, my lady. How wonderful to see you looking so well.”

“Hm. Very proper. I assume you are still up to all manner of mischief along with your brother George, who has shot up as well, I see.”

Mrs. Holbeck and Rebecca moved to join the conversation as Philippa and Lady Harrowden talked, and Selena stepped to the side to give them room. Too late, she realized it was where Sir Lucius stood, and it must have looked as though she maneuvered it. From the corner of her eye, she could see that Rebecca’s attention was divided between Sir Lucius’s family and Sir Lucius himself.

When he took a step nearer and turned to face Selena, she said in an undertone, “I do not know what we would have done if you had not been here to assist. I must thank you.”

“What we would have done? Or what you would have done? Confess.” Sir Lucius’s smile was a caress. “You had your hands full because your charge would not lift a finger.”

Selena peeked beyond him to where Rebecca was standing. She had her eyes on them, but Selena didn’t think she could hear. Sir Lucius had his back to her, and his voice was subdued. “You are likely right,” was all Selena would commit, but she returned his smile. She glanced beyond Sir Lucius again and saw that Mrs. Holbeck was also watching them. Her smile fell.