The injustice of Lady Harrowden’s comment stung. "I would do so, my lady. But the maid always seems to have something more important to do. I do not feel it is my place to demand it, especially as she is carrying out the bidding of Lord Harrowden."

“So Richard is behind this, is he?” Lady Harrowden took the letters from Selena and glanced at the names. “I told him when he turned off two of our servants that there would not be enough to maintain his household, but he did not listen."

The countess had spoken under her breath but now returned to a normal tone. "I suppose he has run through the money and does not have the means to pay for the servants. Never mind. I will speak to my maid and see that she attends to you tonight. What about Rebecca? Does she have all she needs?"

Selena smiled stiffly. "Her maid seems to get everyone below stairs to do her bidding, which is an impressive feat. I believe Rebecca is perfectly attended to."

Lady Harrowden threw off the covers and began to stand, and Selena went to assist her. "I suppose my nephew would not dare deprive Rebecca of anything, considering she has a great deal of money. He will want to be on the best terms with her."

"I believe you are right." Selena knew it would be improper to ask the countess about her reference to the earl squandering his money, but she was curious to know more. Would she have a place here for much longer?

Selena assisted Lady Harrowden, who was still stiff from her fall, over to the vanity table. As the countess sat, she bid Selena ring the bell and have Morgan come, which she did. Lady Harrowden stared closely at Selena’s reflection in the looking glass.

"Your eyes are red. You really do not look at all well." Lady Harrowden shifted the comb and powders on the table restlessly.

Selena managed a smile. "I assure you, I am quite well. It is merely that I was trying to finish my dress for tonight and did not do so until very late. You need have no fear for me."

When Selena left Lady Harrowden in Morgan’s hands, she was called to Rebecca’s side to deal with the Great Tragedy. The silk slippers Rebecca had bought to accompany her ball gown—that she had thoughtlessly placed near the water pitcher—had been stained with water that had splashed over the edge of the bowl. Selena, weary to the bone, mustered all her courage to keep a cheerful face and convince Rebecca that the champagne-colored slippers that had never been worn would do very well, and there was no need to rush off to town in hopes of finding something suitable.

The day was spent running between the countess and her ward, fetching forgotten items, soothing small irritations, and entertaining both a girl impatient for the evening to start and an older woman spouting gloomy predictions about how the weather would prohibit them from setting out. By the time they were ready to dress for the evening, Selena was worn through.