Selena found Lady Harrowden sitting in the chair, her mouth drawn down in extreme displeasure. "How long do you intend to keep me waiting?" she said.

“I—”

Selena could not finish her sentence because Lord Harrowden entered the room. He was dressed in a stiff new coat with a spotted scarf at his throat, and a Pompadour waistcoat, which seemed chosen to fit Rebecca’s dress. The colorful array was partially concealed by a cape, mercifully, but that would be removed at the ball.

"I am having the carriage readied. When may we hope to leave?” His gaze drifted to Selena's bosom, and he stared at it strangely. "What is that on your dress?"

All the preparations Selena had been orchestrating in order to leave on time were suddenly of little significance as heat stole up her cheeks. She was at once very aware of her dress and ready to sink into the ground with shame. If she could not even leave her own house without comments about her unusual embroidered flower, how was she likely to fare when she got to the ball?

"This is all the rage where I come from," Selena retorted. She lifted her chin, but the whole effect was ruined by her deep blush.

"Well, you don't come from London, where no one would be caught wearing that," he said unkindly. "I suppose it does not matter for a country ball. I shall go see to the horses. Are we ready to set out then?"

"Do not have them readied just yet, my lord. Miss Woodsley is still dressing, and I fear it will be a while.” Selena turned to the countess, who was now examining the strange design on her bodice more closely. "May I bring you your glass of sherry, my lady?"

The distraction proved to be enough, and Lady Harrowden lifted her eyes and nodded.

"You may bring mine as well," Lord Harrowden said.

Selena closed her mouth in a tight line and went over to do as he bid. How it chafed to serve one such as he. When she took this position, she was supposed to be just a companion to Lady Harrowden. How did her duties now extend to Lord Harrowden and an impertinent sixteen-year-old? But what could she do? She was completely at their mercy.

As she handed both Lord and Lady Harrowden their glasses of sherry, she decided to go up and see how she might hurry Rebecca along. The thought of climbing the steps yet again was exhausting, but she must be resolute. “My lady, I shall just—”

To Selena’s shock, the door opened and Rebecca walked through it, her toilette completed in what could only be described as record time. Her hair was made up so elegantly that, combined with the exposed nature of her gown, she looked older than one who had been out for several Seasons. Selena stared at Rebecca in apprehension, but she was spared from having to speak.

“What is that you’re wearing, girl? Why are you not wearing the dress I chose for you?” Lady Harrowden sputtered. Selena turned to stare at Lady Harrowden. So this was not the dress the countess had approved. Lady Harrowden pierced Selena with an angry glare. “Why did you not make sure she wore the dress I chose? She is naked in that gown.”