“My lady, I—” Selena could get no further.

“I chose it for her,” Lord Harrowden said. “You do not know what the latest fashion is, but I’ve just returned from several years in London. With a few tips from me, Miss Woodsley shall be up to snuff. Wait and see.”

“You,” Lady Harrowden derided, “are a Bartholomew baby. And you’re making my ward out to be a bit of muslin. Rebecca, go up and choose a spencer to cover that bodice. We don’t have time for anything else.”

Immediate tears sprang to Rebecca’s eyes, and she stomped her foot. “No!”

Selena could only watch the drama unfold in horror.

“Go,” ordered Lady Harrowden. “Or you will stay home all together.”

Rebecca’s chest heaved, as she weighed her options for what seemed an interminable time. At last she flounced from the room.

Chapter Fourteen

After depositing his phaeton with Holbeck’s undergroom, Lucius made his way to the house, dressed in his best evening finery. The fact that he was early did not escape his sister’s notice.

“Lucius!" she exclaimed. "Perhaps we need not despair of you yet. I see your family affections bring you here, and I am gratified."

"Yes, I suppose if I am going to be here, I may as well make myself useful. Where are Philippa and George?" He searched the room, ostensibly looking for them, but hoping to catch sight of Miss Lockhart. He was anxious to see her after his visit to Harrowden two days ago had produced nothing better than a run-in with Miss Woodsley.

“I haven’t seen them at all this past hour,” Maria said. Lucius studied his sister more closely. She looked harried.

“I can only trust that Philippa is finally getting dressed after debating an excessive amount of time over which of the two ball gowns she should wear when we had already decided on the pink,” Maria said. “George was taking a great interest in the card tables being set up, which is worrisome.” She shot Lucius an apprehensive glance. “You don't happen to know the state of his quarterly allowance, do you?"

"I know it was paid, and it will not be paid again until the quarter is over. He will need to take care, or he will be living frugally,” Lucius replied.

Maria pursed her lips. "Yes, and I fear he will be living frugally here, for he cannot abide to live with Mother cosseting him at every turn, and you refuse to take too much of a hand in his upbringing.” She frowned at Lucius. “Why he doesn’t have more sense, I cannot explain. I know I don’t lack any.”

No, but you lack imagination, Lucius thought—which was almost a greater flaw. “George will come about eventually,” he said, and opened the door so she could precede him into the drawing room. Servants were setting up refreshments on long tables draped with white cloth and lighting the candles in the chandeliers. The candles reflected on the windowpanes created a warm glow. George entered, looking particularly dashing in a discreet, well-fitting coat and fine, pale breeches.