Sir Lucius glanced back at Philippa, and his face took on a severe expression.

Selena asked, “What is it?”

“I see Gregson has found his way to my sister,” he said, and Selena saw the same gentleman in the bordeaux coat that Lord Harrowden had chosen to chaperone Rebecca. Sir Lucius did not take his eyes off his sister. “He ought to know better, especially since I warned him.”

Selena could understand his concern. “Yes, he was paying court to Miss Woodsley as well. He seems determined to flirt with pretty young girls.”

“Or rich ones,” Sir Lucius said.

"He can be quite charming—and persistent,” Selena said. "It might not be easy for your sister to refuse him. I know Rebecca could not."

"Miss Woodsley does not appear to be able to say no to anything," Sir Lucius said, turning his gaze back to Selena, his eyes flashing a droll look she could not help but respond to.

“Miss Woodsley is only sixteen. Perhaps she is simply very young and inexperienced and…” Selena did not really believe what she was saying. “I fear success of this nature goes to her head."

"Philippa is only seventeen and might be tempted by the same thing. However, as you will shortly see, she will soon give Gregson the go-by." Sir Lucius turned expectantly back in his sister's direction, but instead of tossing off an unwelcome suitor, she laughed and blushed rosily as Gregson plucked a drink off a passing tray and presented it to her with a bow.

"The devil," Sir Lucius muttered, striding toward them.

Selena bit her lip and hoped for his sister’s sake it would not create a scene that drew the attention of busybodies, of which she had already spotted a few. Mrs. Holbeck came to stand at her side, her gaze also fixed on Philippa.

“It seems you are finding your own entertainment despite being a companion, Miss Lockhart,” Mrs. Holbeck said. “You arrived with Lord Harrowden, and now I see you talking to my brother.”

Mrs. Holbeck turned as Rebecca swung by them, laughing loudly with Lord Harrowden during one of the country dances. “I believe my brother is at the stage of his life where he will be seeking a wife. He has all but said as much.”

Selena did not know what response was expected, so she remained silent. Mrs. Holbeck faced her squarely, forcing Selena to meet her gaze. “I believe you will do well to spend less time in my brother’s company and more time training your ward. He is of too generous a nature to let you know he is not interested in you.”

She could not allow Mrs. Holbeck to continue with her insinuations that Selena was casting her net. “I assure you, I am not seeking his interest.”

Mrs. Holbeck went on as if Selena had not spoken. Her gaze was trained on Rebecca as she changed partners and executed a perfect figure on the dance floor. “I believe Lucius has set his sights on someone with more to offer.”