After a brief pause where Lady Harrowden watched the couple but did not respond, Selena took the empty chair at her side and decided to be straightforward. Perhaps she might receive some help. “Rebecca is not very pliable. In fact, I fear she cannot be moved to do anything she doesn’t want to do, despite being only sixteen. I hope we need not fear her doing something scandalous.”

“I should certainly hope not.” Lady Harrowden reared back with a sharp look at Selena. “This is why she has a governess to look after her. It is your responsibility to see that she comes to no harm. It shouldn’t be that difficult. You are her elder by several years, after all.”

Selena kept her eyes trained on Rebecca as she danced, carrying on a lively, flirtatious conversation. Well, that would be the last time she tried honesty. She was not sure if she could continue to hold her peace after many more tongue-lashings such as that, however. Could one simply leave a post because it was too demanding? Selena had to admit the sober truth. No. One could not, not when she was as poor as Selena.

Another lady approached the countess to speak with her, and Selena stood. “I will see to Rebecca, my lady.”

She made it partway through the throng of people when she felt a hand on her arm. Selena looked up and was overcome with relief—then guilt, thanks to Mrs. Holbeck—to see Sir Lucius. No, she could not think of him as home. She could not think of him at all. He was above her in station and wealth, and she may as well be a scullery maid for all the chance she had at earning his regard. Selena attempted a smile, which was pained, and Sir Lucius studied her intently with a slight frown.

“I was going to try to retrieve Miss Woodsley before the next set begins,” Selena explained. “She is dancing with Mr. Gregson, although I advised against such a course of action and even removed her from his presence.”

“Troublesome chit,” Sir Lucius said, his eyes still searching her face as if there was more. Sir Lucius glanced in Rebecca’s direction. “Apparently there are two determined upon ignoring advice because I had a like conversation with Gregson. Come, I will go with you.” Sir Lucius took Selena’s hand and put it on his arm.

As much as Selena tried to remain unaffected by his attention, it was a fortifying experience not to admonish a silly girl to see reason all on one’s own, especially a girl who was determined not to listen. The music came to an end as they reached the couple.

Sir Lucius put his hand on Gregson’s shoulder. “You have a short memory.”

Gregson whirled around. “What?” Then understanding dawned. “No, really, Sir Lucius. This is too much. I did not think your disapproval extended to dancing with every maiden at the ball.”

“It does if Miss Lockhart does not countenance such an action.” Sir Lucius turned to Rebecca. “I recommend you to follow her example and not thwart her authority every chance you get.”