Rebecca scowled, and Selena wondered if, perhaps, the magic of Sir Lucius’s charm had worn off on the girl. That would be more than she could have hoped for. Selena turned as Sir Lucius’s brother joined their party.

George bowed before Selena and Rebecca, then turned to Mr. Gregson. “I believe someone is waiting for you in the card room for the game you promised?” He smiled at Rebecca. “If you’ve quite finished with your dance.” She smiled back at him, her scowl magically erased, and Sir Lucius exchanged a wary look with Selena.

Turning back to Mr. Gregson, George added, “I understand the enticement of such a partner, but Downing said he’s waited for you long enough.”

Mr. Gregson laughed, but Selena’s blood had turned to ice. “Mr. Downing?” she asked, her voice little more than a whisper.

Mr. Gregson heard her and turned from George with a smile still on his lips. “Matthew Downing. A friend from London I had the pleasure of meeting here. Do you know him?” He studied her curiously, and Selena couldn’t entirely hide her dismay, although she tried with everything that was in her.

“I…I do not know. I think not,” she said. Sir Lucius’s eyes were on her, and although she did not dare to meet his gaze, she could sense his curiosity. For once, she did not want his kind look. She did not want to see it turn to pity—or disgust, for engagements were rarely broken without just cause.

George and Mr. Gregson walked off toward the card room, leaving Selena alone with Rebecca and Sir Lucius.

“Who am I to dance with now?” Rebecca said. “You’ve turned off all my dance partners. It is most unfair.”

Philippa came through the main entryway on the arm of Lord Harrowden, and Selena glanced at Sir Lucius in time to see his jaw clench. This was another acquaintance he would not countenance for his sister, and as she knew all too well, he was right not to do so.

“There is Lord Harrowden,” Rebecca said, standing on her toes. “Perhaps he will ask me to dance. Surely you can’t object to that, since he is my guardian’s nephew.” Rebecca was about to go to the earl when Selena put a restraining hand on her arm. She had to try her best to instill some sense of decorum while she could. While she still had a position.

“Can you not see that Lord Harrowden is walking with another lady? You cannot interrupt his conversation. You must wait until he approaches you,” Selena spoke with as much authority as she possessed, but apparently Rebecca was immune to it.

“That is why you are still a spinster. You won’t take a risk.” Rebecca was about to walk off, but Sir Lucius’s words had the ability to make her pause.

“And you, dear girl, will be known by all the world as fast beyond redemption. For the moment, only Miss Lockhart and I are aware of the extent of your folly, and the fact that we have kept it to ourselves is a kindness you do not deserve. However, if you continue in this vein, even we cannot save you from yourself. You will be so lost to decency you will not be able to show your head in Society. No one will welcome you. Trust me on this.” Sir Lucius had spoken these quiet words near her ear, but there was no mistaking the threat in his voice.