Upon reflection, perhaps it was not so considerate after all. Selena was the one who was forced to stand in place under the gleeful stares of the crowd and wait for George to bring Lord Harrowden to her. She took two steps toward the card room but did not dare enter it, so she leaned against the wall, out of the way of the people milling on the outskirts of the dance floor. George came out minutes later.

"Harrowden says he will accompany you. He has no other means of getting home this evening." George grimaced and added, “He said you may wait upon him, as it will take ten minutes to finish his game."

Selena shook her head. "Lady Harrowden will not like that."

George gave a rueful smile. "I daresay not." He paused for a moment before extending his arm in a gallant gesture. "Would you do me the honor, Miss Lockhart, of taking a turn about the room with me while we wait upon Lord Harrowden’s pleasure?”

Selena could only imagine it would enrage Lady Harrowden further not to have Selena rush to her side, but she expected to be turned off anyway, and George was offering her a small degree of comfort.

"I would be glad to do so." She glanced up at his youthful face. "Thank you for offering.”

George switched sides, so that she was mostly hidden from the prying eyes of those in the room, a gesture she found incredibly thoughtful for a man so young. “You came to my rescue very gallantly just now. It was uncomfortable for me to stand alone.”

George shook his head. "I cannot take credit for the idea. It was Lucius who sent me to you. He was walking with my sister, Philippa, and I believe it was his intention to come to you if her business was not urgent.”

Unruly hope took flight in Selena’s breast, and she damped it down quickly. If Sir Lucius had been intent on saving her from disgrace, he could have come to her much earlier when Matthew had humiliated her so thoroughly. He could've stood at her side or taken up her defense or…Selena trained her eyes on the ground as they walked. Sir Lucius is likely a coward, she thought with a sudden sting to her eyes.

She blinked the tears away. No. What did she expect? It was not his battle to fight. He had never given her any reason to believe she meant anything to him.

"You are quiet," George said, "but I believe this evening has been particularly trying. I'm terribly sorry for the pain and humiliation you have undergone. Downing is no gentleman."

A mantle of despair settled over Selena. They were almost at the door where Lady Harrowden was waiting with Rebecca, and she stopped and turned to George. "Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for everything. I wish you will tell your brother I said goodbye. I am sure I will be leaving tomorrow."