Philippa studied him with unnerving attention until she came to a conclusion. "But you will do so at no cost to your own reputation or comfort.”

Lucius turned to her, exasperated. "I cannot imagine that this is what you came to talk to me about. To ring a peal over my head—you, a mere chit of seventeen years?”

Philippa shook her head. “It’s about Lord Harrowden. You were starting to scold me for dancing with him, and indeed I did not see how I could refuse. However, he asked very particular questions in the short time we were together. Questions that were entirely too personal to be idle.”

She had Lucius's attention. “Has he importuned you? What sort of questions did he ask you? I will wring his neck."

"No, Lucius. Don't jump to conclusions,” Philippa said with a weary patience that suddenly made her seem more mature than her years. “He did try to find out how much I was worth, which is such a silly thing to do when he has the subtlety of an ox. He must think I have more hair than wit not to see what he was about.”

She met Lucius’s gaze. “But he also tried to find out how much time you are spending with Miss Woodsley, and whether you might have some interest in that direction. He even tried to ascertain what sort of interest you might have in Miss Lockhart, asking if she had been invited to Maria’s residence or yours—I suppose it was to see if she was being treated with the courtesy of a lady, a companion, or…or something else. It was really rather clumsily done, I must tell you. I am surprised he thought I was that naïve—that I wouldn't notice."

Lucius narrowed his eyes. What was the end to all Harrowden’s questions? It only took a minute before the answer was obvious. He was looking for a fortune, and perhaps a mistress, and he was eyeing potential rivals for both.

"I overheard Maria talk to him about your interest in Miss Woodsley.” Philippa laughed when Lucius turned to her with an expression of disgust. “I am quite sure that is what started his questions to me. I must confess though”—Philippa smiled, and two deep dimples appeared on either side of her cheeks—“I exaggerated your regard for Miss Woodsley."

"I have no regard for Miss Woodsley," Lucius snapped.

"Don't bite my head off. I know that. Well, then. I created your interest in Miss Woodsley." Philippa had the grace to blush.

"To what end?" Lucius asked, staring at her blankly. Either he was obtuse or Philippa was growing more devious with age.

"I wanted to throw him off the scent,” Philippa replied with an innocent look. “I did not want him to notice that you were interested in Miss Lockhart."

"What?" Lucius whipped around to face her fully. "Who has told you such a thing?"

"Nobody had to," Philippa said. "I have eyes in my head, Lucius. You mustn't think that because I'm only seventeen years old, I’m a baby. In fact, sometimes I think I have more sense than you do when it comes to matters of the heart."