"I am not sure Mr. Barnsworth would agree,” Lucius said wryly.

Philippa giggled. “I told you that was idle flirtation—” They both turned when the door opened and George entered the room.

Lucius walked toward him, impatient for news. "George, have you seen to Miss Lockhart's needs?”

George returned a succinct nod. “I believe she has just left, accompanied by Lord and Lady Harrowden and Miss Woodsley.” George took a breath and leveled an accusing glare at Lucius. “I think you might have seen to her yourself."

Lucius repressed a desire to deliver a cutting retort. George’s words hit a little too close to home.

"Well, as I don't intend to be lectured by my younger brother—who was sent down from school, I might remind you—you will have to keep such reflections to yourself. When you've grown a pair of side whiskers and live within your means, you may think about lecturing me. Although I don't promise to heed it."

George folded his arms, not at all repulsed by the rebuff. “Miss Lockhart told me to bid you goodbye."

Lucius’s brow creased. "Goodbye? She is not leaving Woolmer Green, surely?”

"Are you so surprised?" George shrugged. "She has no friends here. She was humiliated, and no one stood up for her—not her family, distant though they may be, and not…anyone else." He pressed his lips together, his gaze penetrating.

Lucius shifted uncomfortably. This was not a discussion he wanted to have. He needed time to sort through what he was feeling and what course of action he should take. It appeared he would not have as much time as he would like. He would have to see Miss Lockhart first thing tomorrow morning. Perhaps before breakfast. Surely she would not leave at the crack of dawn?

He inhaled suddenly, remembering. "George, there's something I want you to do. I need you to go to London and find me a solicitor who can look into the particulars of Lady Harrowden’s jointure.”

George smiled. “It will be no hardship to go to London, I assure you. But why—”

“Also,” Lucius continued, “I’d like you to ask discreetly in the clubs. I’ll give you a few names of gentlemen you can talk to—tell them I sent you. Ask where Harrowden’s affairs stand and how much he is in debt. I believe the noose is tightening around his neck and that his affairs are far from being in order. I want to know just how desperate he is. Can you leave as early as tomorrow?”

Philippa had been listening quietly, and now she turned to George and added her mite. “Lord Harrowden was asking a lot of questions about me, my dowry, Miss Woodsley, Lucius's interests—”

Lucius held up his hand. “And this must be done with the utmost discretion. I am asking the same of you, Philippa—not even a word to Maria, if you can manage it.”

“Of course I can manage it,” she replied, indignant.

George, listening quietly, met Lucius’s gaze. “I can do it, of course, but may I ask what interest you have in the affairs at Harrowden? I cannot see how they concern you at all, and it is most unlike you. Does this have something to do with Miss Lockhart?”