Philomena rose, setting Selena aside. “Please do not cry. I have gained command of myself now, but I fear I am not yet strong enough to bear the sight of your tears.”

Selena frowned, puzzled. “But all was well, was it not? I do not understand why my Mama insists on a governess for John, nor why Hugh has taken it into his head to disappear at such a moment. Why, I am sure he would never have allowed Mama to act in such a way, if he was here.”

Philomena forced a smile. “I cannot stay here forever.” She kept her tone calm. “Your family took me in when I needed help, and it is only right that I leave now to continue my journey.”

Hugh’s sister looked hard into Philomena’s face. “I can see that you do not mean those brave words, but I salute you for them. Mama does not understand. I mean, she is from a former age, and Hugh went off in such haste last night… I do not know what is wrong with everyone. Everything was so happy. Hugh had even stopped scolding me. Whatever happened?”

Philomena could only shake her head, wordless. Selena opened her mouth as though she would speak further, but Philomena met her eyes steadily. The younger girl subsided and sighed.

“Let us be practical,” said Philomena, desperate to avert further tears or disloyal reproaches. She did not wish Selena to be tempted to make remarks about her own mother that she would later regret.

“I have a few days to pack and to say my farewells to John. We must think of John above all, you know, to make sure he remains happy.”

“He will not be happy without you,” said Selena, stoutly. “Nor will Hugh—” She caught herself, paused a second and continued, choosing her words with care. “I know Hugh has come to think a great deal of you, as I have, but in a different way, of course.”

Even in the midst of her distress, Philomena managed a watery smile. Selena was as naïve and innocent as though still in the schoolroom. “Your brother has been most kind,” Philomena managed, her voice calmer now.

Selena shook her head. “No, I will not allow that. Hugh is never kind. At least, perhaps he is sometimes kind to others when he is not cross and scolding, but not to you. I believe he is truly fond of you, Philomena, and so does Mama, and I know that is why she wants you to leave.”

The set of Selena’s jaw made it clear that Philomena need not trouble to argue.