by Rose Pearson
Frowning, Selina let out a long breath.
“I see.”
“It might well be difficult to gain acquaintances that have not a single ounce of jealousy within their hearts,” Lady Hayward warned. “I am aware that both you and Lady Anna depended on each other’s company somewhat, and I suppose that your sister had the advantage of your presence with her, given that she wed first. However, that does not mean that we will not be able to discover the very best of company for you, my dear.” Her eyes twinkled as she glanced towards Selina. “And that includes the very best of gentlemen.”
A wry smile caught Selina’s lips.
“And if I continue to make a fool of myself in front of such gentlemen?” she asked, as Lady Hayward laughed. “For whatever reason, I could not even remove my dance card from my wrist when Lord Barrington asked!”
Lady Hayward laughed again, and Selina’s heart lightened just a little, pulling itself away from the despair and the upset that had filled it only some moments ago.
“Do not think that you will struggle for the entirety of this Season, Lady Selina,” Lady Hayward replied, after a moment or two. “At the first few social occasions you might find yourself a little overwhelmed, a little awkward or even a little embarrassed at times, but soon all such feelings will fade away and you will discover a confidence within yourself that you were not aware of before.”
Selina looked towards her chaperone, finding her heart eager to believe it, but her head refusing to do so.
“Are you quite certain, Lady Hayward?” she asked, as her chaperone nodded firmly. “I fear that I shall remain this uncertain, unsure, young lady for the rest of the Season and that I shall have to return to my father’s estate without any sort of success.”
“Nonsense,” Lady Hayward replied, looking towards Selina with a firm and steady gaze as she turned towards her. “You will find yourself quite at your ease in a few days’ time. I am quite sure of it.”
Chapter Two
“What is this?” Charles gestured to a pile of bills that now sat in the middle of his desk, as his sister gazed at them without any flicker of understanding in her eyes. “Amelia!” Charles barked, growing more and more irritated with her. “Might I ask you what the meaning of these are?”
Amelia lifted her eyes to his, a bored expression on her face.
“I do not understand what you mean, Barrington,” she said calmly, as though spending a great deal of money was to be expected. “I required some new items and thus, the accounting for such items was sent to you for payment.” She tilted her head and looked up at him, bird-like. “Is that a difficulty for you?”
Charles bit back his first, angry response, knowing full well that his sister would not take such a sharp answer with any degree of understanding. She was a proud, conceited young lady and, try as he might, Charles simply could not get her to understand why he disliked her behaving so.
“Amelia, you have just had an entire new wardrobe purchased for you,” he reminded her, keeping hold of his fraying temper as best he could. “You have multiple new gowns, which are all of the highest fashion. You have had all of the trinkets which a lady could require given to you, with new gloves, jewelry and bonnets all purchased.” He gestured to the stack of bills. “Why then would you consider purchasing yet more items without even speaking to me first?”
He had looked through each one of the bills and had found his anger growing steadily as he had done so. They had all been fripperies, as far as he was concerned. All items that his sister did not need, but had chosen to purchase regardless – and all without so much as a by-your-leave! Had she come to him, had she expressed to him that she desired such things then, of course, he would have listened to her, but he might also have been able to dissuade her from such nonsense.
Closing his eyes, Charles took in a long breath. Why had he been left with a sister who thought of nothing and nobody but herself? Why had she been placed as a burden upon his shoulders when she ought to have wed their cousin, as he was sure had been arranged? Charles was still unclear as to why the match had never taken place, since it had been expected to occur before his father had passed away, a little over a year ago, and it was not as though Amelia herself would discuss it with him!
“It is just one or two additional items, brother,” Amelia said, her voice becoming something akin to a whine. “You have a great fortune, do you not? These things are nothing to you.”
“That is not the point of this discussion, Amelia!” he retorted, swiftly. “I will not have you telling me that you have decided to order things such as these whenever you wish! From now on, you are forbidden from making any sort of purchase without discussing it with me first.”
Amelia did not instantly respond. Her eyes, so cool and clear like their mother’s, gazed back at him.
“Mama says –”
“Mama does not hold the purse strings,” Charles reminded her, his brow furrowing as another flare of anger took hold of his heart. Had his mother been the one to encourage Amelia to do this? There was little doubt that she wanted the very best for her daughter and, if that meant allowing Amelia to make her way to the milliners and place an order for various items she supposedly required, then he expected that their mother would concede, perhaps even encourage her. “If you wish to remain in London, Amelia – and be reminded that I am the one who will decide whether or not you stay for the Season – you will heed me and do as I ask!”
These words, more than any other, seemed to have an effect on his sister. With wide eyes, she looked back at him, her face paling as she realized what he meant.
“You would not do such a thing!” she whispered, as if attempting to find the courage to stand up to his harsh words. “I know you would not! Mama –”
“Enough, Amelia!” Charles rose from his chair and placed his hands firmly on the desk, looking across at his younger sister and finding his temper no longer contained. “I have heard quite enough. If I decide that it is best for you to return to the estate, then I shall do so regardless of what our mother states. You may believe that you have come to London to do as you please, but that, I will remind you, is not at all the situation you are in. Everything from your pin money to your lady’s maid is under my control.” He swallowed hard, disliking the fact that he had to remind his sister of such a thing, but knowing that it was best for her that he do so. “Everything that you have required has been given to you without hesitation. You have the very best of things, Amelia, but if you continue to behave in this imprudent, unconsidered fashion, then I will have no choice but to return to the estate and take both you and mama with me.” Keeping his gaze steady and ignoring the tears that had sprung into her eyes, Charles thumped one hand on the table for good measure. “Is that quite clear, Amelia?”
His sister jerked visibly and one hand went to her mouth as a single tear fell to her cheek. Charles remained unmoved, waiting for her acknowledgement as he stood silently, still fixed and determined in his gaze.
“Yes, Barrington.”
Her words were quiet, her voice low as she dropped her head, another tear splashing onto her hand as she sat, the picture of obedience, in her chair.
“You are dismissed.”
Charles waited for his sister to take her leave, refusing to be drawn into her theatrics and making it quite plain by the hardness in his voice and the firmness of his stance that he would not accept any sort of foolishness from her. These last two weeks had been nothing but a trial and he was not about to allow it to continue any longer.
With a sniff, Amelia pulled out her handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes before slowly rising from her chair. The swish of her skirts was the only sound as she made her way from the room, taking her time to walk past his desk and sniff once more, her handkerchief still in her hand. Charles set his jaw firmly, and narrowed his eyes, everything within him tightening until, finally, the door closed behind her.
Letting out a great sigh, he flung himself back in his chair and closed his eyes,
feeling the tension flood out of him as he did so. He would have to speak to his mother next, but that could wait for a short time, although certainly it would have to be done by the close of the day. No doubt she would make a great fuss of what he had said to Amelia and would attempt to berate him for his harsh words, but Charles was utterly determined to do as he had said. If his sister continued to behave in such a fashion, then it would be best for her to return home, so that she might consider her behavior and improve it for the following year. She was young enough and there would be plenty of time for her to enjoy the Season and find a match! He need not feel any sort of guilt over the matter.
After spending some time making certain that his sister’s debts were paid – for what he determined would be the last time for this Season – Charles was about to ring for some refreshments when Jamison, his butler, tapped on the door.
“Enter.”
The butler did so, and handed Charles a card, then stood and waited for his instructions.
“Lord Banfield!” Charles exclaimed, handing the card back to the butler. “Yes of course, and at once! From now on, if Lord Banfield calls, he is to be shown in immediately.”
Jamison acquiesced and, in a few moments, Lord Banfield stepped into the room.
“Banfield!” Charles exclaimed, coming around from his desk to greet his old friend. “How very good to see you! I did not know that you had returned to London!”
Lord Banfield chuckled and nodded.
“For my sins, yes, I have,” he replied, his jolly face lighting up as he shook Charles’ hand. “Only two days ago, however. I thought I should write to inform you of my return, but then decided to call instead.”
“I am very glad you did so,” Charles replied, conducting his friend to a chair. “Brandy?”
“Of course!” Lord Banfield exclaimed, making Charles laugh. “You always seem to have the most excellent brandy, whereas my own dulls in comparison.”
Charles handed his friend a glass, then sat down in a chair opposite and let out a long sigh.
“You look a little weary, old friend,” Lord Banfield said, quietly, observing Charles for a moment. “Has something in London troubled you?”
Charles smiled ruefully.
“I have been in London for two Seasons, I think,” he said slowly, as his friend nodded. “Last Season, I was absent, as you know, due to the mourning period for my father.” He let out a long breath. “This Season, however, I have my sister with me in London and, with her, our mother.”
Lord Banfield’s eyes flared for a moment only, then he began to chuckle as he took in Charles’ depressed expression.
“Forgive me,” he said, one hand pressed against his heart. “I should not laugh when you are clearly in distress!” With an effort, he quelled his mirth. “Is it a great trial?”
Charles closed his eyes and let out a groan.
“It is good you have returned to London,” he said, honestly. “For you will be able to advise me.”
“Advise you?” Lord Banfield spluttered, his eyes widening. “I have no advice to give, Barrington!”
“You have sisters!” Charles argued, but Lord Banfield shook his head.
“They are all older than I, if you recall,” he said, firmly. “I was not required to lead them through society, to find them suitable matches.” He shrugged. “My father passed away many years ago, as you well know, but by then, my eldest two sisters were already wed, leaving me with the younger two. My mother swiftly found matches for them and the situation was brought to a most satisfactory conclusion without any requirement for my involvement.”
Rolling his eyes, Charles picked up his brandy and took a sip.
“Then you can be no help whatsoever,” he said, with a heavy sigh. “Already, my sister – who has only just made her debut, I might add – has become demanding, thoughtless and, I confess, a little arrogant.” Quickly, he related what had occurred with the bills that had been given to him by the various shopkeepers whom his sister had visited, seeing the way Lord Banfield’s eyes widened. “She has been given many new gowns and all manner of things,” he finished, “but yet believes that she still requires more.”
Lord Banfield ran one hand over his eyes and sat back in his chair.
“I can offer you nothing save to say that what you have done thus far, I believe, is a wise course of action. She will not thank you for it at present, of course, but you must continue to be firm.”
“Thank you,” Charles replied, raising his glass in a mock toast before taking a sip. “My mother, unfortunately, appears to be very much on the side of my sister and will, of course, make her feelings on the matter known to me very soon. I fully intend to be quite clear with her also, of course, knowing full well that she also will not appreciate my attempts to steer Amelia in the right direction.” He let out a long breath and shook his head. “The sooner I find her a match, the better.”
Lifting his brows, Lord Banfield looked back at him.
“You mean to say that you shall not allow her any choice in the matter?”
“I fully intend to allow her to enjoy the Season, if that is what you mean,” Charles replied. “But I do not think that she will be able to make any sort of wise decision when it comes to the gentlemen of the ton. Most likely, she will be drawn to a most unsuitable sort and I shall have to insist that he is not appropriate for her and then face the consequences of such a decision!” Rolling his eyes, he sighed with frustration. “Would that I was here in London alone!”
“Ah, the responsibilities that come with the title,” Lord Banfield replied, with a grimace. “I myself am come to London in the hope of securing a future for myself.” He cast a quick glance towards Charles and then looked away, clearing his throat as though embarrassed. “I mean to find a bride.”
Charles’ eyes widened and he sat up a little straighter in his chair.
“You?” he repeated, as though he could not quite believe what he had heard. “You seek a bride?”
“I must,” Lord Banfield answered with a small shrug lifting his shoulders. “If I am to continue the family line, then it is expected of me. With no younger brother to claim the title should anything happen to me, then it would all go to a most undeserving cousin who, I believe, is simply praying for the day that I might fall from my horse or be shot in a duel.” He winced and picked up his brandy. “It is important that I marry.”
A sudden thought slammed into Charles’ mind and he could not help but chuckle.
“I do have a sister who is looking to make a match,” he said, as Lord Banfield laughed. “If you are struggling to find a match, then might I suggest her to you?”
“After all you have told me of her, after the many claims you have made of her arrogance and her thrifty ways, I hardly think you have encouraged me!” Lord Banfield laughed, as Charles winced. “But I shall, of course, make certain to dance with her during a ball or two. She is your sister after all.”
“And I am sure she will be very grateful for it.”
Lord Banfield lapsed into silence for a few minutes, then gestured with his brandy towards Charles.
“And you?” he asked, all trace of mirth gone. “I know you have been busy with your sister’s debut but have you any thought of matrimony? Is there any young lady amongst the ton who has caught your attention?”
Charles shook his head.
“None,” he replied, his lips twisting. “Last evening I was in the company of Lady Prudence – do you recall her? This is her third Season, I believe, so she must certainly be looking for a husband! Her mother, despite her best efforts, has been unable to curb that young lady’s tongue. She speaks much too fondly of herself, flirts outrageously and does nothing at all to endear herself to anyone.” With a small shrug, he threw back the rest of his brandy. “But it means very little to me, given that I have no intention whatsoever of marrying this Season. No, I am determined to give all of my attentions and my energy to my sister, so that she might find contentment and, in doing
so, bring the very same to me also!”
Lord Banfield grinned.
“I will pray you have success,” he replied. “Now, would you like to join a small gathering I am to have in a few days’ time?”
Charles looked at him in surprise.
“Already? You have organized such a thing within only two days of being in London?”
“I am to find a wife, am I not?” Lord Banfield replied, as though Charles ought to realize why such a thing made sense. “Therefore, I ought to be doing all I can to meet eligible young ladies and deciding which of them I might consider. I am not about to rush into any sort of betrothal without making sure that I am quite certain of the lady in question and that, my friend, takes time.”
“I quite understand,” Charles replied, with a grin. “Then yes, of course, I should be glad to join you.”
“And your sister and mother also, of course,” Lord Banfield replied, making Charles groan audibly. “Come now, you cannot think that I would only invite yourself to such a gathering! What would your mother think of me?”
“I cannot escape them, it seems,” Charles replied, with a shake of his head. “Very well, I shall, of course, take them with me.”
“Capital!” Lord Banfield boomed, as Charles felt his heart slowly sink to the floor with dismay.
This Season would certainly be very different to the others he had enjoyed before.
Chapter Three
“It is very generous of you, Lord Banfield, to invite me.”
Selina rose from her curtsy and tried to smile at Lord Banfield, who merely laughed and shook his head.
“Not at all, Lady Selina!” he cried, bowing low. “It is my honor to have you here this evening. And you also, Lady Hayward.”
“Lord Banfield.” Lady Hayward curtsied as she greeted him and then smiled. “I am very glad to see you again. Has London been favorable for you thus far?”
