by Rose Pearson
“That does not matter,” Lady Selina interrupted, with such fervor in her voice that he looked at her in surprise. “It was an unfortunate set of circumstances which prevented me from calling upon you in person, Lord Barrington. If I had been there last evening, then I –” She broke off, shaking her head. “It does not matter. Regardless of what has occurred in the past, Lord Barrington, I am entirely committed to helping your sister in this difficult time. I cannot imagine the suffering that she must be enduring at present.”
Again, there speaks her kind heart, Charles thought to himself, finding himself smiling at the lady who, after a moment, gave him a smile of her own, although a hint of color infused her cheeks as she did so. Without intending to, Charles discovered that he now held one hand out to the lady and, when she gave it to him, he bowed low over it, hoping that it spoke of his consideration and admiration for her.
“I am more grateful to you than you can know, Lady Selina,” he informed her, seeing the way that her cheeks flared with color as he held her hand in his, ignoring those about them, those who might be watching what he was doing. “My sister also. And my mother.”
She pressed her lips together and then returned his gaze, her hazel eyes glinting with specks of gold. A curl of her fair hair escaped from her bonnet and brushed at her temples, and with the color in her cheeks fading to a delicate pink, Charles found himself suddenly overwhelmed with the beauty of the lady.
“You are all more than welcome, Lord Barrington,” she said, graciously. “Although I fear that I do not deserve such gratitude. It was only fate which permitted me to overhear the truth of Lord Havers and Lord Telford’s plans.”
“But you did not have to share it,” he answered her. “You did not have to speak of it to me. You might have chosen to allow things to progress as they were meant to and, instead, focused on seeking out your own happiness.”
She frowned.
“I hope that I should never have such a selfish heart,” she responded, making Charles smile.
“Your heart is to be greatly admired, given its kindness, consideration and sweetness,” he found himself saying, seeing how Lady Selina’s blush increased again as she looked away. “You will find my gratitude and my thankfulness only increasing, Lady Selina. I pray that we will be able to find a solution to this dreadful circumstance.”
“As do I, Lord Barrington,” Lady Selina replied, sincerity ringing through her voice. “As do I.”
Making his way into the drawing room, Charles bowed to greet their host for the evening, feeling his sister tense as her hand rested on his arm. She curtsied quickly and then rose once more, with both Lord and Lady Irving greeting her warmly. There was no hint of mockery in their voice or their words which, he hoped, would be an encouragement to Amelia. She had been afraid that, somehow, the knowledge of what had occurred between Lord Havers and herself would be well known, even though Charles had promised her that he had already replied to Lord Havers and promised to pay what had been asked for.
“Please, enjoy this evening!” Lady Irving exclaimed. “The card games are in the next room, but you are also welcome to linger here.”
“Thank you,” Charles replied, making his way into the room a little more and looking around him.
He, as well as his sister, had to make it plain to the entirety of the ton that there was nothing to concern him this evening, that he had no anxiety or concern over this particular situation – that, in fact, there was no situation at all. The truth was, of course, that he was greatly anxious over his sister and worried about her reaction should she see Lord Telford or Lord Havers, but he had to hide all of that from his expression and manner.
“There, you see?” he heard his mother say, as she walked beside Amelia. “They have nothing to say about you. Everything is just as it was.”
“Indeed it is,” Charles agreed, smiling warmly at Amelia, even though he knew his own heart was swirling with tension. “Look, there is Lady Selina with Lady Hayward, talking to Lord Banfield. She has seen you, Amelia. Go and join her.”
His mother shot him a quick look.
“Will you join us?”
Charles shook his head.
“In a few minutes,” he said, quietly. “I want to see who else might be present this evening.”
Seeing the knowing look on his mother’s face, Charles gave her a quick smile and then stepped away, relieved that his sister would be in good company. Clearing his throat and collecting a drink from a passing footman, he made his way slowly through the room and then through the door into the room where the card games were to be held.
The instant he stepped inside, his heart slammed hard against his chest. There stood not only Lord Havers but Lord Telford, talking quietly together in the corner of the room. His brow lowered, his anger began to burn and, without thinking, he turned sharply on his heel and made his way around the edge of the room towards them.
Lord Telford, who had been looking rather thoughtful, caught sight of him and rearranged his features from an expression of dark consideration to geniality.
“Good evening, Lord Barrington,” he said, in a cheerful tone of voice which clashed hard against Charles’ anger. “And how do you fare this evening?”
“Spare me your false pretenses,” Charles growled, wishing that he could plant them both a facer. “I am well aware, Telford, that you are as much in this scheme as Lord Havers.”
Nothing was said in response to this for a moment, although Lord Telford’s expression of surprise lingered for a short time.
“Pretense?” he said, as Charles’ anger grew into a roaring fire. “I know nothing of what you speak.”
“You know very well!” Charles exclaimed, before forcing himself to keep his voice low. He could not risk being overheard. “You are together in this situation, are you not? You both seek to take money from me by blackmail. There is no need to feign your innocence, Lord Telford. I am fully aware of your involvement.”
Lord Telford’s expression remained innocently surprised for a moment or two longer but, after looking into Charles’ face for another short while, he eventually sighed and shook his head.
“Very well, then,” he said, with a shrug. “You are aware of us both.”
Lord Havers chuckled, his tone dark.
“But you have already agreed to give us what we ask, Lord Barrington, and I confess that I am greatly looking forward to receiving it!”
“So that you might share it between yourself and Lord Telford,” Charles bit out, barely able to hold onto his temper. “Before you then consider which other unfortunate young lady to chase after!”
“Or we may keep requesting money from you!” Lord Havers responded, gleefully. “Have you never thought of that, Lord Barrington?”
The laugh that came from him was cold and sent a chill straight through Charles’ heart, cooling his anger somewhat. Lady Hayward had, it seemed, been right in her suspicions of their intent.
Lord Telford tilted his head.
“And I must wonder how you came to know of my involvement, Lord Barrington,” he said, slowly, as Charles gritted his teeth to keep from biting out a harsh retort. “How you were so certain of it that you had no doubts whatsoever when you spoke to me.”
A vision of Lady Selina filled Charles’ head, making dread fill his heart.
“I was not fooled by you,” he stated, angrily. “That was all, Telford. You might believe that your behavior was that of a supposedly innocent man, but do not think that I missed the gleam in your eye or the falseness of your smile.”
This did not appear to convince Lord Telford, however, for the calculating, considering look in his eye did not fade. Instead, he merely held Charles’ gaze, his lips a little thin and his eyes narrowed.
“I will pay you this time, Lord Havers, but I shall not do so again,” Charles finished, trying to distract Lord Telford from what he had said. “I shall not be blackmailed!”
“We will see,” Lord Havers replied, with a dark smile. “
I have come to learn that a gentleman will do anything for those he claims to care about. And I suspect, Lord Barrington, that you will do a great deal to protect your sister.”
“And any others you have come to care about,” Lord Telford added, making Charles’ frown deepen all the more. “I think we have said enough for this evening, Lord Barrington.” He cleared his throat and inclined his head mockingly, a grin plastered across his face. “Good evening.”
Charles watched them go, unable to give any retort, as a feeling of dread continued to make its way through him. He had, it seemed unwittingly, managed to invoke Lord Telford’s suspicions and, given Lady Selina’s new closeness to Lady Amelia as well as to himself, Charles feared that it would not be long before Lord Telford might come to realize that she had been the one to inform him of Telford’s involvement.
He dropped his head and let out a long, heavy breath. Just what had he done?
Chapter Nine
“Do you think they are here this evening?”
Selina smiled and squeezed Lady Amelia’s arm gently.
“I am sure they are,” she said, gently, “but there is nothing to fear.”
Lady Amelia let out a long breath and nodded, although Selina could practically feel the tension pouring out of her. It had been a little over a sennight since Selina had appeared at Lord Barrington’s home and demanded to speak to him, and since that time, Lady Amelia had been by her side at almost every social occasion. Selina had no concerns about their increasing friendship, however and was, in fact, a little grateful for it. Whilst Lady Amelia was certainly not anything like her own sister, Anna, it was encouraging for Selina to have a friend standing close by her at social occasions. Lady Amelia’s character had changed significantly, although Selina was sorry to see her anxiety and her worry. Whilst it was important for Lady Amelia to behave with all propriety – something she was doing now without hesitation or argument – Selina did hope that some of the confidence and happiness she had seen in Lady Amelia before would return.
“My brother states that he has heard from Lord Havers,” Lady Amelia said, quietly. “He told me so this morning.”
Selina swallowed hard, feeling her anxiety begin to rise up within her.
“Indeed?”
“The money has been received but he has been warned that more might be required,” Lady Amelia replied, her shoulders slumping as she looked towards Selina. “It seems I am not to be freed of this. Nor my brother.”
“That is not your doing,” Selina assured her. “Now, there are bound to be many excellent gentlemen seeking your company this evening. Will you dance?”
Lady Amelia drew in a long, shaky breath.
“Should I?”
“Of course!” Selina exclaimed, as Lady Barrington nodded. “Your mother will be watching you carefully so there is no need for concern.”
“And mayhap I might be the first to ask for such a thing?”
Selina turned to see none other than Lord Banfield standing just to their left, a broad smile settling across his face – although it was not directed towards her. Rather, he was looking to Lady Amelia who, after a moment, let out a heavy sigh but, in doing so, also allowed herself to smile.
“As always, Lord Banfield, you are ready at the first to offer your companionship,” Lady Amelia said, as Selina let go of her arm and took a small step back, sharing a glance with Lady Barrington. “I would be glad of your company, thank you.”
Lord Banfield and Lady Amelia continued to speak as Selina looked away, allowing them both as much privacy as she could. Lord Banfield was being particularly attentive to Lady Amelia this last sennight and, whilst Selina knew Lady Amelia was glad of it, she could not help but wonder if the gentleman had any true feelings of affection for the lady.
“And are you dancing this evening, Lady Selina?”
“I am,” Selina replied, smiling. Handing him her dance card, she thanked him and looked down to see that her cotillion was to be with Lord Banfield. She had little doubt, however, that Lady Amelia would have two dances taken by Lord Banfield and wondered if one might be the waltz. Although two dances was verging on a declaration, Banfield’s close friendship with Barrington would likely change most people’s view of it.
“Should you be willing to give me your dance card also, Lady Selina, I should like to peruse it.”
A familiar voice floated towards her and she turned her head to see Lord Barrington coming towards them, his eyes warm as he smiled at her.
“Unless, that is, you have already had your dance card filled up entirely?”
“I have only just arrived, Lord Barrington,” she replied, with a chuckle. “But yes, I would be glad to offer you my dance card.”
Aware of the spreading warmth through her chest, she quickly gave her dance card to Lord Barrington and concentrated solely on keeping herself entirely composed.
Lady Hayward shot her a quick look but Selina ignored it completely. She had yet to admit to Lady Hayward that, having been often in Lord Barrington’s company this last week, much to her own astonishment, she had found herself eagerly looking forward to being so again. Yes, the circumstances that they faced were very dreadful indeed, and she did not wish to make light of them in any way, but Lord Barrington was a kind-hearted, handsome and respectful gentleman and she enjoyed his company immensely. And to dance with him brought with it a fresh wave of delight.
“The waltz?” he murmured, as though he wished for only her to hear. Her heart pounded at the thought of being held in his arms. “I do hope that is satisfactory, Lady Selina.”
“Of course,” she said, softly, accepting it back from him. Looking into his face, she saw the flicker of concern which still lingered in his eyes – a concern that had not left him since she had told him the truth about his sister. “Might I ask, Lord Barrington, whether or not Lord Havers or Lord Telford are present this evening?”
“They are,” he replied, darkly. “Do be on your guard, Lady Selina.”
She frowned at this.
“Your sister should be so, Lord Barrington, but as for myself, I do not see –”
He swiped the air in front of her with his hand.
“They are searching for the next young lady they might accost,” he said, warning her. “What is to say it is not you?”
Selina shook her head.
“I am sure that I would not be chosen, given my friendship with Lady Amelia,” she said, firmly. “Lord Telford would not consider it, given that surely, as he would expect, you would have spoken to me of his deceit and manipulation.”
Lord Barrington looked away before clearing his throat hard, shaking his head as he did so.
“I believe, Lady Selina, that he is a man capable of a great many things,” he replied, slowly. “You must be careful.”
Selina frowned, holding Lord Barrington’s gaze and wondering if there was more to his words than he was able to express at present. However, he said nothing more and she was only able to nod and thank him for his concern, although her worries and her questions still remained within her heart.
“Lady Selina, good evening.”
Selina’s stomach dropped to the floor but she forced herself into a curtsey as none other than Lord Telford bowed first to Lady Hayward and then to her.
“Good evening, Lord Telford,” she replied, doing all she could to keep her expression one of amiability. “I do hope that you are enjoying this evening?”
He smiled at her, tilting his head just a little.
“I would enjoy it all the more if you would be willing to allow me a dance, Lady Selina,” he said, gesturing to her dance card. “Or am I much too late?”
Selina hesitated, looking down at her dance card and wishing that she had the confidence to tell Lord Telford that she had no desire to dance with him and that, therefore, she would rather he did not.
“No?” Lord Telford asked, now looking rather delighted. “Then I do hope you will allow me to take whichever dance you have remaining.”
Swallowing hard, Selina forced a smile to her lips and then tugged her dance card from her wrist. She did not give it to him straight away however, aware of Lady Hayward’s presence beside her and using that encouragement to find a little strength for herself. “I believe that one dance would be suitable, Lord Telford,” she said, as firmly as she could, “for we would not wish to give people the wrong impression, and I am rather fatigued this evening.”
It was a poor excuse and, as the smile slid from Lord Telford’s face, she knew that he was aware of her true feelings. It was clear that she did not wish to be in his company for long. Hopefully, he would consider it a result of her first introduction to him, when he had made such eager advances towards Miss Newington and Lady Amelia.
“The country dance,” he said crisply, looking at her directly as a thin smile pulled at his lips, a darkness in his eyes that made Selina shudder inwardly. “One I hope you will enjoy, Lady Selina.”
Selina murmured something quiet and Lord Telford stepped away, but not without shooting her a hard glance and a dark scowl. Lady Hayward watched him with an equally hard gaze before she turned to Selina.
“I do not like the idea of you dancing with Lord Telford, Lady Selina,” she said, as Selina let out a long breath. “You could easily have refused him.”
A little ashamed of her lack of courage, Selina nodded.
“I am aware I could have done such a thing, Lady Hayward, but I lacked the strength of will. After all, it would be perceived as remarkably rude to refuse a gentleman, when I still have dances unclaimed.”
Lady Hayward nodded, a sympathetic look crossing her face.
“I shall not reprimand you, for you are right that others would see it as rude,” she said, softly. “But I am inclined to agree with Lord Barrington. You must be on your guard.”
