by Rose Pearson
She nodded and hid her shudder.
“Then the bet is placed?” Lady Hayward asked, as Lord Barrington nodded. “Might I ask who wrote it?”
At this, Lord Barrington’s face broke into a wide smile. “I have an acquaintance named Lord Donaldson, who hails from Scotland. He is always eager to be involved in any such scheme and, I confess, is inclined to indulge in too much liquor. I spoke to him yesterday afternoon and explained the situation and his part within it. He was very frustrated to hear Lord Telford’s scheme and I had to convince him not go towards him at once!” A small chuckle escaped him. “But he was more than willing to do as I asked. The bet has been placed and Lord Telford was present to see it.” His smile faded. “I, of course, was not.”
“Might I ask the specifics of this bet?” Lady Hayward asked, as Selina laced her fingers in front of her tightly. “What has been said?”
Lord Barrington cleared his throat, perhaps feeling a trifle awkward. “Lord Donaldson has declared himself to have been rejected by you, Lady Selina,” he said, with a small, apologetic smile. “He states he is distraught but also filled with irritation that such a chit of a girl should treat him such a way. The cries he made in Whites, I believe, were heard by almost everyone present!” His smile grew just a little. “He talked of how he expected to be considered by you, how, as an Earl, he did not think himself too lowly, but how you were less than eager to dance with him and converse with him. Given that he was pretending to be in his cups, the fact that he placed a most ridiculous bet was accepted by all.”
Selina swallowed hard.
“The bet,” she asked, quietly. “What did it say?”
Lord Barrington took a small step closer to her, his voice dropping low.
“Lord Donaldson stated that he was so greatly injured by your rejection that he wants very much to see you similarly injured, rejected by those around you,” he said, quietly. “Therefore, to any gentleman who can pull you from your chaperone, who can encourage you into a less than proper situation where Lord Donaldson himself might then happen to see such a thing occur, will be given a great deal of coin from Lord Donaldson.”
Lady Hayward shook her head urgently.
“But that might mean, Lord Barrington, that a great many gentlemen will be seeking to do such a thing!” she exclaimed, as Selina sucked in a breath into her tight lungs, realizing what her chaperone meant. “Lady Selina is in very great danger!”
“Indeed, it may well appear so, but most gentlemen of the ton will find such a bet most improper and downright disgraceful,” Lord Barrington assured her. “In addition, Lord Donaldson has stated that any gentleman who wishes to take on such a task must inform him of it at once, and of their movements, so that he can make sure that he will be present to see Lady Selina being so compromised. Those who do not will not receive a single penny from him. It has all been written out in great detail and the specifics are quite clear.”
A measure of tension left Selina’s frame, but the nervousness and anxiety still remained.
“Lord Donaldson will inform either myself or Lady Hayward of the gentlemen who have sought to do as he has asked,” Lord Barrington continued, gently. “I do not expect there will be many.”
“And, in doing so, he will be able to inform us of Lord Telford’s plans,” Selina finished, as Lord Barrington nodded. “I quite understand, Lord Barrington.”
He inclined his head towards her.
“I will have Lord Donaldson introduce himself to you this evening, albeit in as quiet a manner as possible, given the animosity that is meant to be between you.” Reaching out, he touched Selina’s hand and she gave it to him at once, feeling the gentle press of his fingers and finding herself a little more encouraged. “You are doing a great deal for Lady Amelia and myself, Lady Selina. I do hope that you know just how grateful I am to you.”
“I do it not only for both of you, but also for those who might otherwise have been ruined by Lord Telford’s cruelty,” Selina replied, squeezing his fingers in return before reluctantly letting them go. “But I should very much like to see you freed from this burden, Lord Barrington.”
Grimacing, he shook his head.
“I would pay as much as was asked of me, if it kept my sister – and you also, Lady Selina - safe from harm,” he said, fervently, “but it is their cruelty, selfishness and arrogance that I must battle against.”
“And it seems we shall do so,” Lady Hayward stated, as Lord Barrington allowed himself a small smile. “Let us pray that we are successful.”
There is a fondness in your heart for Lord Barrington.
Lady Hayward’s words spun around Selina’s mind as she waltzed with the very gentlemen in question. She could not deny that there was such a thing, and certainly, it seemed, could not hide it either. The fact that Lady Hayward believed that it was returned to her, that Lord Barrington also had an affection for her, was something too wonderful to believe.
And yet, Selina knew that there could be no discussion on such a matter until the situation with Lord Telford could be brought to a close. However, for the moment, she could steal little moments of joy for herself – such as this very moment here.
“You dance very well, Lady Selina.”
“I thank you, Lord Barrington,” she murmured, all too aware of his nearness as he held her gently. “I do very much enjoy dancing with you.”
Shock and embarrassment filled her as she realized precisely what she had said. There was no escaping from it now. She had meant to state that there was nothing she enjoyed more than dancing but had managed to tell him just how much she appreciated his company specifically!
“I am honored, Lady Selina,” came the reply, as he glanced down at her, probably aware of the flush of mortification which now washed right through her. “And for what it is worth, I would say the very same to you.”
Swallowing hard, Selina nodded, smiled briefly and then focused solely on the dance itself. She did not need to say anything more, did not need to embarrass herself further. Evidently, her heart had spoken without her realizing it – but Lord Barrington, it seemed, had not taken either offence or appeared embarrassed. Rather, he was dancing with a small smile on his face and a brightness in his eyes that was unmistakable.
“Thank you, Lady Selina.”
Much to her relief, the dance came to a close and she was able to step back from him into a curtsey.
“I am now filled with regret,” he continued, offering his arm as they turned to make their way back to Lady Hayward.
“Oh?”
She dared not look at him, wondering now if he had something to say about what she had accidentally said.
“I regret that our dance is at an end, Lady Selina,” he said, speaking with such tenderness in his voice that Selina caught her breath, her heart beginning to hammer furiously in her chest. “For I was eagerly anticipating it and now that it is over, I must wait until the next ball before I can dance with you again.” He stopped for a moment and looked down at her. Selina swallowed hard as she glanced up into his face, blushing furiously at the look in his eyes. “Say that you will save the waltz for me, Lady Selina,” he murmured, so that only she could hear, “at the next ball we attend - you will not allow another gentleman to put his name there?”
Selina did not know what to say, feeling so overwhelmed by his request that she wanted to both laugh aloud with joy and clasp her hands together with delight.
“But of course,” she managed to answer, after a few moments, her composure still entirely intact. “I should be glad to do so, Lord Barrington.”
The smile on his face spread all the more as he looked back down at her.
“Wonderful,” he said, softly. “And now, allow me to return you to Lady Hayward.”
Lady Hayward was not alone by the time they reached her. By her side there stood a tall, broad shouldered gentleman, with a strong jaw and firm grey eyes. Selina did not know him and wondered who this gentleman might be, only for Lady Hayward to
smile at her and gesture towards him.
“Lord Donaldson,” she said quietly, as Selina approached. “You are meant to be introduced already, if you recall.”
Lord Barrington let go of Selina’s hand as she quickly bobbed a curtsey.
“Yes, of course,” she replied, wondering if this intimidating gentleman was as kind-hearted as Lord Barrington had made out. “We are already meant to be introduced.”
“And I am meant to be greatly angered with you,” Lord Donaldson replied, no smile upon his face. “I thought it best to be seen talking with you briefly, Lady Selina, although in a few moments, I shall storm away and speak with another,” he said, as Selina nodded. “I am very sorry to hear that you have not been treated well by Lord Telford, although I understand it is Barrington’s sister who has been in the greatest difficulty?”
“That is so, Lord Donaldson,” Selina replied, nodding. “I know that Lord Barrington is greatly appreciative of your willingness to assist us.”
Lord Donaldson lowered his head for a moment.
“But of course,” he said, grimly. “I am glad to have been asked, for such a thing deserves great punishment.”
“Have any gentlemen approached you about your bet?” Lord Barrington asked, with Lord Donaldson nodding. “They have? Already?”
“Only one,” Lord Donaldson replied, his expression returning to the rather dark look that had been there only moments before. “A Lord Smithfield. I do not know him.”
Lord Barrington chuckled, although Selina did not know why, given just how much anxiety was beginning to pile upon her heart.
“I am acquainted with Lord Smithfield,” Lord Barrington told them both, a twinkle in his eye. “I can assure you, Lady Selina, that you have nothing to fear from him. He is an older gentleman who has more eagerness than ability, no matter what he sets his mind to.”
Selina let out a long breath of relief.
“I see,” she said, as Lord Barrington chuckled again. “Then I have nothing to concern myself with at present.”
“No, you do not,” Lord Donaldson replied, although he still did not smile. “And now, I shall take my leave of you. I must make it quite clear, of course, that you have once more slighted me, Lady Selina.”
“I quite understand,” Selina replied.
She turned her face sharply away from Lord Donaldson and looked directly across the ballroom so that it appeared that she had no further interest in the man. She heard Lord Barrington laugh under his breath, as Lord Donaldson muttered something about speaking to Lord Barrington again when he had a little more news. And then, he was gone.
“I do not think anyone could mistake your acquaintance with Lord Donaldson as being a positive one,” Lady Hayward considered, as Selina smiled at her. “That was very well done.”
“I thank you,” Selina replied, softly. “Lord Donaldson seems to be an excellent gentleman.”
Lord Barrington shook his head, slicing the air between them with his hand.
“Do not allow anyone to hear you say so,” he told her, as a flush of embarrassment crashed down upon Selina, making her realize she had been somewhat ill considered in her remark. “And should any young lady seek to ask you questions about Lord Donaldson, then you must make certain to lie.”
Selina nodded, dropping her head just a little so that she would not have to look into Lord Barrington’s face.
“I understand.”
“This requires a great deal of you, I know,” Lord Barrington continued, a good deal more gently. “I am sorry for it, Lady Selina. Would that I could take your place myself!”
“I must beg an introduction!” Before Selina could answer, a gentleman came directly to stand by Lord Barrington, whose face immediately went rather pale, followed by a deep, red flush which crept up his neck. “Come now, Barrington!” the gentleman continued, grinning broadly. “I have long been seeking an introduction to the lady and you cannot allow her to escape me now.”
Selina frowned, but then quickly wiped the expression from her face. She was meant to be amiable, happy and contented, just as any young lady of the ton might be. That meant being eager to know any new acquaintances who sought her out.
“I am not certain that the lady wishes to be introduced to you, Lord Havers,” Lord Barrington said, and instantly, Selina was on her guard.
She allowed her smile to fall away, permitted her brows to lower and saw how Lord Havers watched her closely, seeing her change of expression.
“It seems as though Lord Telford was correct in his assumption,” Lord Havers said, bowing low towards Selina. “You are aware of our involvement with Lady Amelia then, Lady Selina.”
“I am certainly aware enough to know that I have no wish to be introduced to you, Lord Havers,” Selina replied, steeling herself inwardly. “What you did to Lady Amelia is beyond the pale.”
The gentleman grinned suddenly, as though he found what Selina said to be most amusing indeed.
“But you are unable to speak of it to anyone,” he said, as Selina felt a faint stirring of anger deep within her heart. “Is that not so?”
Selina looked away from Lord Havers, knowing it was best that she ignore him at present. The urge to retort was strong indeed, but she remained silent, having nothing to say to the gentleman.
“I believe this conversation is at an end, Lord Havers,” she heard Lord Barrington say, firmly. “Good evening to you.”
Lord Havers laughed again and Selina forced herself to look back at him, seeing the dark smile on his face and finding herself caught between anger and deep displeasure.
“I will consider myself now acquainted with you, Lady Selina,” he said, bowing low again. “I do hope that you will step out onto the floor with me at the next ball. I would very much like to dance with you.”
“I think not,” Selina replied, knowing full well that she would have no other choice but to do so, albeit with an apparent and obvious reluctance. “Good evening, Lord Havers.”
She waited with her face turned away from his until, after a few moments longer, he finally took his leave. Her shoulders slumped with relief and she let out a long breath, looking up at Lord Barrington and seeing the very same anger in his eyes that she felt within her heart.
“You did very well, Lady Selina,” he said, reaching for her hand and pressing it lightly. “I thank you for your willingness in all of this.”
“He is the most odious of gentlemen!” Selina exclaimed, as Lady Hayward nodded fervently, choosing, it seemed, not to notice Lord Barrington’s hand upon Selina’s. “And so arrogant!”
“Indeed,” Lady Hayward agreed, speaking for the first time in some minutes. “And no doubt, he will come to ask you to dance at the next ball, Lady Selina, and you will have to do your utmost to refuse.”
Selina smiled ruefully.
“But you, being my eager and most supportive chaperone will encourage me not to display any rudeness of manner nor ill will. Is that not so?”
Lady Hayward laughed and nodded.
“It will be my part to play – albeit reluctantly!” she exclaimed, as Selina smiled back at her. “But it appears as though, thus far, everything is going just as we have anticipated.”
She looked towards Lord Barrington, who was beginning to nod slowly.
“Now all we need do is wait,” he said, letting go of Selina’s hand, who immediately felt a sharp sting of loss. “Lord Donaldson will inform us the moment Lord Havers or Lord Telford speak to him to accept the bet. Thereafter…” He looked at Selina and smiled and she felt her heart calm once more. “Thereafter, it will be all on your shoulders, Lady Selina. Would that I could take it from you but–”
“I am not afraid,” Selina replied, a little surprised to note that she spoke the truth, for the anxiety that she had felt, the fear that had burned within her soul, had now left her entirely. When she looked up into Lord Barrington’s face, it all seemed to melt away, leaving her to draw in nothing but new-found courage and strength. “I will do what m
ust be done. And Lady Amelia will be free from them for good.”
Chapter Twelve
“You are going to marry the lady?” Charles looked up, astonished, as Banfield’s brow lifted slightly. His heart thumped wildly in his chest as his friend remained silent, clearly waiting for a response to his question and yet it was an answer that Charles found himself almost reluctant to give. “Come now!” Banfield exclaimed, as Charles cleared his throat, feeling a little awkward. “You must know that there is a clear and sincere affection for the lady which is seen in practically everything you do!”
“I do not know….” Charles broke off, closed his eyes and shrugged. “Yes, very well. Lady Selina, for that is whom you are speaking of, has become of significant importance to me of late.”
Banfield chuckled and lifted his glass of whisky to take a small sip.
“Great importance?” he repeated, sardonically. “That does not speak of affection, Barrington! Only of practicality.”
“Then what do you wish me to say?” Charles asked, finding it rather difficult to begin to express what he truly felt for the lady. “There is – that is to say, I have an awareness that there is something new within my heart, and as yet, I have not fully determined what such a feeling is.”
“It is either affection or it is love,” Banfield replied, practically. “It can only be one of those two things, I am sure, for there is such an obvious awareness of her presence whenever she is nearby that even I have noted it!”
Charles frowned and ran one hand over his eyes, relieved that they were speaking quietly together within his own townhouse rather than out at White’s or in some other public place.
“I can do nothing as yet,” he said, slowly. “I must deal with this situation first.”
“But of course,” Banfield said, waving a hand. “But thereafter, what will you do? Even assuming that we manage this, the fact of the bet will have cast some doubt on her reputation amongst some of the ton – you cannot mean to allow her to suffer for it? Neither do I presume that you will simply let Lady Selina return to that quiet acquaintance which she was at first? What if some other gentleman wishes to court her? Then what would you do?”
