up. “I believe that Amelia was rather taken aback, truth be told! My mother was horrified to hear what had occurred and has stated that she will return Amelia to the estate should such a thing happen again.” He grinned broadly at his friend. “Whilst I, it seems, will be permitted to remain here to enjoy the rest of the Season. My mother has, I must confess, surprised me with her determination to steer Amelia towards the right path. I thought she might make all manner of excuses for her.”
Lord Banfield nodded, stretched languidly and then pushed himself out of his chair.
“I am off to take a short walk in the park,” he declared, looking meaningfully at Charles. “Do you wish to join me?”
Charles laughed aloud, knowing precisely what his friend intended.
“You mean to say that you want to greet those all about you who might have heard of the success of your little soiree last evening, in the hope of, perhaps, either continuing or forming an attachment with a young lady of quality?”
He laughed all the more when his friend’s face slowly darkened, his mouth settling into a flat line.
“That may be so, but need I remind you that I am determined to wed this Season?” Lord Banfield replied, a little tersely. “I must do all I can to make myself appear eligible and a suitable prospect to the ladies of the beau monde!”
“And that requires taking a short walk through the park?” Charles asked, as Lord Banfield nodded fervently. “Do you mean to say that there was no-one at your soiree who caught your attention? None that you might wish to call on this afternoon?”
Lord Banfield sighed heavily.
“None,” he said, a little more quietly. “Although mayhap I should give a little more attention to Lady Selina, given just how highly I now come to think of her, after what you have told me.”
Making to answer in the affirmative, Charles was surprised when he found himself frowning, lines forming across his brow and his stomach twisting in a most uncomfortable fashion. Of course he should encourage Banfield in such an endeavour! Why would he not? There was no possible reason for him to feel such a way, and so he dismissed it as quickly as he could, clearing his throat and pushing himself out of his chair in an attempt to hide the truth of what he felt.
“That may well be a good suggestion,” he replied, as Lord Banfield eyed him carefully, evidently aware that it had taken a few moments for Charles to answer. “I am sure that she would be an excellent match for you.”
Lord Banfield did not say anything in response to this, merely watching Charles for another moment or two before he shrugged, sighed and made his way to the door.
“Might you wish to join me?” he asked again, as Charles hesitated. “It is a very fine day and you might find that the afternoon air does you good.” He chuckled. “Removes some of the stress and strain that you feel at present!”
Charles considered for another moment or two. He had been thinking of his sister for most of the morning, it seemed, although he wondered if he ought to remain in case his mother should require him. Amelia might become very upset indeed, and he would have to step in.
However, he thought, tilting his head just a fraction, his mother had enough fortitude of her own when it was required. He had seen the flash of anger in her eyes that very morning and was sure that she would now be making quite certain that Amelia knew just how much she had disappointed her.
“Very well!” he exclaimed, as Lord Banfield grinned. “My sister will not be permitted to set foot outside the door this afternoon, I believe, so there is no reason for me to remain. And as for this evening’s ball, I am not at all certain that my mother will still be content for her to attend!”
“Then I pity you for the distress and upset that will follow, should such a thing occur!” Lord Banfield replied, with a grin. “And suggest to you that it is all the more reason why you might decide to join me this afternoon.”
“Indeed,” Charles agreed, suddenly feeling a good deal more at ease. Picking up the letter to Lady Selina, he took it with him with the intention of giving it to one of his footmen to deliver. “You are quite right, Banfield. Let us take