shall be returned to the estate without hesitation!”
Tilting his head, Banfield considered for a moment.
“Mayhap I could assist you a little, should you wish it?” he asked, as Charles frowned. “I could make certain to dance with Lady Amelia at each ball, make sure to converse with her at every soiree and the like?”
“That is very generous of you, Banfield,” Charles replied, a little surprised at the gentleman’s suggestion. “But there is no need, unless you truly wish to do so. I know that you are, yourself, seeking a bride.”
Banfield shrugged.
“It would not be overly difficult,” he replied, with a smile. “Besides which, it would allow you opportunity to converse with someone such as Lady Selina, should you wish it! And I do not mind dancing and conversing with a beautiful young lady such as Lady Amelia!”
Not wishing to remind Banfield that he had his mother to take over supervision of Lady Amelia whenever he wished, Charles gave his friend a broad smile.
“Then I will accept your offer,” he answered, appreciating his friend’s consideration. “She is with my mother at present. I think that…”
He trailed off, suddenly spying his mother and noting with concern that his sister was not with her. His heart quickened as he made his way towards her, Lord Banfield following after him. He tried to convince himself that there was nothing to be concerned about – there was dancing this evening after all, and his sister was, most likely, standing up with someone. Surely, she would not be as foolish as to behave improperly now!
“Barrington.” His mother smiled brightly as they drew near, greeting Lord Banfield with the same warm smile she had given to Charles. “Are you quite all right?”
Glancing at the lady who his mother had been talking with, only to see her turn away to speak with another, Charles let out a long breath.
“Amelia,” he said, as his mother’s eyes flared wide. “Where is she?”
Lady Barrington reached out and pressed his arm.
“She is dancing,” she said, quietly. “My dear son, you are very good to be so concerned about your sister and, believe me, I quite understand your concern, but the gentleman she was with was most proper and promised to return her the moment the dance came to an end.”
Charles’ heart slammed hard into his chest as he looked up, suddenly realizing that there was no longer any music. He looked back at his mother, his mouth pulling into a grim line.
“Then, where is she?”
Silence grew between Charles and his mother as they looked all about them, with Lord Banfield’s brow furrowing hard where he stood beside them. The couples who had been dancing were now moving away, the ladies being returned to their mothers or companions, and the gentlemen bowing in evident gratitude. However, of Lady Amelia and her gentleman, there was no sign.
“This gentleman,” Charles said, firmly, looking towards his mother and seeing the paleness in her cheeks. “What was his name?”
“I – I have been introduced to him before,” his mother replied, weakly. “Amelia has been also. They have danced before. They –”
“His name, mother.”
Lady Barrington took in a long breath and closed her eyes, evidently steadying herself.
“It is Lord Havers,” she said, as Charles held his gaze fixed to her own, seeing how her eyes fluttered open. “As I have said, Barrington, he is not a new acquaintance.”
Charles grimaced.
“Which might make things all the worse,” he growled, looking to Banfield. “Are you acquainted with the gentleman? I do not think I –”
“Lord Barrington?”
Turning sharply, Charles looked at the gentleman who had approached him, his heart still filled with anger towards his sister and dread at what he might discover.
“Yes?”
It was none other than Lord Telford. Charles’ expression darkened all the more, for he thought very little of the gentleman and, given what had occurred recently with his sister, he was not at all inclined to engage with the gentleman in any way.
“I do not mean to speak out of turn, Lord Barrington,” Lord Telford began, taking a small step closer and lowering his voice so that even Lady Barrington struggled to hear what was being said. “But I am certain that I observed your sister being led out of doors by a gentleman. I am aware that I have no right to criticize given my own behavior of late, but it is your sister that I think of.”
Sucking in a breath, Charles felt his chest tighten.
“Indeed,” he said, a trifle coldly. “And you thought to come and inform