within her, and made her consider her behavior and her manner. She has spoken to me of her sorrow at causing you so much pain and frustration and, quite frankly, Barrington, I believe her to be truthful.” He shrugged. “If you do not, then I can understand your reasons for it but I will state, quite plainly, that you are wrong.”
Charles’ frown began to lift as a slight stab of guilt jabbed at his heart.
“I – I had not considered that,” he said, honestly. “But can you be speaking the truth, Banfield?” He searched his friend’s face and saw nothing but honesty there. “You have come to care for Amelia?”
“I should like to court her,” Banfield replied, honestly. “I have asked her for her opinion also, of course, and she has begged me to seek your approval first.” A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I believe that she is greatly concerned about what you will think of her.”
Blowing out a long breath, and letting the surprise of what his friend had asked sink into his heart, Charles raked one hand through his hair again and then, after a moment, nodded.
“Very well!” he exclaimed, as Banfield grinned. “I am sorry, Banfield, that I did not appear delighted immediately. I confess that I am still a little overcome with surprise at your request, but I shall not hold you back from my sister, if that is truly something you both wish for.”
“It is,” Banfield replied, with such a broad smile that Charles could not help but grin. “And should it all work out as I hope, then Lady Amelia will be free of Lord Telford and Lord Havers’ manipulations within a few short months.”
Charles took a moment to realize what his friend meant.
“You mean to marry her,” he said, slowly, his grin fading just a little. “And that way, she will be free from Lord Telford’s manipulations.”
“That is my intention with courtship, yes,” Banfield replied, with a chuckle. “And whilst it does not prevent Lord Telford from doing the same to others, it does mean that he cannot hold Lady Amelia, or you, tight in his hand any longer.”
“No,” Charles agreed, slowly, looking away from his friend and returning his gaze to the fire which still burned merrily in the grate. “It does not. And that is a very great relief, Banfield, for I still have no solution as to what we might do to prevent Lord Telford and Lord Havers from doing as they wish.”
Banfield’s smile began to fade as he lifted his brandy glass to his mouth.
“Nor I, I confess,” he replied, with a shake of his head. “They appear to have the upper hand.”
Charles let out another great sigh and shook his head, wishing that he had come to some sort of conclusion about the matter.
“I have put Lady Selina in danger also,” he muttered, a little ashamed. “After last evening, I now expect to receive a note requesting further funds in order for them to remain silent about my sister – and all because I prevented Lord Telford from taking Lady Selina far from her chaperone.”
Seeing Banfield’s confusion and recalling that he had not yet told his friend about what had happened, Charles quickly told the tale. He did not fail to mention that he had lost his temper and had practically thrown accusations at Lord Telford, such that there had been very little doubt in the gentleman’s mind that someone must have known of his and Lord Havers discussions.
“You cannot blame yourself,” Banfield said, once Charles had finished. “I am certain that Lady Selina does not.”
“No, she does not,” Charles replied, with a wry smile. “She should be holding me responsible, of course, but she does not do so. Instead, she is kind and generous of spirit, which is just as I would expect from the lady.” Banfield’s brow rose but he said nothing. “If there was a way for me to return the very same to Lord Telford as he gives to others, then I would do so in an instant,” Charles finished, heavily. “But as it stands, my mind simply cannot come up with any solution.”
Banfield took another sip of his brandy and then turned quickly back towards Charles. His eyes widened and leaning forward, he reached across to slap his hand down on the arm of Charles’ chair.
“That is it precisely, old boy!”
Charles frowned.
“What do you mean?”
“To do the very same to him, as Lord Telford does to others!” Banfield exclaimed,