A Love Unbroken - Rose Pearson Page 0,47
excitement filling him. “The gentleman must be lured into a trap, the like of that which he has designed for others to fall into. Lord Havers also! We must find a situation where they are caught in a compromising circumstance, one way or the other and, in doing so, we will have enough hold over them to make certain that they do not do any such thing again!” Charles let the idea rush through his mind for a moment or two before, slowly, he began to nod. “I do not know what such a situation could be,” Banfield continued, speaking very quickly indeed, as though he had to have his thoughts spoken before they flew from him. “But I am certain that, together, we might think of something!”
“And there would be a good deal still to plan, given that we would have to somehow convince both gentlemen to place themselves in such a situation without any awareness that they might be in danger,” Charles added, as Banfield nodded fervently. “But you are correct to state that they would not be able to return to what they have been doing thus far, if we were to seize control of such a situation.” The idea began to blossom in his mind, sending a surge of hope all through Charles. “I am aware, of course, that you would be protecting Amelia should she become your wife, but I do not want Lord Telford and Havers to continue on this path, regardless of just how protected my own sister might be.”
“Neither do I,” Banfield replied, firmly. “Might I suggest, then, that we discuss the matter over dinner tomorrow evening? Lady Hayward and Lady Selina are still attending, are they not?”
Charles nodded, his sense of brooding melancholy leaving him at once.
“They are,” he said, as Banfield nodded in satisfaction. “Finally, it feels as though we are in control.”
“All we need now is a real plan,” Banfield quipped, as Charles chuckled. “But I am sure that, come the morrow, we will have something in place.”
“I have little doubt of it,” Charles replied, grinning. “Lord Telford will find himself entirely undone – and I, for one, shall be very glad to see it.”
“Lady Selina.”
The way she smiled up at him made Charles’ stomach twist as a flush of heat began to rise up his neck. There was such a beauty about her that he could hardly take it in, knowing that her character was one of kindness, of consideration and of generosity. The flecks of gold he had seen before in her hazel eyes were all the more obvious this evening, reflecting the light from the candles and making his breath catch in his chest.
“Good evening, Lord Barrington,” she replied, as Lady Hayward moved to speak to his mother, leaving them to converse alone. “Thank you for inviting us this evening.”
He inclined his head in the desperate hope of hiding the heat which had climbed into his cheeks.
“But of course,” he replied, looking back at her. “I am very glad you are able to join us. I have come to greatly appreciate your company.”
Her cheeks colored just a little and she dropped her gaze for a moment.
“You have not seen Lord Telford again, I hope?” he asked, as Lady Selina shook her head. “I hope that, this evening, we will be able to discuss a way forward with this matter. A way that will make certain that Lord Telford cannot continue with such dark intentions.”
Lady Selina blinked, then smiled.
“Oh, I should be very glad to hear of any suggestions!” she exclaimed, as Charles smiled at her obvious eagerness. “I do hope I will be able to contribute something, of course. Lady Amelia has become something of a friend and I confess that I am very concerned for her.” Her eyes drifted towards where Lady Amelia and Lord Banfield stood, talking quietly together. “Although,” Lady Selina continued slowly, allowing her gaze to rest upon Charles once more. “I have wondered if she has more of a protector in Lord Banfield?”
Charles looked towards his sister and saw Banfield press Lady Amelia’s hand for just a moment, before releasing it. There was a happiness in his heart that had not been there before, a happiness that he was now glad to share.
“It seems that Banfield has taken something of a liking to my sister, even though he has known her for some time,” he said, as Lady Selina’s eyes flared. “He asked me only last evening if he might be