A Love Unbroken - Rose Pearson Page 0,51

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