face the consequences of such a decision!” Rolling his eyes, he sighed with frustration. “Would that I was here in London alone!”
“Ah, the responsibilities that come with the title,” Lord Banfield replied, with a grimace. “I myself am come to London in the hope of securing a future for myself.” He cast a quick glance towards Charles and then looked away, clearing his throat as though embarrassed. “I mean to find a bride.”
Charles’ eyes widened and he sat up a little straighter in his chair.
“You?” he repeated, as though he could not quite believe what he had heard. “You seek a bride?”
“I must,” Lord Banfield answered with a small shrug lifting his shoulders. “If I am to continue the family line, then it is expected of me. With no younger brother to claim the title should anything happen to me, then it would all go to a most undeserving cousin who, I believe, is simply praying for the day that I might fall from my horse or be shot in a duel.” He winced and picked up his brandy. “It is important that I marry.”
A sudden thought slammed into Charles’ mind and he could not help but chuckle.
“I do have a sister who is looking to make a match,” he said, as Lord Banfield laughed. “If you are struggling to find a match, then might I suggest her to you?”
“After all you have told me of her, after the many claims you have made of her arrogance and her thrifty ways, I hardly think you have encouraged me!” Lord Banfield laughed, as Charles winced. “But I shall, of course, make certain to dance with her during a ball or two. She is your sister after all.”
“And I am sure she will be very grateful for it.”
Lord Banfield lapsed into silence for a few minutes, then gestured with his brandy towards Charles.
“And you?” he asked, all trace of mirth gone. “I know you have been busy with your sister’s debut but have you any thought of matrimony? Is there any young lady amongst the ton who has caught your attention?”
Charles shook his head.
“None,” he replied, his lips twisting. “Last evening I was in the company of Lady Prudence – do you recall her? This is her third Season, I believe, so she must certainly be looking for a husband! Her mother, despite her best efforts, has been unable to curb that young lady’s tongue. She speaks much too fondly of herself, flirts outrageously and does nothing at all to endear herself to anyone.” With a small shrug, he threw back the rest of his brandy. “But it means very little to me, given that I have no intention whatsoever of marrying this Season. No, I am determined to give all of my attentions and my energy to my sister, so that she might find contentment and, in doing so, bring the very same to me also!”
Lord Banfield grinned.
“I will pray you have success,” he replied. “Now, would you like to join a small gathering I am to have in a few days’ time?”
Charles looked at him in surprise.
“Already? You have organized such a thing within only two days of being in London?”
“I am to find a wife, am I not?” Lord Banfield replied, as though Charles ought to realize why such a thing made sense. “Therefore, I ought to be doing all I can to meet eligible young ladies and deciding which of them I might consider. I am not about to rush into any sort of betrothal without making sure that I am quite certain of the lady in question and that, my friend, takes time.”
“I quite understand,” Charles replied, with a grin. “Then yes, of course, I should be glad to join you.”
“And your sister and mother also, of course,” Lord Banfield replied, making Charles groan audibly. “Come now, you cannot think that I would only invite yourself to such a gathering! What would your mother think of me?”
“I cannot escape them, it seems,” Charles replied, with a shake of his head. “Very well, I shall, of course, take them with me.”
“Capital!” Lord Banfield boomed, as Charles felt his heart slowly sink to the floor with dismay.
This Season would certainly be very different to the others he had enjoyed before.
Chapter Three
“It is very generous of you, Lord Banfield, to invite me.”
Selina rose from her curtsy and tried to smile at Lord Banfield, who merely laughed and shook his head.
“Not at all, Lady Selina!” he cried, bowing low. “It is