It had been a little over a sennight since Selina had appeared at Lord Barrington’s home and demanded to speak to him, and since that time, Lady Amelia had been by her side at almost every social occasion. Selina had no concerns about their increasing friendship, however and was, in fact, a little grateful for it. Whilst Lady Amelia was certainly not anything like her own sister, Anna, it was encouraging for Selina to have a friend standing close by her at social occasions. Lady Amelia’s character had changed significantly, although Selina was sorry to see her anxiety and her worry. Whilst it was important for Lady Amelia to behave with all propriety – something she was doing now without hesitation or argument – Selina did hope that some of the confidence and happiness she had seen in Lady Amelia before would return.
“My brother states that he has heard from Lord Havers,” Lady Amelia said, quietly. “He told me so this morning.”
Selina swallowed hard, feeling her anxiety begin to rise up within her.
“Indeed?”
“The money has been received but he has been warned that more might be required,” Lady Amelia replied, her shoulders slumping as she looked towards Selina. “It seems I am not to be freed of this. Nor my brother.”
“That is not your doing,” Selina assured her. “Now, there are bound to be many excellent gentlemen seeking your company this evening. Will you dance?”
Lady Amelia drew in a long, shaky breath.
“Should I?”
“Of course!” Selina exclaimed, as Lady Barrington nodded. “Your mother will be watching you carefully so there is no need for concern.”
“And mayhap I might be the first to ask for such a thing?”
Selina turned to see none other than Lord Banfield standing just to their left, a broad smile settling across his face – although it was not directed towards her. Rather, he was looking to Lady Amelia who, after a moment, let out a heavy sigh but, in doing so, also allowed herself to smile.
“As always, Lord Banfield, you are ready at the first to offer your companionship,” Lady Amelia said, as Selina let go of her arm and took a small step back, sharing a glance with Lady Barrington. “I would be glad of your company, thank you.”
Lord Banfield and Lady Amelia continued to speak as Selina looked away, allowing them both as much privacy as she could. Lord Banfield was being particularly attentive to Lady Amelia this last sennight and, whilst Selina knew Lady Amelia was glad of it, she could not help but wonder if the gentleman had any true feelings of affection for the lady.
“And are you dancing this evening, Lady Selina?”
“I am,” Selina replied, smiling. Handing him her dance card, she thanked him and looked down to see that her cotillion was to be with Lord Banfield. She had little doubt, however, that Lady Amelia would have two dances taken by Lord Banfield and wondered if one might be the waltz. Although two dances was verging on a declaration, Banfield’s close friendship with Barrington would likely change most people’s view of it.
“Should you be willing to give me your dance card also, Lady Selina, I should like to peruse it.”
A familiar voice floated towards her and she turned her head to see Lord Barrington coming towards them, his eyes warm as he smiled at her.
“Unless, that is, you have already had your dance card filled up entirely?”
“I have only just arrived, Lord Barrington,” she replied, with a chuckle. “But yes, I would be glad to offer you my dance card.”
Aware of the spreading warmth through her chest, she quickly gave her dance card to Lord Barrington and concentrated solely on keeping herself entirely composed.
Lady Hayward shot her a quick look but Selina ignored it completely. She had yet to admit to Lady Hayward that, having been often in Lord Barrington’s company this last week, much to her own astonishment, she had found herself eagerly looking forward to being so again. Yes, the circumstances that they faced were very dreadful indeed, and she did not wish to make light of them in any way, but Lord Barrington was a kind-hearted, handsome and respectful gentleman and she enjoyed his company immensely. And to dance with him brought with it a fresh wave of delight.
“The waltz?” he murmured, as though he wished for only her to hear. Her heart pounded at the thought of being held in his arms. “I do hope that is satisfactory, Lady Selina.”
“Of course,” she said, softly, accepting it back