“An urgent letter?” Banfield replied, now looking a little surprised. “And you have no knowledge of what might be contained within it?”
“None,” Charles replied, with a shake of his head. “I do feel a little embarrassed that I did not have time to read it, and wanted to speak to her this evening, not only to apologize, but to ask her what was contained within it.”
“I do not think that you will find her here this evening,” Banfield replied, with a small frown. “I did hear that Lady Hayward, her chaperone, had encountered something of an accident.”
A frown caught Charles’ brow.
“Oh?”
“It was at last evening’s ball,” Banfield explained. “I do not know the particulars, but I did hear Lord Aldridge say that he had been required to accompany Lady Selina to the carriage, where Lady Hayward was waiting. Apparently, some oaf had knocked into her – having been somewhat inebriated, I believe – and she stumbled and injured her ankle.”
“And therefore, you would not expect her to be present this evening,” Charles finished, a little frustrated. “Well, I can do nothing else but return home and read this letter, then!”
Banfield shrugged.
“I am sure that, had it been of great urgency, she would have written to you again, or called upon you in person,” he said, in a clear attempt to quieten Charles’ frustration. “You can read it the moment you return home from this evening.”
Nodding, Charles let out a long breath, passing one hand over his eyes.
“Indeed,” he agreed, heavily. “I confess I have had a good deal on my mind of late. My sister is, yet again –”
“Let me guess,” Banfield interrupted, with a small smile. “She has not done as you asked?”
Finding nothing to laugh about, Charles grimaced.
“My mother, at least, is being a good deal more supportive of my actions, but it seems that Amelia is refusing to do precisely as she is told.” He shook his head. “I believe that last evening, she stepped away from her companion in order to talk to another gentleman in private.”
Banfield frowned, the smile fading away.
“I see.”
“This evening, I fully expect her to stay directly by my mother’s side, however,” Charles continued, with a shake of his head. “She did attempt to defend her behavior last evening but I have warned her that there shall not be even a hint of impropriety this evening, else she shall be returned to the estate without hesitation!”
Tilting his head, Banfield considered for a moment.
“Mayhap I could assist you a little, should you wish it?” he asked, as Charles frowned. “I could make certain to dance with Lady Amelia at each ball, make sure to converse with her at every soiree and the like?”
“That is very generous of you, Banfield,” Charles replied, a little surprised at the gentleman’s suggestion. “But there is no need, unless you truly wish to do so. I know that you are, yourself, seeking a bride.”
Banfield shrugged.
“It would not be overly difficult,” he replied, with a smile. “Besides which, it would allow you opportunity to converse with someone such as Lady Selina, should you wish it! And I do not mind dancing and conversing with a beautiful young lady such as Lady Amelia!”
Not wishing to remind Banfield that he had his mother to take over supervision of Lady Amelia whenever he wished, Charles gave his friend a broad smile.
“Then I will accept your offer,” he answered, appreciating his friend’s consideration. “She is with my mother at present. I think that…”
He trailed off, suddenly spying his mother and noting with concern that his sister was not with her. His heart quickened as he made his way towards her, Lord Banfield following after him. He tried to convince himself that there was nothing to be concerned about – there was dancing this evening after all, and his sister was, most likely, standing up with someone. Surely, she would not be as foolish as to behave improperly now!
“Barrington.” His mother smiled brightly as they drew near, greeting Lord Banfield with the same warm smile she had given to Charles. “Are you quite all right?”
Glancing at the lady who his mother had been talking with, only to see her turn away to speak with another, Charles let out a long breath.
“Amelia,” he said, as his mother’s eyes flared wide. “Where is she?”
Lady Barrington reached out and pressed his arm.
“She is dancing,” she said, quietly. “My dear son, you are very good to be so concerned about your sister and, believe me, I quite understand your concern, but the gentleman she was with was most proper and promised to return her the moment the dance came to an end.”
Charles’ heart slammed hard into his chest as he looked up, suddenly realizing that there was no longer any music. He looked back at his mother, his mouth pulling into a grim line.
“Then, where is she?”
Silence grew between Charles and his mother as they looked all about them, with Lord Banfield’s brow furrowing hard where he stood beside them. The couples who had been dancing were now moving away, the ladies being returned to their mothers or companions, and the gentlemen bowing in evident gratitude. However, of Lady Amelia and her gentleman, there was no sign.
“This gentleman,” Charles said, firmly, looking towards his mother and seeing the paleness in her cheeks. “What was his name?”
“I – I have been introduced to him before,” his mother replied, weakly. “Amelia has been also. They have danced before. They –”
“His name, mother.”
Lady Barrington took in a long breath and closed her eyes, evidently steadying herself.
“It is Lord Havers,” she said, as Charles held his gaze fixed to her own, seeing how her eyes fluttered open. “As I have said, Barrington, he is not a new acquaintance.”
Charles grimaced.
“Which might make things all the worse,” he growled, looking to Banfield. “Are you acquainted with the gentleman? I do not think
