The protest that jumped to Charles’ lips the moment Banfield finished speaking was only held back with great effort. Everything in him wanted to deny that he had any sort of consideration for Lady Selina but to do so would go against the steadily increasing regard he had for her within his heart.
“There is no shame in admitting such a thing,” Banfield continued, a little more quietly. “She is quite an extraordinary young lady, and I doubt very much that you should find another like her in all of London!”
Charles’ brows lowered as he studied his friend.
“It sounds as though you are a little taken with her yourself, Banfield,” he replied, his heart quickening just a little as he spoke. “If you are considering her, then I shall not –”
Banfield laughed, cutting Charles off quickly.
“My dear Barrington, I have no consideration for Lady Selina in that particular regard,” he said, sending such a crashing wave of relief over Charles that he was forced to take in a deep breath, surprising even himself by just how much he felt. “In fact, I believe I have found a young lady that I am considering.”
Charles’ interest was piqued immediately.
“Oh?” he repeated, looking back at Banfield, his brow lifting. “And who might that be?”
Banfield’s response was held back for a moment by the return of the footman. With glass in hand, Charles gestured for his friend to continue, truly eager to know who the gentleman had discovered. These last two weeks, Banfield had done nothing other than be near Lady Amelia, and whilst Charles had been very grateful for his increased attention towards his sister, he had been anxious that his friend was missing his own opportunities to meet other young ladies, given that he wanted very much to wed.
“If you do not take kindly to my interest in this particular young lady, I shall quite understand,” Banfield replied, slowly, although his brow furrowed and he looked away from Charles. “Indeed, I would be quite understanding, regardless of how I might feel myself.”
Charles frowned.
“I do not understand, Banfield. I–”
“It is Lady Amelia.”
Banfield’s words seemed to hang in the air between them, until Charles could hardly breathe. His eyes widened and he looked back at Banfield with shock rushing through him, whilst his friend merely shrugged and then, after a few moments, looked away.
Charles could not quite take in what his friend had said. Banfield was taken with Charles’ sister? Yes, he had known Lady Amelia for longer than any other gentleman of the ton, but surely that meant that he knew all of her foibles, her faults and failings? Never once had he expected a gentleman such as Banfield to consider the flighty, foolish lady that was his sister.
“I do not understand,” Charles replied, after taking a sip of his brandy. “Amelia? You are considering her?”
“We – we are considering each other,” Banfield replied, slowly. “There has been an acquaintance between us for some time, as you know, but in the last two weeks our friendship has grown steadily. I have found myself eager for her company, and she the same for mine.”
“But it is Amelia!” Charles protested, weakly. “I have spoken to you of her many times, have told you all of the frustrations and difficulties that I have had to endure because of her! Surely, Banfield, you can see the truth of her character?”
Banfield said nothing for a few moments, although the look in his eyes told Charles that he had, in some way, upset his friend. A swirl of confusion broke through his mind and he let out a long breath, rubbing one hand over his forehead.
“Do you not believe, Barrington, that your sister can change her ways?” Banfield asked softly, as Charles frowned hard. “The incident with Lord Telford has struck a warning note within her, and made her consider her behavior and her manner. She has spoken to me of her sorrow at causing you so much pain and frustration and, quite frankly, Barrington, I believe her to be truthful.” He shrugged. “If you do not, then I can understand your reasons for it but I will state, quite plainly, that you are wrong.”
Charles’ frown began to lift as a slight stab of guilt jabbed at his heart.
“I – I had not considered that,” he said, honestly. “But can you be speaking the truth, Banfield?” He searched his friend’s face and saw nothing but honesty there. “You have come to care for Amelia?”
“I should like to court her,” Banfield replied, honestly. “I have asked her for her opinion also, of course, and she has begged me to seek your approval first.” A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I believe that she is greatly concerned about what you will think of her.”
Blowing out a long breath, and letting the surprise of what his friend had asked sink into his heart, Charles raked one hand through his hair again and then, after a moment, nodded.
“Very well!” he exclaimed, as Banfield grinned. “I am sorry, Banfield, that I did not appear delighted immediately. I confess that I am still a little overcome with surprise at your request, but I shall not hold you back from my sister, if that is truly something you both wish for.”
“It is,” Banfield replied, with such a broad smile that Charles could not help but grin. “And should it all work out as I hope, then Lady Amelia will be free of Lord Telford and Lord Havers’ manipulations within a few short months.”
Charles took a moment to realize what his friend meant.
“You mean to marry her,” he said, slowly, his grin fading just a little. “And that way, she will be free from Lord Telford’s manipulations.”
“That
