“Because they have already blackmailed Lord Barrington and have him under their control,” Lady Selina interrupted, her voice still quiet, but her eyes no longer holding the shock which he had seen only moments before. “If the bet is placed and it is to do with me, then they will feel as though they are not only able to achieve it, they will be eager to do so, given just how poorly they know I think of them.”
“Lord Telford believes that Lady Selina was aware of his involvement with Lord Havers,” Charles explained, as the others began to murmur to each other. “He has already attempted to pull her away in order to do the very same with her as he did to Amelia. Of course, he did not succeed, and thus, I believe that he has all the more reason to attempt to take on the bet.”
Lady Hayward shook her head.
“I do not like this suggestion,” she said, as Lady Selina reached across to put a hand over hers. “It places Lady Selina in great danger.”
“But there will be none,” Lady Selina replied, before Charles could say anything. “I trust Lord Barrington. I am sure that, if he states that I will be protected and that the sole purpose is to make certain that Lord Havers and Lord Telford are blackmailed in the same way that they also have blackmailed others, then I cannot easily refuse.”
Lady Hayward shook her head, but Charles knew that Lady Selina was determined. He himself did not like such an idea and certainly had turned away from it many times in his mind, before realizing, slowly, that there was nothing else for them to do.
“I will make certain that the bet is placed, although under another gentleman’s name,” he said, slowly, thinking hard. “It will be clear and determined. And I will inform you of it the moment it is done, Lady Selina.” She nodded, even though there remained a dark frown on Lady Hayward’s face. “I thank you for your trust in me, Lady Selina,” Charles finished, gratitude and anxiety twining together within his heart. “Be assured, I will not let you down.”
Her smile was warm, her eyes bright.
“I have no doubt of that, Lord Barrington,” she said, filling his heart with affection for her all over again. “No doubt at all.”
Chapter Eleven
Selina felt as though every part of her was trembling. Stepping into the ballroom no longer brought her any enjoyment but, instead, only fear.
“I will say it again,” Lady Hayward said firmly, as they walked in together. “I do not like this situation.”
“And yet, you allow it?”
Lady Hayward shook her head and looked at Selina with a steady gaze.
“I believe that a young lady ought to decide her own future, Lady Selina,” she said, quietly. “I am sure that you are aware of that, given what you witnessed with both of your older sisters.”
“I am,” Selina replied, quietly. “I know that you would not put me in danger, Lady Hayward. And I am grateful to you for permitting me my own choice.”
“There is a fondness in your heart for Lord Barrington,” Lady Hayward stated, unequivocally. “I believe it is returned. I will confess that I believe it a good match, but I can also see, in addition, that there must be an end to the matter with Lord Telford before such a thing can even be considered.” She shook her head. “Believe me, Lady Selina, I very much hope that Lord Telford will face the consequences of his actions, but I also wish very much that you were not involved.”
Selina smiled at her chaperone, trying to hide her own anxiety.
“I am aware of that, Lady Hayward and, truth be told, I find myself thinking the very same. But I am willing to do what I must, in order to bring an end to such a dreadful thing – not only for Lady Amelia’s sake but for the other young ladies who might then be set in Lord Telford’s path.”
Lady Hayward smiled grimly.
“I must hope that all that Lord Barrington and Lord Banfield have planned will work without difficulty,” she said, as Selina nodded fervently in agreement. “But as you have said, you must be on your guard against him, Lady Selina. We cannot permit Lord Telford to strike out against you until the situation is set.”
“I am aware of that,” Selina replied, softly, looking around her. “Have no doubt, Lady Hayward, I will remain close to you and to Lord Barrington, should it be required of me.”
“I am glad to hear it.” She turned, having started slightly at the sound of Lord Barrington’s voice. “But recall, if you will,” he continued, “that you must make certain to dance with Lord Telford, should he ask you to do so. I have little doubt that he will seek to build up even a modicum of trust within you. He will return you to Lady Hayward without delay and will not seek to do as he has done in the past.”
“You mean to say that you do not think it will be Lord Telford who will attempt to take Selina?” Lady Hayward asked, as Lord Barrington nodded. “But she is not yet introduced to Lord Havers!”
“A matter I expect to be rectified within a few short days,” came the reply. “Lord Havers will find a way to make your acquaintance, Lady Selina. I expect that it will be he who attempts to steal you away, when the time comes.”
She nodded and hid her shudder.
“Then the bet is placed?” Lady Hayward asked, as Lord Barrington nodded. “Might I ask who wrote it?”
At this, Lord Barrington’s face broke into a wide smile. “I have an acquaintance named Lord Donaldson, who hails from Scotland. He is always eager to be involved in any such scheme and, I confess, is inclined to indulge in too much liquor. I spoke
