The fact that he was not a particularly effusive father did not mean that he lacked compassion for anyone in trouble. His expectations for the behavior of gentlemen were fixed, and his outrage at hearing that Lady Amelia had been treated so poorly was entirely genuine. Selina had not told him the details of what would occur this evening, but had stated that his presence as a Duke was required at a certain time, and that Lord Banfield – whom her father had been introduced to on a previous occasion – would be the one to fetch him. Her father was, of course, intending to make his way to the card room almost at once, having no interest in dancing or the like, but he had promised to go with Lord Banfield the moment it was required.
“And this Lord Barrington of yours, Selina,” her father said abruptly, as the carriage began to slow. “Once this matter with his sister is at an end, I believe that he and I are to converse on a particular subject!” Selina caught her breath, staring across the carriage at her father and barely able to make out his features in the dim light. “He wrote to me,” her father explained, speaking a little more gently but with a smile in his voice. “He has requested to call at my earliest convenience. I am sure that you must know what it is he wishes to speak to me about?”
“I – I do, Father,” Selina replied, her voice a little thin, such was her surprise at hearing that Lord Barrington had been so eager. “You do not think to refuse him, I hope?”
The Duke laughed loudly and slapped his knee, making Selina smile with relief.
“Refuse an Earl?” he asked, as chuckles still escaped from him. “A gentleman who is more than suitable for my daughter and who, according to Lady Hayward, has been most attentive to you?” He shook his head as the carriage door was opened. “No, my dear Selina. I shall not refuse him. I only hope that he will continue to prove himself worthy.”
“I have no doubt that he will, Father,” Selina replied, her whole being flooded once more with happiness and relief. “Thank you.”
“Lady Selina.”
Selina felt herself stiffen at once as she heard the voice of Lord Havers near her. She did not turn around but rather remained precisely where she was, waiting for the moment to pass. Would Lord Havers insist on coming to speak to her? Would he insist on dancing with her, as he had already said he would do? Part of her struggled with the idea of being in his company for so long but, of course, she knew that she had no other choice. If the plan was to go ahead, then she had to make a show of being unwilling to dance with him whilst evidently being aware that she had no other choice.
“Lady Hayward.”
The tightness in her frame did not leave her as Selina turned her head to see Lord Havers bowing towards Lady Hayward. He had chosen his moment well, for she stood in a small group of gentlemen and ladies, who were all conversing with each other. To refuse him a dance now would mean making her dislike of the gentleman obvious and to do such a thing would, she was sure, only bring trouble and difficulty for Lady Amelia.
“You do recall our introduction, I hope?” Lord Havers continued, as Selina narrowed her eyes just a fraction. “I had hoped to peruse your dance card, Lady Selina.”
Hearing the small murmur of conversation from the others within the group, Selina let out a slow breath and lifted her chin.
“I do believe you will already be aware of my answer, Lord Havers,” she said, speaking so quietly that she was sure he would have to strain to hear her. “Why you should ask me such a thing again, I cannot imagine.”
“Because I simply must be permitted to dance with you, Lady Selina,” he replied, with another sharp inclination of his head. “Pray do not make me beg, Lady Selina, although I shall do such a thing if it is required. You will find me quite determined.”
“Lord Havers, good evening!”” came the voice of one of the young ladies in the group, who had clearly been listening to what was said, given the sharp look in her eye. “Are you seeking a dance partner for this evening?” She gestured to the others who stood nearby. “I am sure that you will find many a willing young lady here.”
Lord Havers chuckled and bowed again.
“Miss Lindale, you are very kind,” he said, with a smile that did not reach his eyes. “I shall be certain to ask as many as wish it from me, once I have chosen a dance from Lady Selina’s card.”
Selina closed her eyes for a moment, her lips pulling flat as Lord Havers grinned back at her, very aware of the situation he had put her in. With great reluctance, she handed him her dance card and he practically snatched it from her fingers, before hurriedly writing his name in not one but two spaces. With a triumphant look, he handed it back to her and Selina took it from him, hiding her satisfaction. Thankfully, Lord Barrington had written his name down for the waltz, which meant that Lord Havers had been required to choose from some of the others – although Selina was certain that he would have taken the
