The Duke’s jaw tightened.
“I should think not,” he grated, as Lord Telford’s shoulders dropped and his head lowered. “But surely you must realize that, as a Duke of the realm, there are a great many things which I am able to influence. Many things that I am able to say. And certainly, a great deal that I can do to make sure that you will never be able to lift your heads in society again!”
This seemed to finally defeat Lord Telford, for a groan escaped his lips as he ran one hand over his eyes. Lord Havers remained where he was, his head in his hands again and a great heaviness about his frame.
“Might I suggest that the rest of us depart and leave Lord Telford and Lord Havers to consider their actions?” Charles remarked, as a bright, contented smile spread across Lady Selina’s face. “Our task has come to an end. The ball is still in full swing and I, for one, feel cause to celebrate.”
“As do I,” Lady Hayward replied, taking Charles’ mother’s arm. Lady Barrington drew close to Charles and reached up to kiss his cheek, her eyes damp but a watery smile on her lips. Reassuring her quietly that all was well and that there was nothing further to fear, he thanked Lady Hayward for her part and watched them exit the room.
“I think,” the Duke said, as the others came close to him, “that I might remain for a time, Lord Barrington.”
Charles nodded, seeing how both Lord Telford and Lord Havers stiffened.
“But of course, Your Grace.”
“There are a few things I wish to say specifically to these gentlemen,” the Duke continued, gesturing for his daughter to go with Charles. “Thank you, Barrington.”
“Of course.” Charles offered Lady Selina his arm, as Banfield offered Lady Amelia his, and together, they left the room. The door closed tightly behind them and Charles let out a long breath, smiling first at his sister and then at Lady Selina. “It is done,” he said, as they both smiled back at him. “It is over. And now there is nothing left to block our way.”
The following afternoon, Charles found himself sitting in the drawing room with both Lady Selina and Lady Hayward, looking at them both and finding his heart so filled with relief that it was difficult to find the words to express it.
“How does the Duke fare?” he asked, as Lady Selina exchanged a quick glance with her chaperone.
“His Grace and I had a long discussion,” Lady Hayward said, a slight strain about her eyes. “Lady Selina was present also, of course, and I believe that he understands why things were done in such a specific way.”
Charles frowned, wondering if the Duke had questioned Lady Hayward’s actions.
“I hope it was not a difficult conversation,” he said slowly, as Lady Hayward again looked to her charge. “I am sorry if it was troubling.”
“It was difficult,” Lady Selina replied, with a small shrug. “My father did not want me to be at risk in any way, and yet that was the very reason I did not explain everything to him at the first.” She rose and made her way to ring the bell for tea. “He was very angry, of course, but it was not directed towards myself or Lady Hayward. Rather, it was entirely towards Lord Havers and Lord Telford. Once he realized just how safe I had been throughout the entirety of last evening, he became a little more calm, and expressed his gratitude about how well it had all been managed.” Her expression softened. “I know he is eager to speak to you also, Lord Barrington.”
“As I am with him, I assure you!” Charles replied, speaking honestly and feeling his heart swell with love as he looked into Lady Selina’s eyes. “You did very well last evening, Lady Selina. I am all the more in awe of your courage and fortitude.”
“That courage and fortitude only existed within me due to your presence nearby,” she replied, swiftly. “To know that you were there, that you were watching me, and making certain that I would not come to harm, brought me all the strength which I required.”
Charles smiled at her and, with a quick glance towards Lady Hayward, felt himself grow hot with the words that he wished to say to Lady Selina, but which he could not, given Lady Hayward’s presence.
“I must beg you to excuse me for a moment!” Lady Hayward rose suddenly. “I have left my needlework in the library and must have it at once!”
Lady Selina frowned.
“Surely a maid can….”
She trailed off, glancing towards Charles before color began to rise in her cheeks. Lady Hayward chuckled and then made her way to the door.
“I will be but a few minutes, Lord Barrington,” she said, in a warning tone. “Do be wise.”
Charles nodded and immediately turned again to Lady Selina, whose pink cheeks only brought him a swell of gladness in his heart. She knew what he wanted to say, surely?
“Lady Selina, the matter with my sister and Lord Telford is now at an end,” he said, pushing himself from his chair and coming to stand before her. Holding out one hand to her, he waited until she had taken it before he gently pulled her to her feet, aware that she was closer to him than ever before. Her golden hair curled gently around her temples like a crown, her eyes were bright with hope and happiness.
“I will speak to your father very soon,” he continued, softly, “but before I do so, I want you to know the truth of my heart.”
“Speak it, Lord Barrington,” came the gentle reply. “I
