Rolling his eyes, Charles picked up his brandy and took a sip.
“Then you can be no help whatsoever,” he said, with a heavy sigh. “Already, my sister – who has only just made her debut, I might add – has become demanding, thoughtless and, I confess, a little arrogant.” Quickly, he related what had occurred with the bills that had been given to him by the various shopkeepers whom his sister had visited, seeing the way Lord Banfield’s eyes widened. “She has been given many new gowns and all manner of things,” he finished, “but yet believes that she still requires more.”
Lord Banfield ran one hand over his eyes and sat back in his chair.
“I can offer you nothing save to say that what you have done thus far, I believe, is a wise course of action. She will not thank you for it at present, of course, but you must continue to be firm.”
“Thank you,” Charles replied, raising his glass in a mock toast before taking a sip. “My mother, unfortunately, appears to be very much on the side of my sister and will, of course, make her feelings on the matter known to me very soon. I fully intend to be quite clear with her also, of course, knowing full well that she also will not appreciate my attempts to steer Amelia in the right direction.” He let out a long breath and shook his head. “The sooner I find her a match, the better.”
Lifting his brows, Lord Banfield looked back at him.
“You mean to say that you shall not allow her any choice in the matter?”
“I fully intend to allow her to enjoy the Season, if that is what you mean,” Charles replied. “But I do not think that she will be able to make any sort of wise decision when it comes to the gentlemen of the ton. Most likely, she will be drawn to a most unsuitable sort and I shall have to insist that he is not appropriate for her and then face the consequences of such a decision!” Rolling his eyes, he sighed with frustration. “Would that I was here in London alone!”
“Ah, the responsibilities that come with the title,” Lord Banfield replied, with a grimace. “I myself am come to London in the hope of securing a future for myself.” He cast a quick glance towards Charles and then looked away, clearing his throat as though embarrassed. “I mean to find a bride.”
Charles’ eyes widened and he sat up a little straighter in his chair.
“You?” he repeated, as though he could not quite believe what he had heard. “You seek a bride?”
“I must,” Lord Banfield answered with a small shrug lifting his shoulders. “If I am to continue the family line, then it is expected of me. With no younger brother to claim the title should anything happen to me, then it would all go to a most undeserving cousin who, I believe, is simply praying for the day that I might fall from my horse or be shot in a duel.” He winced and picked up his brandy. “It is important that I marry.”
A sudden thought slammed into Charles’ mind and he could not help but chuckle.
“I do have a sister who is looking to make a match,” he said, as Lord Banfield laughed. “If you are struggling to find a match, then might I suggest her to you?”
“After all you have told me of her, after the many claims you have made of her arrogance and her thrifty ways, I hardly think you have encouraged me!” Lord Banfield laughed, as Charles winced. “But I shall, of course, make certain to dance with her during a ball or two. She is your sister after all.”
“And I am sure she will be very grateful for it.”
Lord Banfield lapsed into silence for a few minutes, then gestured with his brandy towards Charles.
“And you?” he asked, all trace of mirth gone. “I know you have been busy with your sister’s debut but have you any thought of matrimony? Is there any young lady amongst the ton who has caught your attention?”
Charles shook his head.
“None,” he replied, his lips twisting. “Last evening I was in the company of Lady Prudence – do you recall her? This is her third Season, I believe, so she must certainly be looking for a husband! Her mother, despite her best efforts, has been unable to curb that young lady’s tongue. She speaks much too fondly of herself, flirts outrageously and does nothing at all to endear herself to anyone.” With a small shrug, he threw back the rest of his brandy. “But it means very little to me, given that I have no intention whatsoever of marrying this Season. No, I am determined to give all of my attentions and my energy to my sister, so that she might find contentment and, in doing so, bring the very same to me also!”
Lord Banfield grinned.
“I will pray you have success,” he replied. “Now, would you like to join a small gathering I am to have in a few days’ time?”
Charles looked at him in surprise.
“Already? You have organized such a thing within only two days of being in London?”
“I am to find a wife, am I not?” Lord Banfield replied, as though Charles ought to realize why such a thing made sense. “Therefore, I ought to be doing all I can to meet eligible young ladies and deciding which of them I might consider. I am not about to rush into any sort of betrothal without making sure that I am
