A Love Unbroken: A Regency Romance (Landon House Book 3) Read online

  “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 is my intention with courtship, yes,” Banfield replied, with a chuckle. “And whilst it does not prevent Lord Telford from doing the same to others, it does mean that he cannot hold Lady Amelia, or you, tight in his hand any longer.”

  “No,” Charles agreed, slowly, looking away from his friend and returning his gaze to the fire which still burned merrily in the grate. “It does not. And that is a very great relief, Banfield, for I still have no solution as to what we might do to prevent Lord Telford and Lord Havers from doing as they wish.”

  Banfield’s smile began to fade as he lifted his brandy glass to his mouth.

  “Nor I, I confess,” he replied, with a shake of his head. “They appear to have the upper hand.”

  Charles let out another great sigh and shook his head, wishing that he had come to some sort of conclusion about the matter.

  “I have put Lady Selina in danger also,” he muttered, a little ashamed. “After last evening, I now expect to receive a note requesting further funds in order for them to remain silent about my sister – and all because I prevented Lord Telford from taking Lady Selina far from her chaperone.”

  Seeing Banfield’s confusion and recalling that he had not yet told his friend about what had happened, Charles quickly told the tale. He did not fail to mention that he had lost his temper and had practically thrown accusations at Lord Telford, such that there had been very little doubt in the gentleman’s mind that someone must have known of his and Lord Havers discussions.

  “You cannot blame yourself,” Banfield said, once Charles had finished. “I am certain that Lady Selina does not.”

  “No, she does not,” Charles replied, with a wry smile. “She should be holding me responsible, of course, but she does not do so. Instead, she is kind and generous of spirit, which is just as I would expect from the lady.” Banfield’s brow rose but he said nothing. “If there was a way for me to return the very same to Lord Telford as he gives to others, then I would do so in an instant,” Charles finished, heavily. “But as it stands, my mind simply cannot come up with any solution.”

  Banfield took another sip of his brandy and then turned quickly back towards Charles. His eyes widened and leaning forward, he reached across to slap his hand down on the arm of Charles’ chair.

  “That is it precisely, old boy!”

  Charles frowned.

  “What do you mean?”

  “To do the very same to him, as Lord Telford does to others!” Banfield exclaimed, excitement filling him. “The gentleman must be lured into a trap, the like of that which he has designed for others to fall into. Lord Havers also! We must find a situation where they are caught in a compromising circumstance, one way or the other and, in doing so, we will have enough hold over them to make certain that they do not do any such thing again!” Charles let the idea rush through his mind for a moment or two before, slowly, he began to nod. “I do not know what such a situation could be,” Banfield continued, speaking very quickly indeed, as though he had to have his thoughts spoken before they flew from him. “But I am certain that, together, we might think of something!”

  “And there would be a good deal still to plan, given that we would have to somehow convince both gentlemen to place themselves in such a situation without any awareness that they might be in danger,” Charles added, as Banfield nodded fervently. “But you are correct to state that they would not be able to return to what they have been doing thus far, if we were to seize control of such a situation.” The idea began to blossom in his mind, sending a surge of hope all through Charles. “I am aware, of course, that you would be protecting Amelia should she become your wife, but I do not want Lord Telford and Havers to continue on this path, regardless of just how protected my own sister might be.”

  “Neither do I,” Banfield replied, firmly. “Might I suggest, then, that we discuss the matter over dinner tomorrow evening? Lady Hayward and Lady Selina are still attending, are they not?”

  Charles nodded, his sense of brooding melancholy leaving him at once.

  “They are,” he said, as Banfield nodded in satisfaction. “Finally, it feels as though we are in control.”

  “All we need now is a real plan,” Banfield quipped, as Charles chuckled. “But I am sure that, come the morrow, we will have something in place.”

  “I have little doubt of it,” Charles replied, grinning. “Lord Telford will find himself entirely undone – and I, for one, shall be very glad to see it.”

  “Lady Selina.”

  The way she smiled up at him made Charles’ stomach twist as a flush of heat began to rise up his neck. There was such a beauty about her that he could hardly take it in, knowing that her character was one of kindness, of consideration and of generosity. The flecks of gold he had seen before in her hazel eyes were all the more obvious this evening, reflecting the light from the candles and making his breath catch in his chest.

  “Good evening, Lord Barrington,” she replied, as Lady Hayward moved to speak to his mother, leaving them to converse alone. “Thank you for inviting us this evening.”

  He inclined his head in the desperate hope of hiding the heat which had climbed into his cheeks.

  “But of course,” he replied, looking back at her. “I am very glad you are able to join us. I have come to greatly appreciate your company.”

  Her cheeks colored just a little and she dropped her gaze for a moment.

  “You have not seen Lord Telford again, I hope?” he asked, as Lady Selina shook her head. “I hope that, this evening, we will be able to discuss a way forward with this matter. A way that will make certain that Lord Telford cannot continue with such dark intentions.”

  Lady Selina blinked, then smiled.

  “Oh, I should be very glad to hear of any suggestions!” she exclaimed, as Charles smiled at her obvious eagerness. “I do hope I will be able to contribute something, of course. Lady Amelia has become something of a friend and I confess that I am very concerned for her.” Her eyes drifted towards where Lady Amelia and Lord Banfield stood, talking quietly together. “Although,” Lady Selina continued slowly, allowing her gaze to rest upon Charles once more. “I have wondered if she has more of a protector in Lord Banfield?”

  Charles looked towards his sister and saw Banfield press Lady Amelia’s hand for just a moment, before releasing it. There was a happiness in his heart that had not been there before, a happiness that he was now glad to share.

  “It seems that Banfield has taken something of a liking to my sister, even though he has known her for some time,” he said, as Lady Selina’s eyes flared. “He asked me only last evening if he might be permitted to court her.”

  Lady Selina pressed one hand to her heart.

  “And what did you answer him, Lord Barrington?” Her eyes widened and she dropped her head. �
��Forgive me, that was not a question I should have asked. It is an entirely private matter, of course.”

  Charles laughed softly and Lady Selina looked up.

  “My dear Lady Selina, you have nothing to apologize for,” he said, warmly. “And you have every right to ask, given that you have become so closely acquainted with my sister – something I am very grateful for.”

  Lady Selina said nothing, but lifted her eyes to his, clearly waiting in anticipation for what he would say about Lord Banfield.

  “And, of course,” he continued, “I told Banfield that I should be very happy indeed for him to court my sister. I believe that he is an excellent gentleman and, whilst I will confess myself surprised that such an intimacy has grown between them, I am very glad indeed for the connection.”

  “As am I,” Lady Selina replied, surprising Charles somewhat. Evidently, it seemed, his sister had spoken to Lady Selina of her eagerness for Banfield’s courtship before it had even been mentioned to him! “I believe they will do very well together,” she finished, as Charles nodded.

  “I could not agree more,” he said, just as dinner was announced.

  Offering her his arm, he waited as she looked up in surprise, before accepting with a glad smile. Together, they walked through to the dining room to sit down for dinner.

  “And so, we must find a way to ensure that Lord Telford and Lord Havers are themselves found in a situation where they cannot escape without great consequence,” Lord Banfield finished as the others listened. “We have not yet been able to think of such a situation, however.”

  Charles nodded as the others glanced at each other, clearly thinking hard.

  “Might they be tempted with a gamble?” Lady Hayward suggested, as Charles’ mother nodded fervently. “I know that many gentlemen might be willing to do such a thing.”

  “I do not think they would do so,” Lady Selina replied, her cheeks coloring as everyone looked at her at once. “They are very eager to keep the wealth that they have gained for themselves, before going out to seek more. Surely they would not, therefore, be willing to gamble some of it away?”

  “I am inclined to agree with you there,” Charles rumbled as Banfield rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “And such a situation might appear much too obvious.”

  “They will be on their guard,” Lady Barrington said slowly. “They will be aware, Barrington, that you are most displeased and might wish to retaliate in some fashion.”

  “Which means it cannot appear to come from you,” Lady Selina added, as Lady Barrington nodded. “They must believe that they have the upper hand. That they are in control.”

  Charles hesitated, an idea beginning to form in the very edges of his mind.

  “Might I suggest, then,” he said, speaking quietly, “that we place a bet in White’s betting book?”

  He looked to Banfield, who frowned.

  “Is betting not the same as gambling?” Lady Amelia asked, but Charles shook his head.

  “A bet can be made on any given subject, - it is not always a matter in which chance plays a part, but may be something where skill or other influences may affect the outcome,” he said, slowly. “And if you are quite determined that you can achieve whatever the bet requires, then a vast deal of money is within your grasp. And given that both gentlemen are eager to add to their wealth, it would seem that their willingness to achieve such a thing might overtake their sensible considerations.”

  Everyone nodded, but there still remained a great many questions which Charles knew he would have to answer.

  “What bet is it that you are thinking of presenting to them?” Banfield asked, as a murmur or interest ran around the table. “It will have to be something they can achieve.”

  Charles’ heart began to burn in his chest as he glanced towards Lady Selina. He knew what he might suggest, knew what he could put in place, but the risk to her was great. She met his gaze, looking back at him steadily and, within a few moments, her eyes had widened and her color faded entirely as she somehow realized what he was thinking.

  “You would use me,” she said, breathlessly. “Is that not so?”

  Profound silence filled the room as everyone first turned to Lady Selina and then, with wide eyes and shocked expressions, looked back towards Charles.

  “It would be a bet which they would both wish to achieve, and would believe they could achieve,” he said, reluctantly. “We would have to be on our guard, of course, and make certain that, when they step forward to achieve their goal, they are discovered and shamed for their actions.”

  “Which would, in turn, leave them to your mercy,” Lady Amelia said, as Charles nodded, barely lifting his eyes from Lady Selina. “But why should it be Lady Selina that you use, Barrington? Could I not –”

  “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 ve
ry 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.”