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It was a load of horse manure if he’d ever heard one, but he chose to play along. “You act as her guardian, then,” he offered, hoping she would expound.
“Our mother would have wanted it,” she replied nobly. “Life is filled with disappointments. I would save Victoria from them if I could, but she seems resolved to turn her path into the wind, despite all of my efforts to the contrary. Still, I must do what I can. It is my duty to see to her safety.”
He stared at her profile, at the rigid determination written on her features, and the worry. Disappointments. He was beginning to understand. Despite her disparaging comments, this was not a matter of sisterly jealousy, as he’d first thought. Amelia really wanted to protect her sister.
But from what? What had happened to make her so cynical?
Later. Right now, the only thing that was important was that he had the key. Now it was time to see if he could turn the lock and open the door. “I do not like to speak ill of anyone, either, especially a friend. Therefore, I shall only say that, while I can assure you his affection for your sister is quite genuine at the present, Withington’s devotion is not likely to persist for very long.”
Her eyes widened. “What do you mean, exactly?”
Withy is going to be furious. “He has yet to meet the woman who can hold his heart for more than a short time. That said, as besotted with him as your sister appears, I fear she may suffer a broken heart at his hands.”
Amelia’s chin again lifted, her mouth firming into a grim line. When she spoke, her tone was about as warm as winter frost. “A bruised heart is one thing. The real question here is whether or not my sister is in danger of being debauched by your friend.”
Julius was barely able to conceal his astonishment. Victoria’s description of her sister as “direct” was a grave understatement. “I can hardly say, my lady.” Then, an idea struck him. “But I am afraid that his reputation is somewhat, well, less than sterling.” I take it back. Withy is going to kill me.
After a pregnant pause, she finally responded. “Pray tell me, my lord, since you know him so very well, what do you think I ought to do?”
It was just the opening he’d hoped for. “Though he appears, for the moment, to be enamored of her, I believe him to also be interested in you, my lady.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I have seen him in this state before, you understand,” he told her. “He finds you both appealing and is torn between the liking of one of you over the other.”
“And this is helpful how?”
“Not to seem rude, but you are older and wiser than your sister and fully aware of his nature. As such, you are unlikely to lose your head over him. If you were able to somehow distract him, encourage him to favor you over her…”
Her gaze took on a faraway look, and he could almost see her turning over the idea in her mind.
“But you cannot do it alone,” he mused aloud. “Someone must be there to occupy your sister. Why not let me help?”
One elegant blond brow lifted. “Forgive me for saying it, but I doubt you would be of much use in distracting her. You heard her complaining about you earlier, for which I must apologize. And yet there it is, another example of how she behaves like a recalcitrant child.”
“I am no fool, my lady,” he said with a half smile. “I realize your sister finds me old and uninteresting, but as long as I am present, I can at least see that Withington makes no gains in his pursuit of her.”
Her eyes took on a calculating gleam. “Your strategy has some merit. If she is kept busy running from you, she will have little time to encourage his affections. I mean no o
ffense, of course,” she added quickly. “As I said earlier, she is young and impetuous. Anyone else would see at once that you are the more worthy gentleman.”
“No offense taken, Lady Amelia.” He bowed. “My offer stands. If you wish my aid, I am at your service.”
She bit her lip. “My lord, I appreciate your generosity, but I cannot ask you to sacrifice yourself in such a manner. You have done nothing to warrant such punishment.”
“I must disagree, my lady,” he told her with vehemence. “This is entirely my fault. You see, I had only just been introduced to your sister earlier this evening when I was interrupted and called away. I left her in Withington’s care. I should have chosen a better companion for her, but I did not think I would be away so long or that the repercussions would be such as they are.”
She frowned for a moment, but then seemed to accept his story. “Very well. If such is your motivation, then I cannot but accept your offer of assistance and be grateful for your noble spirit. What do you suggest?”
He refrained from smiling. “Under the guise of desiring to court you, I shall speak with my father and then approach Richmond. You, in turn, must allow Withington to pursue your sister. I shall encourage him to speak to Richmond, as well—so that she might have the protection of an official courtship to stay any rumors.”
“Courtship?” she said with dismay. “But they only just met tonight. Do you think he can be persuaded?”
“I think he shall, for I will give him little other choice,” Julius replied, maintaining a stern expression as he nodded toward the ballroom floor, where Victoria was even now whispering something in Withy’s ear.
The color drained from Amelia’s cheeks as she followed his gaze.
In truth, Julius was hard put not to laugh. Amelia had only seen her sister brazenly pressed up against her dance partner, but he had seen Withy’s face. It was clear from the man’s expression that Victoria was trying her best to coerce him—no doubt into saving her from him—and that Withy wanted no part of it.
