Lady Selby smiled at the young foreigner's display of deference. "Not at all, Mr. Du Pond. It would seem you are a great favorite wherever you go. I wouldn't dream of denying my guests the pleasure of your company." There was only the slightest hint of sarcasm in her tone, a subtle reprimand, or a warning, rather, wrapped in friendly encouragement. He was a welcome guest, but he was not to take her for a fool. She had not lived sixty-two years, traveling the world, without learning a thing or two about people.

He was an accomplished charmer, she had to admit, and she suspected that this accounted at least in part for his successful reception in Whitby's high society. She wondered what lay beneath all the charm. A rake, she suspected, or a gold-digger. Maybe both. Maybe more. She had met her share of charming young men during her lifetime. It didn't bother her. Well-bred young ladies from good families didn't fall for men like him. He was only a potential risk to silly girls from lesser families, social climbers with money and education, but no real breeding, and probably a lack of parental oversight. Speaking of which... "I've paired you with Miss Catherine Ennington. Have you met her?"