Hugh shrugged. “Let them. I have never cared for gossip, and I have no plans to start now. I find Parliament a more congenial place than any other through this endless season.”

“Well, you may not care that you are becoming a prize bore, but perhaps you should consider your sister.” Hadden took a pinch of snuff and sniffed, holding the jewelled box out to Hugh.

Hugh shook his head. “How so?”

Hadden narrowed his eyes. “I will just draw to your attention that Miss Selena has many admirers and you may not approve of them all.” He took a step back. “It’s no good looking at me like that, my dear fellow. I tell you only for your own good. Your charming and beautiful sister is in a way to taking London by storm. The most level head in the world can, as we know, be turned by too much admiration from the wrong quarters.” Hadden snapped the snuffbox shut and tucked it into the pocket of his waistcoat. “You have only to observe how the young men gather around Miss Selena in Hyde Park to see for yourself, even if you refuse to attend evening engagements.”

Hugh, more disturbed by this conversation than he would allow his friend to see, resolved to take more account of his sister’s activities. “Do you walk in the park this afternoon?” he asked as they breakfasted the next morning.

“Oh yes. Lucy and I propose to take the air.” Selena blushed. “Lucy’s mother will accompany us, of course.”

“Well, you may tell your friend’s mother, that unless she wishes to walk for her own health, she may hand you into my care, for I plan to see the sights myself.”

Selena blushed more deeply. “Oh. Oh,” she stammered. “Are you sure you would want…I mean, I thought you disliked parading through crowds. I’m sure you said as much the other day, when I suggested you accompany us to see the balloon flight.”

Hugh raised his eyebrows. “I have changed my mind and would be proud to accompany my sister on her walk.” His voice discouraged argument.

“Oh, then, thank you. I will send a note to Lucy.”

Selena smiled, but the smile did not reach her eyes. “I am sure she will be pleased, for I believe she has a little tender spot in her heart for you, dear brother, if the truth were told.”

“Well, then, I will endeavour to disabuse her of any such feeling and restore her heart to robust health.” He smiled. “Let us drive up Rotten Row in a carriage. An hour or so of my company will be bound to cure your friend of any foolish infatuation.”