by Amanda Quick
“Damn you, St. Justin, I am telling you the truth. I never touched her.”
“Yes, I know,” Gideon said patiently. “The fact that she saved herself from you is all well and good, but that does not make up for the insult. As a gentleman yourself, I am certain you understand perfectly well what my duty in this matter is.”
Morland stared at him, his expression a mixture of fury and desperation. “She is lying, I tell you. I do not know why, but she is lying. Listen to me, St. Justin. We were friends once. You can trust me.”
Gideon studied him. “Are you actually suggesting I take your word over that of my wife?”
“Yes, damn you, yes. Why should you trust her? She was forced to marry you because you compromised her. I know all about it. The gossip was all over Town while you were gone.”
“Was it really? Well, the gossip does not much matter now, does it? I married the lady. In Society’s eyes, that takes care of everything, as we both know.”
“But you cannot trust her,” Morland said. “She does not love you. No more than Deirdre did. How could any woman want you, with that ruined face of yours? Your wife was forced to accept your offer of marriage just as Deirdre was forced into it.”
“I am surprised you would bring up Deirdre’s name,” Gideon said softly. “After what you did to her.”
Morland’s mouth worked for a few seconds, but no sound came out. “After what I did to her? What the devil are you talking about now?”
“She told me the name of her seducer that night she came to see me,” Gideon said. “She flew into a rage when I refused to fall for her scheme. I thought it rather odd, you see, that she had suddenly found me so overwhelmingly attractive she could no longer wait until marriage.”
“She hated the sight of you.”
“Yes. She made that quite clear the night I turned down her very generous offer. She was very angry. In her rage she told me a great deal about you, Morland. How you loved her but could not marry her because you were inconvenienced with a wife. How you had suggested she seduce me after she discovered she was pregnant. How you and she planned to continue your affair after her marriage to me.”
Morland wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Deirdre was lying.”
“She was?”
“Of course she was,” Morland screamed. “And you knew it. You must have known it. Otherwise you would have … have …”
“Challenged you six years ago? To what purpose? It was you she wanted and she had given herself to you willingly. She made her choice. And as she made it plain she could not bear the sight of me, why would I bother to challenge you over her? Killing you would have accomplished nothing.”
“She lied.” Morland clenched his fist and slammed it against his chair in a gesture of enraged frustration. “Damnation, they are both lying.”
“My wife does not lie,” Gideon said quietly. “And I do not tolerate insults to her. Name your seconds.”
“I am not going to name any seconds,” Morland said thickly.
“Ah,” said Gideon, “I see you are too unsettled from your recent wound to think of the names of two men who can be trusted to handle the details of our encounter for you. Very well, I shall give you some time.”
“Time?” Morland was suddenly very alert.
“Certainly. You shall have tonight. I shall send my seconds to call on you first thing tomorrow morning. By then you should have thought of two names. Good evening, Morland. I look forward to our meeting.” Gideon turned toward the door.
“Wait.” Morland moved forward with a jerky motion. His hand struck the brandy glass and it toppled to the carpet. “I said wait, damn you. You cannot challenge me. Think of the gossip.”
Gideon smiled. “I assure you the thought of gossip does not trouble me. I have had six long years to grow accustomed to the worst that Society can offer in that regard. That reminds me, I almost forgot something.”
Morland straightened in increased alarm as Gideon walked back to him. “What is this? Stay away from me, St. Justin.”
“I believe that to be strictly correct about this, I am supposed to slap you across the face with my glove, am I not? Allow me.”
Gideon bunched his hand into a tight fist and slammed it straight into Morland’s jaw.
Morland crumpled to the floor with a muffled groan.
Gideon stood over him. “I apologize for very nearly overlooking the formalities. When one has been out of Society as long as I have, one occasionally forgets all the little things that are expected of a true gentleman.”
The next stop, Gideon decided, would be his clubs. Morland was not the only one who was obliged to come up with the names of two men who would handle the details of the challenge. Gideon also needed seconds. And as he did not possess a single close friend in Society, the choice was limited.
Fortunately Harriet had acquired several friends.
Gideon found young Applegate sitting in the main room of his St. James Street club. Fry was with him. They both looked up warily when they realized Gideon was advancing on them.
“Good evening, gentlemen.” Gideon sat down and helped himself to a glass of claret from Fry’s bottle. “I am pleased to see you here. I need a favor.”
Fry’s eyes widened in alarm.
The glass in Applegate’s hand trembled slightly, but he looked at Gideon with a resolute expression. “If you have come to issue your challenge, sir, I am ready.”
Gideon smiled. “Nonsense. My wife has explained the little matter of her abduction. I am quite prepared to let bygones be bygones.”
“I say.” Fry squinted. “You are?”
“Certainly. I would like to discuss a completely different matter with you.”
Applegate frowned in confusion. “What is that?”
Gideon leaned back in his chair and surveyed Applegate and Fry. “I am certain you will both be extremely distressed to learn that my wife has been insulted by Mr. Bryce Morland.”
Fry and Applegate glanced at each other and then back at Gideon.
Applegate scowled. “Never did like that fellow. What did the bastard say to her?”
“The exact words are neither here nor there,” Gideon murmured. “Suffice it to say that I consider the matter a grave offense and intend to seek satisfaction. I require two men who can be trusted to act as my seconds. Would either or both of you care to volunteer?”
Applegate blinked and looked at Fry, who looked equally taken aback.
“I say,” Fry muttered.
“You have issued a challenge to Morland?” Applegate asked cautiously.
“I had no alternative under the circumstances,” Gideon explained. “Matter of honor, you see. The man insulted my wife.”
Applegate’s frown intensified. “Cannot have Morland running about insulting Lady St. Justin.”
“My sentiments exactly,” Gideon said.
Fry’s whiskers twitched. “Always thought Morland was a bit unsavory. Something entirely too smooth about him. Not surprised to hear he’s stepped over the line.”
Applegate nodded soberly. “Yes, there have been occasional rumors about him. Mostly concerning the rather unpleasant habits he indulges when he visits the brothels. Mere speculation, of course. Still, one cannot be too careful of his sort.”
“I intend to make certain he does not bother my wife again in future,” Gideon said. “May I have your assistance?”
Applegate drew himself up and squared his shoulders. He appeared dazed, but there was a dawning enthusiasm in his eyes. “Never done this sort of thing before. Generally concentrated on fossil toes until now. But I expect I can handle it. Certainly, sir. I would be honored to act as your second.”
“So would I.” There was a suppressed glitter in Fry’s eyes. He flushed a dark red. “I say. Honored, sir. You may leave all the details to us. We shall call upon Morland first thing in the morning.”
“Excellent.” Gideon got to his feet. “I am in your debt, gentlemen.”
The noti
on of having the Beast of Blackthorne Hall in their debt was clearly a stunning one for both Fry and Applegate. Gideon left them sitting there with expressions of astonishment on their faces.
Out on the street in front of the club Gideon hailed a passing carriage, gave the address of his townhouse, and vaulted up inside the vehicle.
He contemplated the darkened streets while he went over his preparations. He did not doubt the loyalty of his seconds. Applegate and Fry would clearly do anything for Harriet. They had proven that when they had kidnapped her and risked the wrath of the Beast of Blackthorne Hall.
He was also quite certain that they would be unable to keep quiet about their roles as seconds. He had seen the excitement in their eyes. Neither had ever dabbled in the manly art of the duel. They were accustomed to thinking of themselves as men of science, not men of action.
Being asked to serve as seconds in a matter of honor had clearly given them both a new image of themselves.
Morland was quite right. The gossip about the challenge would be all over Town by breakfast tomorrow.
Which was just what Gideon wanted.
He alighted from the carriage a few minutes later and made his way up the steps of his townhouse. Owl greeted him at the door.
“Lady St. Justin requests that you go to her immediately, sir,” Owl said with a foreboding expression.
“Thank you, Owl.” Gideon handed over his hat and gloves. “Where is she?”
“Her bedchamber, I believe, sir.”
Gideon nodded and started up the stairs, two at a time. When he reached the landing he turned down the hall, stopped in front of Harriet’s door, and knocked once.
“Come in,” Harriet called instantly.
Gideon opened the door and sauntered into the room. Harriet leaped toward him.
“Thank heaven you are home at last,” she breathed as she hugged him tightly. “I have been so worried. Did you find the body? What did you do with it? How are we going to get rid of it?”
“I found the body.” Gideon smiled into her springy hair. “And it was very much alive. Morland was at home nursing his wounds.”
“He is alive?” Harriet stepped back, clasping her hands in front of her. Her brows came together in a serious line across her nose. “Are you certain?”
“Quite certain. You may relax, my dear. You did not succeed in killing him. More’s the pity. But I believe everything is under control now. I congratulate you on your aim, by the way.”
Harriet heaved a sigh. “As much as I cannot like the man, I am glad he is not dead. It might have caused no end of complications.”
“I doubt it.” Gideon loosened his cravat and shrugged out of his jacket as he walked over to the connecting door. “Even if he had been found dead in that chamber full of bones, it would have appeared that the large stone had merely fallen on him accidentally.” He opened the door and went into his own bedchamber.
“Do you think so?” Harriet followed him quickly. “Mayhap you are right, my lord. Well, I am vastly relieved it is all over with, although I do wish there was some way of punishing Mr. Morland for his disgusting behavior. I suppose I must be content with knowing I did him an injury.”
“Umm,” Gideon said noncommittally as he tossed aside his cravat and jacket. He stripped off his shirt.
Harriet gave him a sharp glance. “You said you went to see him at his house?”
“Yes.” Gideon poured water from the pitcher into the basin and started to rinse his face. He probably should shave again before going out this evening, he decided. His dark beard was a constant nuisance. “Are you not going to dress, my dear? We are scheduled to attend the Berkstones’ ball tonight, I believe.”
“Yes, I know,” Harriet said impatiently. “Gideon, what precisely occurred when you went to see Mr. Morland?” She hesitated and then asked cautiously, “You did not do anything rash, by any chance, did you?”
“I am not a rash man, my dear.” Gideon grabbed a towel and dried his face and hands. He surveyed his features in the looking glass. “Do you think I ought to shave?”
“Probably. Gideon, look at me.”
He met her eyes in the glass and quirked a brow. “What is it, Harriet?”
“I have the distinct impression you are trying to avoid something here.”
“I am merely trying to get ready in time for the ball. We are going to be fashionably late as it is.”
She scowled at him. “You are never concerned with whether or not we arrive on time for a ball. What has happened, Gideon?”
“Nothing that need concern you, my dear.”
“Damnation, Gideon, I demand to know the truth.”
He slanted her an assessing glance. “Such language, my dear.”
“I am very overset, my lord,” she retorted. “My delicate sensibilities, you know.”
He grinned. “Yes, I know.”
“Gideon, what have you done to Mr. Morland?”
“Very little. Not nearly what he deserves.”
Harriet put her hand on his arm. “Tell me the truth, my lord.”
He lifted one shoulder, knowing full well she would learn the facts this evening at the ball or tomorrow at the latest. Everyone would be talking about it. His choice of seconds ensured that much. “I did what any gentleman in my situation would have done. I challenged him.”
“I knew it,” Harriet exclaimed. “I was afraid of this. As soon as you told me he was still alive, I was afraid you might have done something idiotic like this. I will not allow it, Gideon. Do you hear me?”
“Calm yourself, my dear. You are not going to talk me out of this the way I allowed you to talk me out of challenging Applegate,” Gideon said quietly.
“Yes, you most certainly are going to let me talk you out of it. You are not to conduct a duel with Morland. I absolutely forbid it. You might be killed or wounded. Mr. Morland would not fight fairly. That should be perfectly obvious.”
“I shall have my esteemed seconds there to make certain everything is conducted fairly.”
Harriet grabbed his arm. “Your seconds?”
“Applegate and Fry. Ironic, is it not? They are both delighted to assist.”
“Dear heaven, I do not believe this. Gideon, please stop talking as if there were no alternative. I will not allow you to go through with this.”
“Trust me, Harriet, all will be well.”
“Gideon, we went through this once before when you were threatening to shoot Lord Applegate. I simply cannot tolerate this sort of behavior. There is too much risk involved. Anything could go wrong and you could wind up severely injured or dead or running from the authorities.” Harriet drew herself up and lifted her chin. “I forbid it.”
“The challenge has already been issued, my dear.” Gideon arranged his shaving things on the washstand. He mixed up the lather and began applying it to his face. Shaving with cold water was unpleasant, but he did not want to take the time to order hot water from the kitchens. “You must allow me to handle the situation.”
“No,” Harriet declared. “I will not allow you to go through with this nonsense.”
“It will be all right, Harriet.” He met her eyes again in the glass and saw the fear and concern in her beautiful turquoise gaze. The fear and concern were for him, he knew. The knowledge warmed him deeply. “I give you my word I will not get myself killed.”
“But you cannot know that for certain. Gideon, I could not bear it if anything happened to you. I love you.”
Gideon slowly lowered his razor. Face swathed, in lather, he turned to confront her. “What did you say?”
“You heard me,” Harriet said. “I do not see why you should act so astonished. I have loved you for quite some time. Why on earth do you think I allowed you to make love to me in that cave?”
A surge of elation went through Gideon. For a moment he could not think coherently. “Harriet.”
“Yes, yes, I know, it is a nuisance for you and I am well aware that you do not love me,” she said swiftly.
“That is not the point. The point is that we have agreed to make a go of this marriage and if we are to do so, then you will have to respect my wishes in certain matters.”
“Harriet—”
“And this is one of those matters, my lord,” she concluded fiercely. “I will not allow you to go about fighting duels on my behalf. Sooner or later someone will get hurt.”
“Harriet, will you kindly hush for one moment?”
“Yes,” she retorted. “Yes, I will hush. As a matter of fact, I shall give you perfect silence, if that is your wish, my lord.”
“Excellent.”
“In point of fact, sir, I am not going to speak to you until you have put an end to this foolishness. Do you understand me, my lord?”
Gideon narrowed his eyes. “Not speak to me? You? Keep silent for more than fifteen minutes? That should be amusing.”
“You heard me. Not one more word. As of this moment, I am no longer speaking to you, sir.”
Harriet swung around on her heel and marched out of Gideon’s bedroom.
Gideon stared after her, torn between a mad desire to shout for joy and an equally strong wish to turn the little shrew over his knee.
She loved him.
Gideon hugged the knowledge close to his heart, the way he held Harriet herself in the middle of the night.
Chapter Seventeen
THE GOSSIP ABOUT THE RUMORED challenge between Gideon and Morland was almost overwhelmed by the gossip about what soon came to be known throughout the ton as the Quarrel.
All of Society, much to Harriet’s disgust, appeared to be fascinated by her refusal to talk to her husband. Word spread like wildfire that evening at the ball. The Bride of the Beast of Blackthorne Hall was giving her lord the cold shoulder. Speculation was rife concerning the cause of the Quarrel.
Ultimately Harriet’s reasons for refusing to talk to her husband were far less interesting to Society than the fact that the Quarrel itself was proving such delightful entertainment.
Harriet soon learned it was exceedingly difficult to ignore Gideon when he chose not to be ignored. And he seemed to delight in baiting her in public.
She was involved in an absorbing conversation with a group of fossil enthusiasts at the ball when Gideon appeared. He had been mercifully absent all evening until now. But at eleven o’clock he strode through the door and made his way straight toward Harriet. As usual, he did not bother to greet anyone along the way.