Page 27 of Seduction of a Widow

“What is your interest in this matter, Drucker? Pray, do not repeat that drivel that you want to see justice done.”

“What other reason could I possibly have?”

“I cannot imagine,” Evan said.

Drucker yanked free of his hold. “It does not surprise me that a man like you cannot grasp the concept of justice.”

“I understand that an insult to a lady cannot go unanswered.”

Miss Ross gasped, and Lady Flora whispered, “Good Lord.”

Drucker frowned. “What the devil are you talking about?”

“I believe he is challenging you to a duel,” Lady Langley said.

Drucker’s eyes widened. “What? That is ridiculous. No one duels anymore.”

Alice laughed. “I have had two duels fought in my honor in the last year alone.”

“That is not a recommendation, madam,” Drucker replied.

For the first time since he’d met the woman, Lady Langley’s expression clouded. “My, but you are in want of a set down,” she said. “Mr. MacLaren, I hope you thrash him good.”

“I do not duel,” Drucker said.

“Then everyone here will know you are a coward,” Evan said. It was a childish tactic, but one he felt sure Drucker would fall prey to.

Drucker glanced at the onlookers, who stared with open interest.

“Do you intend to duel tomorrow morning at dawn?” Lady Langley asked, and Evan realized she had no intention of allowing Drucker to ignore the challenge.

Evan affected a thoughtful tone. “That is the customary time for duels.”

Her eyes gleamed. “I wonder what Leslie will think of a duel fought in her honor.”

Evan glanced at the group. “I suppose it is too much to ask that she not be told of the duel?”

“I do not engage in gossip,” said Mr. Harris.

A general murmur of agreement went up.

Lady Langley lifted a brow. “I will be surprised if she hasn’t learned of the duel within the hour.”

“Does that mean you will tell her?” Evan asked.

“Not I, darling. You know that news as juicy as this simply cannot be controlled.”

“Indeed.” He looked at Drucker.” Choose your seconds, sir. I assume pistols will do?”

Drucker looked helplessly around the room.

“Swords, then?” Evan asked.

“Swords?” Drucker repeated. Anger tightened his features. “Who uses swords anymore?”

“I do,” Evan replied in a soft voice.

Drucker’s eyes widened. “Pistols,” he said hurriedly.

Evan nodded. “I wager Baroness Trent has a pair of pistols we can use.”

“I know just who to choose as your second,” Lady Langley said.

“Who?”

She grinned. “Sir Stirling.”