Page 35 of The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes

“Ten or twelve years ago.” Nathan nodded. “I remember.” The major had called out a fellow officer, a Captain Byrd, though the reason for the challenge hadn’t been generally disclosed. The duel had commenced, and Campbell had shot and killed the captain. The jury had found him guilty of murder, despite the point of honor defense, and the major had been hanged. “But it was in the papers that Byrd accused the major of hurrying him to the dueling field, rather than waiting for Byrd to secure friends to advise him. And this seemed to be the reason they convicted him.”

“That does go against the letter of the law.” Marcus stared at him, waiting.

“Oh, do not fear, my friend.” Nathan forced a smile. “I will make certain I follow the law to the last degree. Mr. Burke will find I am a fair dealer in that, even if he is not.”

“Does your wife know of this yet?”

Nathan set the glass down and shook his head. “I came here first, to secure you as my second. I will then go to challenge Mr. Burke and set a day that is agreeable to him. Then I will speak with Amelia.” Something he was loath to do for several reasons.

“She will not be in favor of your actions.” His friend’s voice was carefully neutral, even though Nathan understood that Marcus shared that reluctance.

“Which is why I shall present it to her as a fait accompli.” Not the most honorable thing to do, but he would worry about that later. “I have no choice in the matter, and when she reads the Post, I believe she will agree.” Every time he thought of those words being read by all the ton, his resolve hardened even more. At the moment it was akin to granite.

“Why do you think he said such a thing?” Making himself comfortable in a dark burgundy leather chair, Marcus sipped the cognac, a thoughtful look on his face. “He had to know you would not let such an insult to Amelia go unchallenged—although, of course, the remark was overheard, and the hearer is the one responsible for it coming to public ears.” Marcus sat up, suddenly alert. “You do realize Burke’s words would’ve remained merely that, words spoken and forgotten in an instant had not that anonymous someone given them perpetual life in the Post?”

“I take your point, but the ultimate fault lies with Burke, you must admit. Without his lie, there would’ve been nothing to overhear. And that brings us back to ponder his possible motive for saying such a thing.”

“The man’s an absolute lunatic, is all I can think.” Nathan stopped pacing, the question diverting his attention. He too sat in one of the soft chairs and immediately felt calmer. “I warned him, in no uncertain terms, the day I first took Amelia driving during the Grand Strut. He was insinuating something similar to Lady Chalgrove, and I all but challenged him then.” Calmness evaporated as Nathan recalled that encounter. “He cried off, saying he misspoke, but there is no way he can do so this time. Not with the evidence there in black and white.”

“Does the man have a death wish, do you think?”

Nathan shrugged. “If he does not, he has made a grave error in judgment. I was crystal clear in my desire to put a ball in his heart then.”

“I wish you luck then, my friend.” Marcus saluted him with his glass then drained it.

“I would ask you to accompany me to make the challenge if you have nothing else pressing today.”

His friend cocked his head. “Why would you need your second with you? You don’t suppose Burke will try something dishonorable, do you?”

Nathan raised an eyebrow at him. “Unlikely, although I know little about the man. No, I need you present to make sure I don’t throttle the blighter before I can challenge him.”

“Point taken.” Marcus made a formal bow. “I am at your service.” He straightened and grinned. “I believe I may enjoy this exchange as much as you do.”