“Why, I’m here to take his place. I am, after all, Warrick’s second.”
If he hadn’t exploded before, Selena thought he might after those words left her mouth.
Several curses flew from her mouth. “This is no joking matter, Selena!”
“Oh, I am not treating it as a joke, brother.” She motioned for a footman to retrieve her pistols. “I came quite prepared.”
“Don’t you dare give her those pistols!”
The footman hesitated, but still cautiously brought the case over. Selena smirked. “He’s on loan from a friend.” Lady Leonora to be exact. “He does not take orders from you.”
She could practically see his proverbial feathers bristle. “Women aren’t allowed to duel.”
“As far as I am aware, men are not allowed to duel either. Does this make us sibling outlaws?”
“My arse, we are sibling outlaws! Get yours back into the carriage and return home. Right. Now.”
“As a second, I can’t do that.”
“Calm down, old chap.” Avondale stepped forward, clapping Saville on the shoulder. “Lady Selena, Warrick and Deerhurst are supposed to join us. Do you perhaps know where they are?”
She sent the man a grin. Smart. “Otherwise occupied. That is why I am stepping in.”
“Deerhurst is Warrick’s second, not you,” Saville bit out.
“You are mistaken, brother.” Selena smiled. “If the earl is anything then he must the third.”
Avondale shook his head. “You still cannot take Warrick’s place.”
“Oh? And why not?”
“It’s not dueling etiquette.”
Selena inhaled a deep breath and retrieved her pistols from the box the footman held. She took a place ten yards from her brother and pointed the pistol straight at him. “I don’t care about dueling etiquette. I should have challenged you to a duel instead of cutting up your clothes weeks ago when I first learned what you did.”
“This is madness,” Saville growled. “Put that pistol away.”
“It occurred to me yesterday. When we were children you were always the hero who could vanquish any of my muddles. This one, however, you are the cause of. But instead of helping me, you pawned me off on your friend.Nowyou wish to act all tough and mighty? Just because something did not go the way you imagined?” There was an edge in her voice she seldom employed. “I think not. Pick up your pistol and duel.”
Avondale cursed.
“What do you mean pawn you off?” Saville demanded. “I’ve done my best to shield you from the consequences my actions brought.”
“You? You mean Warrick.” She gave a slight shake of her head and met her brother’s gaze. “It doesn’t matter anymore. Let’s get his duel over with.”
“Fine, you wish to duel, sister,” he retrieved his pistol. “Let us duel.”
“Saville,” Avondale said in a low voice, “call this off.”
“Why? If Selena is so adamant, who am I to decline her request?”
“You are angry. You shouldn’t make rash decisions in this state.” Avondale turned to her. “You are more rational than your brother, Lady Selena. Please stop this.”
“I think you are mistaken, Avondale. I am beyond furious with him.” Believing he could command her to marry because of a secret kiss. Beating people up. Demanding satisfaction by duel. “He issued this challenge, not me.”
“It’s not my fault you kissed my best friend. Any normal man would react the same.”
“A kiss is a kiss. I’m sure you’ve done worse. Besides, you’re the one acting as though my reputation is in tatters. This could have been a secret between us, but look what you’ve done, look who you have dragged into all of this. If my reputation does fall into disrepair, it’s all your fault. So yes, I quite want revenge.” Her pistol never wavered. “Shall we?”
