And the guests erupted in laughter.
“What a show!”
“His Grace certainly knows how to entertain!”
Duke Kendall stood in front of them, bits of apple in his hair. His dark eyes met Jasmine’s in the crowd and she smirked.
Checkmate.
He lunged forward, swiping at Matthew. Matthew stumbled back, and Jasmine rushed to him, bracing him while Duke Kendall drew back his fist.
A low hiss rippled through the crowd. The guests disapproving glares directed at Duke Kendall. The air charged with hostility.
“Poor sportsmanship!” Lord Stretton called out. “Lord Lincolnshire did precisely as you asked!”
“Yes, he shot the apple!” another said. “Now you’re subjecting us to a boxing match?!”
“I didn’t—” Duke Kendall stammered, backing away. “He threatened me!”
“A practiced event you agreed to!”
“You were never in any danger!”
Under their cries of outrage, Matthew narrowed his eyes at Duke Kendall and spoke slowly. “Do your worst. I’ll take my chances with a trial of my peers.” He stepped back and grinned. “They seem to like me more.”
Duke Kendall glanced around, meeting the guests’ glares with one of his own, stepped forward, and slipped on a chunk of apple. He righted himself, set his shoulders, and retreated into his mansion.
A crowd rushed forward, patting Matthew on the back, and shaking his hand. They spoke all at once.
“I will pay a pretty penny for a pistol like that!”
“How fast could you craft two more?”
“Lord Lincolnshire, I will pay double the sum Lord Stretton offers!”
“Now, now, gentlemen,” Jasmine interceded. “You may all discuss business with my husband on Monday morning.” She gestured to the mansion. “Please see yourself to the ballroom for dancing and refreshments. There is no reason for your evening to be ruined, I’m certain Duke Kendall needs only a moment to recover from his little scare.”
“Right after he changes his drawers.” Matthew dropped into a theatrical bow. “Enjoy your evening, ladies and gentlemen!”
The older men laughed and talked while their wives gave disapproving grumbles. The younger ladies of the crowd all giggled behind their fans at all of the excitement. One by one they entered themansion until finally the family was left alone in the lawn.
Jasmine threw herself into Matthew’s arms. “My love—you did it.”
He wrapped his arms around her, resting his weight on her. Sweat covered his brow, dripping onto her shoulder. She brushed it away from his face with her sleeve.
“What the devil was I thinking?” he choked, burying his face in the crook of her neck. “I will never, ever,everdo something foolish like that again.”
“How did you do it at all? You moved, I saw you move, you—”
“Shh.” He placed his lips over hers. A gentle touch where she could feel his breath. “I’ll explain everything, I promise. But not here.” He tucked her under his chin. Over her head, he said, “Don Lorenzo, do you know where my townhouse is?”
Jasmine turned her head to see Don Lorenzo watching them, his eyes shadowed and his expression unreadable.
He nodded. “I know the way.”
“Meet me there, and we’ll have our discussion.”
“I’ll have my carriage brought around,” Don Lorenzo said. “I’ll summon yours as well.”
