Page 20 of The Duke’s Wager

Edward could not stop it. A horrible mocking sound appeared from somewhere between his nose and mouth – and within seconds, all the men looked at him eagerly. Julian had turned pale, and looked at him down his pointy nose.

“Do you have something to add, Lockhart?”

He should have remained quiet. He should have kept his mouth shut and not spoken another word – other than to quietly excuse himself.

Lockharts, his grandmother would say, ought not make scenes at social events. They were meant to be dignified at all times – and keep their calm.

Perhaps, Edward mused, he was not a true Lockhart, because there was no way that he could stay calm in the face of Julian’s bold arrogance. He refused.

“The only thing I could possibly add, Pembroke, is that your head might just explode in the face of the lies you tell so shamelessly.”

“Lies?” Julian practically hissed the word. His eyes were wide and red blotches appeared on his pale face. Edward smiled inwardly. The man was most certainly offended.

“I told no single lie, Lockhart, and you have absolutely no right to accuse me!”

Edward laughed sardonically at this, and he shook his head – emboldened, perhaps, by the copious amounts of alcohol flowing through him.

“I’m not accusing you of anything. I am merely stating a fact. I am willing to wager that at least half of your conquests exist nowhere other than in your mind – if not far more!”

Julian’s entire face was red now and the other men looked at the two eagerly. Edward could tell that they were hoping for a physical confrontation. He, however, would most certainly not get involved in a brawl with Julian Pembroke of all people. His grandmother would never forgive him – and he was far too discreet to engage in physical fights.

“So,” Julian began,” if you’re so certain that I am lying, it can only mean one thing.”

Julian was angry. Angry men rarely thought about their words or actions. He who controlled the anger of a man, controlled the man himself – this was something Evelyn had taught him years ago, and in this instance, he was pleased about it.

“Oh, really?” Edward remained calm, and this only further inflamed Julian’s temper. “What does it mean, in your opinion?”

Julian smirked and took a large stride forward.

“It means you think that you are a better lover than I am.”

This was not at all what Edward had expected and he looked at Julian with raised brows.

“I certainly know that I am but I do not intend to prove it to you, if that’s what you were hoping for.”

Edward did not know that it was possible for Julian’s face to turn a deeper shade of crimson.

“Well… if you think you’re such a great lover, then I trust you won’t be afraid of a little competition.”

Despite himself, Edward was intrigued.

“A competition? My dear Julian, you are no competition for me – I guarantee you that any woman in London can testify to the fact that I am by far the greatest lover in the city.”

A few men cheered his boastful declaration. Julian, however, did not seem intimidated in the slightest. Instead, he looked at Edward mockingly.

“If you are so certain about that, I am sure you would not fear a wager.”

Alfred shook his head subtly, but with his pride at stake, Edward ignored his friend.

“A wager? Do tell.”

He could see immediately that this was exactly what Julian had hoped for. He lifted his chin arrogantly.

“If you are such an excellent lover, you would have no problem seducing any lady in London… if I am not mistaken?”

A slow grin spread across Edward’s face. Though he would not admit it to Julian, this sounded like quite the challenge.

“I would most certainly be able to do that.”