Page 11 of How to Catch an Heiress

"You asked to speak with me, sir," she said. "I had no intention of engaging in an illicit encounter with you."

He touched his head and grimaced. "A lady doesn't agree to meet a man alone unless she--"

Stirling yanked free of the two and reached Dorring in twobounds. He drove his fist into the man's jaw. They hit the floor and rolled.Again, the duke pulled Stirling off Dorring.

"Enough," the duke shouted.

"Aye," Stirling growled. "Tomorrow morning, Dorring. The clearing near Kinlochie Castle.”

"What?" Dorring blinked. "You can't be serious. No one duels anymore."

Stirling gave a harsh laugh. "Your ignorance only demonstrates your cowardice. Dueling is very much alive among men of honor."

"Among fools, perhaps." Dorring pushed to his feet.

Stirling gave him a cold smile. "Then I must be the greatest of fools. Tomorrow morning at dawn."

Chastity gasped.

"I don't duel," Dorring said. "It is illegal."

"Be there, or I will pull you out of bed and drag you there."

Dorring looked at the duke. "Reason with him, Your Grace."

The duke's expression hardened. "Chastity is my daughter. If James doesn't kill you, I will."

"Papa," Chastity cried.

"Silence," he ordered.

Dorring looked from the duke to Chastity, then stormed from the room.

Chastity rushed to her father's side. "Papa, Mr. Dorring is right. Dueling is illegal—not to mention dangerous. Someone could get killed."

He regarded her. "You should have thought of that before you came to this room alone with him. What in God's name possessed you? You know better."

She shook her head. "He said he needed to speak with me."

"Speak with you? What could he possibly have to speak with you about?" His gaze bored into her and Stirling felt sorry for her.

"Your Grace, it was an innocent mistake," Stirling said.

"Was it?" He still glared at her.

"I can deal with Dorring," Stirling said. "There is no need to worry the lass."

"I ask you again, Chastity," the duke’s gaze locked on her face, "what could Dorringpossibly have to speak with you about?"

"Sir," Stirling began, but she cut him off.

"He is right. I shouldn't have been here alone with Mr. Dorring. I am to blame."

"You meant no harm," Stirling said.

"Aye, but I did. I intended to tarnish your reputation."

He nodded. “I know."

"What?" She looked from him to her father, then collapsed onto the chair beside her. "Oh dear, that's why you're together. I have made a mess of everything."

Her father opened his mouth to reply, but Stirling said, "Not so big a mess."

Her father gave him a nod, and Chastity realized Sir Stirling had saved her from a well-deserved set-down. An unexpected desire to cry surfaced and she feared she would further embarrass herself.

Chastity took a breath and rose. "No harm was done. There is no need to endanger yourself by meeting Mr. Dorring tomorrow at dawn."

Sir Stirling smiled gently. “You may not understand, Lady Chastity, but there is every need to meet him tomorrow."

"Please do not give me the drivel that your manly honor must be preserved."

His expression further softened. "Nae, my lady, it is your honor that must be upheld."