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I’m nervous. At first, it came as a bit of a shock, but on closer self-examination he understood why he was so on edge about the coming battle. Prior to now, he’d only had himself to worry about. Now he had Eden and possibly a child, though he wouldn’t know for some time. He had more reason than ever to want to live.
As he donned his garments, he tried to clear his mind of all distraction. He couldn’t think about Eden now. Survival must be his primary consideration.
He’d chosen swords over pistols deliberately. A duel with pistols would’ve been a death sentence for both him and his enemy, as both were crack shots. At least with blades there was a good chance one of them would live. Having practiced every day for a decade without fail, Percy was confident he was the better swordsman.
There was, of course, the possibility Ravenwood might change his mind once he heard what he had to say. A lot would depend on whether or not the man chose to listen. After stopping at Montgomery’s house to pick him up, he told his friend his plan. “Think you it’ll work?”
Montgomery pulled at his chin. “If you can get him to hear you. I doubt Wells will be willing to set aside the code, considering his stake in this, though I could attempt to distract him.”
“Do what you can. If not, then I will do what I must.”
“A bit different now, is it not?”
“What do you mean?”
&
nbsp; “Facing your mortality when you have someone else to consider,” said Montgomery, a knowing look in his eyes. “Some men say marriage doesn’t change them. They’re right. It’s not marriage but love that alters a man’s perceptions and reactions.”
Love. He did love Eden. And I haven’t told her. He would have done—he’d contemplated it, but knew if he died this day it would only make it that much harder on her.
“Already you’ve begun to change,” observed his friend. “You’ll mark it in many small ways over time. I was a reckless fool before meeting Sabrina, but no man should make the mistake of thinking she has tamed me. I’m merely more cautious for her sake because I love her and don’t wish to cause her pain.”
Percy nodded. “A man’s priorities should naturally shift when he marries. After all, it is his duty to protect his wife.”
“Indeed. Even if it be from himself.” Montgomery looked out of the window. “We’re slowing.”
Peering out, Percy saw the eastern sky was a deep peacock blue with streaks of red and amber just above the horizon. “Good, we’re a bit early. Ravenwood is already here, as well. I can see the lamps on his carriage.”
“Which means you’ll have time to try and make him see reason. I’ll occupy Wells.”
Within a moment of the carriage’s coming to a stop, they were out and striding across the mist-shrouded field.
“Eager to cross swords today, are we, Tavistoke?” said Wells as he approached.
“Not particularly,” Percy answered in a bored tone. “As it happens, I’ve just left the considerable comforts of my marriage bed. I would prefer to be quick about this so I may return forthwith.”
“So you did it after all, you married the little coquette?”
Percy turned to face him. “I did, and in the future I advise you to have a care how you speak of Lady Tavistoke.”
To his satisfaction, Wells fell back a step, rightly interpreting the chill in his voice. “I crave your pardon,” said the man, bowing. “Have you your blade?”
“Montgomery has it.”
At that moment, Montgomery came up and began to engage the man in conversation.
Glancing at the sky, Percy made his way over to where Ravenwood stood removing his coat in preparation for combat. “Ravenwood, a word with you in private,” he murmured, removing his own coat.
“Save your breath,” replied the man. “I’ve nothing to say to you.”
“You need say nothing. I ask only that you listen.”
Ravenwood shrugged. “I care not if you wish to unburden yourself before you die.”
Despite the stakes, Percy couldn’t help smiling in admiration of the man’s bravado. “I know Wells put you up to courting Eden, and I know why you did his bidding.” Leaning close, he murmured the name of the brothel Ravenwood frequented, a secret name otherwise known only to a very select clientele.
Ravenwood’s hands stilled. “How…?”
