Page 94 of Ravished

"Time?" Morland was suddenly very alert.

"Certainly. You shall have tonight. I shall send my seconds to call on you first thing tomorrow morning. By then you should have thought of two names. Good evening, Morland. I look forward to our meeting." Gideon turned toward the door.

"Wait." Morland moved forward with a jerky motion. His hand struck the brandy glass and it toppled to the carpet. "I said wait, damn you. You cannot challenge me. Think of the gossip."

Gideon smiled. "I assure you the thought of gossip does not trouble me. I have had six long years to grow accustomed to the worst that Society can offer in that regard. That reminds me, I almost forgot something."

Morland straightened in increased alarm as Gideon walked back to him. "What is this? Stay away from me, St. Justin."

"I believe that to be strictly correct about this, I am supposed to slap you across the face with my glove, am I not? Allow me."

Gideon bunched his hand into a tight fist and slammed it straight into Morland's jaw.

Morland crumpled to the floor with a muffled groan.

Gideon stood over him. "I apologize for very nearly overlooking the formalities. When one has been out of Society as long as I have, one occasionally forgets all the little things that are expected of a true gentleman."

The next stop, Gideon decided, would be his clubs. Morland was not the only one who was obliged to come up with the names of two men who would handle the details of the challenge. Gideon also needed seconds. And as he did not possess a single close friend in Society, the choice was limited.

Fortunately Harriet had acquired several friends.

Gideon found young Applegate sitting in the main room of his St. James Street club. Fry was with him. They both looked up warily when they realized Gideon was advancing on them.

"Good evening, gentlemen." Gideon sat down and helped himself to a glass of claret from Fry's bottle. "I am pleased to see you here. I need a favor."

Fry's eyes widened in alarm.

The glass in Applegate's hand trembled slightly, but he looked at Gideon with a resolute expression. "If you have come to issue your challenge, sir, I am ready."

Gideon smiled. "Nonsense. My wife has explained the little matter of her abduction. I am quite prepared to let bygones be bygones."

"I say." Fry squinted. "You are?"

"Certainly. I would like to discuss a completely different matter with you."

Applegate frowned in confusion. "What is that?"

Gideon leaned back in his chair and surveyed Applegate and Fry. "I am certain you will both be extremely distressed to learn that my wife has been insulted by Mr. Bryce Morland."

Fry and Applegate glanced at each other and then back at Gideon.

Applegate scowled. "Never did like that fellow. What did the bastard say to her?"

"The exact words are neither here nor there," Gideon murmured. "Suffice it to say that I consider the matter a grave offense and intend to seek satisfaction. I require two men who can be trusted to act as my seconds. Would either or both of you care to volunteer?"

Applegate blinked and looked at Fry, who looked equally taken aback.

"I say," Fry muttered.

"You have issued a challenge to Morland?" Applegate asked cautiously.

"I had no alternative under the circumstances," Gideon explained. "Matter of honor, you see. The man insulted my wife."

Applegate's frown intensified. "Cannot have Morland running about insulting Lady St. Justin."

"My sentiments exactly," Gideon said.

Fry's whiskers twitched. "Always thought Morland was a bit unsavory. Something entirely too smooth about rum. Not surprised to hear he's stepped over the line."

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