Page 92 of Affair

“Remember the magician who was entertaining Hamilton and his friends at The Green Table?”

“Of course. What has he got to do with this?”

“After we took our leave, he apparently used mesmerism to persuade Norris to go out and challenge a man named Anthony Tiles.”

“How dreadful.”

“Hamilton and the others were unable to stop Norris. After the deed was done, they were unable to make him offer an apology. They tried to locate the magician so that he could break the trance but they do not know his whereabouts.”

“Dear God.” Charlotte sank slowly into a chair in front of the fireplace. “So Hamilton came to you for help.”

“Yes.” Baxter’s eyes gleamed briefly over the top of the brandy glass. “Strong evidence that he was at the end of his tether and did not know where else to turn. Hamilton has never come to me for help in the past.”

“What will you do?”

Baxter shrugged. “I have concocted a plan that, if it is successful, will end the thing without bloodshed.”

“And if it’s not?”

“Someone may get killed.”

Charlotte folded her hands very tightly together. “Your plan will work.”

“Thank you for the vote of confidence. Hamilton certainly entertains doubts.”

“Precisely what is your plan, Baxter?”

He smiled wryly. “Nothing very bold or exciting. It is based on my knowledge of chemistry.”

“Then I’m certain that it will prove very bold and exciting. Indeed, it will be quite brilliant.” She paused. “It would be interesting to witness the results.”

He raised one hand in a gesture that was both a warning and an appeal. “Don’t even consider the possibility of attending the duel. I will have enough to worry about as it is.”

“I suppose that is true. What sort of man is this Anthony Tiles?”

Baxter sipped his brandy. “He’s a bastard.”

She smiled wryly. “Which sort? Born or made?”

“Both. His father was a viscount. Heir to the Coltrane fortune. Anthony was born on the wrong side of the blanket, as they say. The result of his father’s affair with the family governess. There were no legitimate sons. A nephew got the title and the estates. The knowledge of all that could have been his has eaten at Tony for years.”

“You sound as if you know him.”

“We were acquainted at Oxford.”

“If he was a friend once, can you speak to him?”

“It wouldn’t do any good.” Baxter went to stand at the window. “Tony clings to an extremely rigid code of honor. He will tolerate no slight of any kind.”

“I see.”

“He spends his time in the gaming hells and stews looking for trouble. He encounters it with amazing frequency. He has at least three duels under his belt. Probably more.”

“No wonder Hamilton is terrified for his friend.” She tightened her hands. “This Anthony Tiles started life in much the same way you did.”

Baxter braced one fist against the mantel and gazed into the fire. “We are both bastards, if that is what you mean.”

“But he has become a bastard by deed as well as by birth,” she said quietly. “You, on the other hand, have made yourself into a true gentleman.”

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