Page 40 of Her Beastly Duke
“Yes, Your Grace. I told him you did not which to be disturbed, but he insisted.”
Lord Carter was the last person he wanted to see. “What the hell does he want? You may show him in Otis.”
Otis spun around and left the room. Shortly thereafter, he returned with Lord Carter.”
“Your Grace.”
“Carter, as you can see, I am indisposed and not accepting visitors.”
“This is a matter that could not wait, Fenton.”
“State your business.”
“I do not know if you are aware, but I am fond of Miss Walcot and have made an offer to her family. Your treatment of her has caused great offense, and I challenge you to a duel.”
“What nonsense, Carter. You know as well as I do that duels are outlawed.”
“That has never stopped you before.”
“You expect me to repeat the same mistakes as I did in my youth?”
“I expect you to defend yourself. I am defending Miss Walcot’s honor.”
“I will not fight you. Do you not see the state I am in? Even so, I would refuse.”
“I am sure you do not want to be known as a coward as well as a beast.”
“Carter, I was under no obligation to receive you, and you are insulting me in my home. You should leave.”
“Gladly.” Carter went through the door and slammed it.
Julius raised his hands to his temple. He felt there was an ice grip squeezing his skull, which caused a throbbing and pounding sensation. He did not think things could get worse … until they did. It was all completely out of control, and his injury contributed to his feeling of powerlessness. There would be no duel.
He closed his eyes and leaned back onto the pillows. There was another knock on his door. What now?
“Come in.” Julius was relieved to see it was Baxter.
“I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you. Carter was just here.”
“What did he want?”
“To challenge me to a duel of all things.”
“Utterly reckless.”
“I did not entertain him, but he made an offer for Briar.”
“Well, I have better news for you. Lord Duncan Palmer.”
“What about him?”
“He is downstairs.”
“That is the first thing you should have told me, Baxter.”
“How did you convince him to come here?”
“I ran up to his carriage just before it pulled out and literally barred the door. He was forced to listen to me. He agreed that the least he could do was to hear you out.”
