Page 108 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
‘What?’
‘I am sorry, my dear, but there is no cockfighting today. Or tomorrow. Notuntil Saturday.’
Today was only Thursday. ‘Why not?’
‘It is a sport of the common classes who are working. Not until Saturday afternoon do they spend time on such pastimes.’
How stupid not to realise that. She rose and went to the window, trying to hide her disappointment. She looked down into the street at people hurrying along beneath umbrellas.
Grey and rainy. Again. Fitting, given the way she felt.
Now what was she going to do? Dance naked down Bond Street? In the rain?
Something like that and they would put her in Bedlam. Not what she wanted.
‘Nothing this evening?’
‘No. And besides, we are going to Lady Wells’s ball this evening. You promised you would go with me.’
Since Charles had told her he was also invited, she had decided it would be the perfect way to make her escape following a scandalous appearance at a cockfight. Now it seemed all her plans had gone awry.
‘Two days to wait is not such a long time,’ he said, clearly trying to ease her disappointment.
If there was any way of knowing that her father would be out of town until after Saturday, she might take the chance.
It was too risky. She shook her head. ‘I will lose the wager.’
‘Unless…’ He hesitated.
‘Unless what?’ She sat down beside him on the couch. ‘What have you thought of?’
‘Did it have to be cockfighting? You said a male blood sport.’
‘I did.’
‘Pugilism is a male sport. Boxing. It is quite bloody and violent.’
She clasped her hands in her lap. Boxing. ‘There is a boxing match?’
‘Not a match. Sparring.’
At her blank look he added, ‘Practice. Gentlemen practise boxing every day at Jackson’s saloon.’
‘Oh, practice. Like fencing.’
‘Nothing like fencing. Well, perhaps a little. It is not an actual match, but the men do hit each other. More often than not there are bruises. And sometimes a bloody nose or two.’
‘Do ladies attend this practice?’
‘I have never seen any. I would think it is far too violent for the fairer sex. At least, those who are ladies.’
It sounded perfect. ‘And when do these practices take place?’
‘All the time.’
‘You mean we could go now?’
‘We could. Do you think it will satisfy the requirements of your wager?’
