Page 3 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke
“Yes, I know. That is why I am going to end it as quickly as possible. There is no need for us to engage in a duel over an altercation so small,” William replied.
He saw the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos walking out into the courtyard and he touched his friend, signaling him to follow. They walked briskly, eager to catch the receding figure of the Duke before he got into his carriage. When William got to him, he stepped in front of him.
“Your grace, the duel is unnecessary,” he said.
“You called it. Or are you faint of heart now that you realize what you have declared?” the Duke said.
“Faint of heart? Never.”
“So why the sudden eagerness to cancel; I am an old man now, I’ll be easy on you,” the Duke said, grinning as he spoke.
The cocky attitude the Duke showed angered William more; he now wasn’t interested in stepping out of the challenge.
“I was only looking out for you. It is unheard of for Dukes to engage in duels, especially when the challenge was made in a public arena. You should know this,” William stated.
The Duke smiled, showing a small space where a tooth should have stood. He had removed his black jacket and given to his steward. He was in a white shirt and black trousers complete with black socks and shoes. The man was greying; age starting to take away some of his ravish handsomeness and mobility but obviously not his wit and stubbornness. William had heard stories of his whimsicality, cunning and headiness as a young man but he could not imagine that the man would remain as stubborn now that he was an old Duke.
Some people never change.
“I do. That is for me to worry about. Go and brush up on your swordplay William, you are going to be in need of it by the morrow. My driver will bring the letter for you later in the day; I don’t want your apology. Meet at the indicated location,” he replied.
“I will not spare you,” William said to him between seething teeth.
“I do not expect it to get to that,” the Duke replied.
The Duke then walked to this carriage and stepped in. He looked at William and smiled, a self-assured grin, before closing the door. The driver drove the carriage away from the courtyard.
William wondered why the man was so confident.
To what does he owe the braveness of his heart?
William watched the carriage go when he felt an arm on his shoulder. He spoke without turning his neck.
“His courage is of exceptional state, was he so good a swordsman so as not to be daunted in facing me?” William said, directing it to his friend.
“Will you accept the challenge when his letter arrives?” James said behind his friend’s ear.
“Is it heard of me that I reject a duel?”
“Think again, my friend. This is a man of shady character who seems exceptionally eager to fight you. You must be really prepared,” James answered.
“This man’s courage is daunting. We will have mock duels before the duel tomorrow. You are the only one skilled enough to make it a match around here so you have to train with me.”
“Of course I will. I’ll be at your duel on the morrow too; I’ll be your second. I don’t trust that man especially given the reputation he has,” Lord James said.
“I have never lost a duel James. I won’t lose one where the challenge was made in the public during my father’s ball and to a man almost as old as my ailing father. I will not lose,” William replied.
He turned and walked back up the stairs, his friend close behind him. William and Lord James took the back of the hall to avoid the Charlett sisters. They had no more designs for them than during the ball. The ball was still ongoing and people were talking and dancing in the hall; but it was over for them especially William.
*******
Early the next morning the Duchess of Wellington called her son, William into her private chambers. It was lit up even in the darkness of the early morning. Lanterns hung from different posts in the room, the sweet smell of perfumes hanging in the air. She was facing the window, staring intently out their open slits. William wondered what she saw in this darkness.
His mother had always been like that silent and meditative. He imagined she would have been much sought after when she was young due to her calm persona and measured carriage. Her grace was tangible; she never reacted out of character and thought everything through. She was the perfect foil to his father who was impetuous and easily angered. William guessed he got his irascibility from his father but he got along with his mother much better. She didn’t turn to tell him to sit, saying nothing as he entered and greeted her.
“It seems yesterday’s ball was a success even though I couldn’t attend.”
William nodded his head but realizing she couldn’t see him in the darkness, he answered her.
