“I most assuredly do.” A group of pedestrians had gathered around, listening, doubtless drawn by the word duel. “I challenge you, Mr. Ethan Melbourne, over the honor of my sister, Miss Helena Emerson, against the insult you have made to her.”
There was an outburst of chatter from those gathered around and one gentleman shouted “Hear, hear!”
Nicholas inclined his head to the astonished Melbourne. “I leave the choice of pistols or swords to you. The Duke of Haynesdale will be my second.”
Melbourne’s lips tightened. “Anthony Davidson will be mine.”
“Excellent. I will see you before dawn.” Nicholas pivoted, his challenge delivered and his blood fairly boiling.
“But you cannot mean this, sir,” Melbourne protested.
“As you surely meant to impugn the reputation of a lady, I do mean this.” Nicholas tipped his hat and retreated.
Helena’s eyes were round with wonder. She might have reached out to appeal to him, but Eliza pulled her back.
“It is too late for that,” Eliza whispered to his sister, and alarm finally dawned in Helena’s eyes. Eliza, though, was solemn, a glow of pride in her gaze. “I wish you the very best of fortune in this endeavor, Captain Emerson.”
He bowed to her. “I thank you, Mrs. North, and would not delay your errand any longer.” With that, he retreated, knowing that he had need of a walk and a ride to calm his temper.
In point of fact, Sterling had been neglected of late.
Eliza arrived home to find Lady Wentworth taking tea with her mother. She had a vague recollection of that lady and was glad to renew her acquaintance. The two older women were in the midst of an intense review of the situations of former friends and acquaintances, leaving Eliza to simply enjoy her tea and listen.
Her thoughts were still churning after Nicholas’ challenge to Mr. Melbourne. Helena had fairly worn her out with questions and speculation at the dressmaker, despite her admonitions for the girl to hold her tongue, and Eliza was certain that all of London knew more of the matter than they should by this point.
It had been a relief to cancel their planned outing to the theater the next evening.
She was terrified for Nicholas, though she supposed it would have been more reasonable to be fearful for Melbourne.
Her mother turned to her with a smile and Eliza hoped she had not missed some critical detail in the conversation. “I have invited Lady Wentworth to join us for dinner on Saturday evening,” she said. “Do you think, Eliza, that you might oversee the arrangements?”
“I would be delighted to do so, Maman. Do you wish to have any other guests?”
“You might invite Miss Emerson, since you have taken a responsibility for her.” Her mother considered this. “And her brother, of course. We cannot have her making the journey alone and Captain Emerson is a better choice than Lady Dalhousie.”
Lady Wentworth smiled into her tea. “Was it Miss Emerson you escorted to Almack’s?” she asked.
“Yes. It is her second season and the family would like to see her settled.”
“Very pretty girl,” Lady Wentworth said.
“She is a beauty,” Eliza agreed.
“And sufficiently bold to accept a waltz.” Lady Wentworth sipped her tea, her gaze knowing. Eliza should have guessed that the incident would be noticed.
“I was grateful for her brother’s assistance in intervening.”
“That was neatly done,” Lady Wentworth noted with a small smile. “And what of that partner?”
“Mr. Melbourne,” Eliza said. “I am a little puzzled by him, to be sure.”
“And so you should be,” Lady Wentworth said almost beneath her breath.
Here was a person Eliza could ask for advice. “I understand by his own confession that Lady Dalhousie did not approve of his attentions to her niece last season, though Miss Emerson seems to welcome them.”
“Fanny is many things, but she is not a fool,” Lady Wentworth said.
“Mr. Melbourne asked me whether the change in his circumstances might influence Lady Dalhousie’s view of his suit.”
