“Excellent,” Nicholas said. “Of course, my sister will no longer be able to welcome your attentions after this incident.”
They bowed to each other, Melbourne’s mouth a taut line—either from pain or discontent, Nicholas did not care—and Haynesdale turned to shout to his driver. “The gentleman will need a doctor, Thomson, though his injury is minor. Will you rouse one?”
“Of course, Your Grace.” Thomson dispatched the footman toward the slumbering village, doubtless having ascertained the location of the doctor’s abode in advance.
Haynesdale and Nicholas walked back to the carriage and horse together. “I have in mind a hearty breakfast,” the duke said. “Join me?”
Nicholas shook his head, having no inclination to see Eliza again in this moment. “It has been a night, Your Grace. I would sleep this morning.”
“And a rest well-earned to be sure. You must meet me later at White’s for dinner, and tell me of your scheme for your winnings last night. I have no doubt that you possess one and I admit to my own curiosity.”
“I will,” Nicholas vowed and shook his hand beside the carriage. “Thank you. Never has a man had a better friend than I in you.”
“You are mistaken, Emerson,” Haynesdale said as he stepped into his carriage. “For I am the most fortunate of men in my friendship with you.” He rapped on the roof of the carriage as Nicholas smiled. He looked back over the commons, waiting for the footman to bring the doctor, and bade himself believe that his future would have sufficient promise to render him content.
He did not believe it, not truly, but perhaps that conviction would come in time. A man had to make his peace with those matters he could not change, after all.
To Eliza’s satisfaction, Damien was at breakfast by the time she came down. Her brother looked his customary disgruntled self, which assured her that he was both sober and content.
“Captain Emerson?” she asked from the doorway, already guessing the answer.
“Hale as ever,” Damien said, turning the page of his newspaper calmly. “Melbourne deloped, though it might be unfair to suggest that he fired wide and early on purpose. The man’s skill is decidedly lacking and he has all the audacity of a rabbit. Fine dueling pistols, though. I thought them admirable.” He turned another page and she detected a smile of satisfaction. “Emerson is as excellent a marksman as ever. I suspect he struck his opponent within an inch of his intended target, despite the fog this morning.”
Eliza smiled with relief as she took her place. Nicholas was unscathed. Her relief was sufficient to weaken her knees.
“You doubted his success?” Damien asked, obviously having noted her reaction.
“I feared that his opponent might cheat.”
Her brother nodded. “I shared that concern, I must admit, but we were both mistaken.”
“Where was Melbourne struck?”
Her brother touched his upper left arm with a fingertip. “Sufficient to frighten him, but not to kill or even maim him. The bone was even untouched. He will have a scar and I have no doubt that he will make much of it with the ladies.” Damien nodded. “I confess that it was highly satisfactory to watch Melbourne weep like a child. Unworthy of me, I know, but I found great delight in the sight.”
Eliza smiled, guessing that she might have enjoyed it as well.
“There is something about that young buck that tempts me to a kick. You will want to claim some sausage, Eliza, before I eat it all. There is nothing like an early run to Wimbleton to encourage the appetite. I regret that you will have to wait to read my newspaper this morning.”
Eliza smiled. “That is no trouble. I appreciate that you always refold it neatly.”
“As do you, though still I know you have read it.”
“Do you disapprove so much?”
“Not a whit, but do not tell mother of your bluestocking impulses. She will hire a dancing master for you without delay and we shall be cursed to listen to the music all day long.”
Eliza appreciated that this was the worst torment he could imagine. “Surely my days for a dancing master are long behind me.”
Damien put down his newspaper. “You must guess that she wishes to see you wed again and quickly, if only for the promise of grandchildren.”
“That is not what she said.”
He granted her a look. “And you believed what she said to be the sum of the truth? How long have you known our mother?”
Eliza smiled. “Unless suitable men have taken it upon themselves to visit her rose garden, I cannot imagine how she will contrive such a match.”
Her brother smiled slightly. “She believes you need a husband to be happy.”
