“Harding.” Mr. Sinclair sighed. “Not all of us are lecherous fools with limited intelligence. Some of us even understand that women are the superior species with a great deal to offer outside the bedroom. You’ll pardon my words, Miss Brown.”
“Not at all. I thoroughly agree with them, Mr. Sinclair.”
The men defending her smiled.
“Why did you have your arm around my friend’s waist, Laidlaw?” Lord Raine asked.
“She was being disrespectful,” the man said. Like the others, he looked like a gentleman, although also like the others his collars were ridiculously high and pointy.
“How is it you can even see with those collars?” Michael Deville asked. “Must be deuced hard to turn your head and not take out an eye.”
“It’s called style, Deville,” one of the men gritted out.
“Oh, is that what we’re calling it?” Mr. Sinclair said.
“She was disrespectful,” the man she now knew was Laidlaw growled.
“Disrespectful,” Lord Raine said, almost like he was testing how the word sounded.
“Her hound charged at Rivers here and nearly knocked him flat. Had his teeth bared. We feared for our lives.”
“Yes, he looks an evil beast.” As one they all looked at Walter, who was leaning on Dimity, shaking.
“Look here, Raine—”
“No, you look here.” The words were like the crack of a whip as he stepped out of the line. “I don’t like men who think because they were born into wealth and title that makes them worthy of respect. Which, let me assure you, none of you are.”
“Now see here!”
“Well said,” Mr. Sinclair added. “I second that and will add that laying your hands on a woman without her permission is something I and my family will never tolerate. Walter also deserves your respect.”
“Who is she?” someone asked.
“It matters not who she is, only that she is under my protection, therefore you will apologize,” Lord Raine said.
Dimity would have to be made of wood not to be enjoying this. Only her father and Abby had ever stood up for her… well, and Lord Raine. Having someone believe her worthy was a wonderful thing, and she felt that tight dark knot of pain inside her unravel slightly.
She may not know where she came from, but she had people who were willing to stand up for her, and right in that moment, that mattered.
“I will not apologize!” Laidlaw said.
“Very well.” The earl began to shrug out of his jacket.
“I am not holding your jacket again. Besides, if you are hampered with that, the fight may be fairer,” Dimity said.
He sighed but left his jacket on.
“Is he good at fighting then?” Mr. Sinclair asked, clearly intrigued.
“He is,” Michael said, stepping up to join his brother. “We all are.”
“Excellent. I don’t mind a good mill. However, it is imperative my face remain unharmed. My wife, you know, gets upset when my beauty is marred.” Mr. Sinclair gave Dimity a wink, and she could do nothing but laugh at his foolishness.
“I have to say, Raine,” Mr. Sinclair continued. “I thought you a stodgy, pompous sort, but my opinion is changing. First the poem and now defending a woman’s honor.”
“Of course, I live to ensure you see me in a more flattering light, Sinclair,” Lord Raine said conversationally, as if they were simply sharing a cup of tea. “Laidlaw.” He moved into the center as the circle formed around him. “Put up your fists.”
“We are in a street, Raine!” Laidlaw looked panicky now. His friends were nudging him forward.
