Except she didn’t believe it. He knew for a fact she was not reacting to the feud. Something else spurred her. Something he didn’t understand.
Nor was he the only one surprised by her reaction. The silence in the hall told him that everyone was shocked she’d refused him. It was a foolish move.
Soren rose.
His movement stirred the others. They began creeping toward their rooms as if embarrassed for him. Here and there was a murmured “Good night, Dewsberry,” but most were very quiet. He had no doubt they would find their voices on the morrow.
However, he was not through with this evening’s business.
“Lord Bainhurst,” Soren said.
The jealous lord had been conferring with the two men who had been with him when he had attacked Soren’s bedroom door. He looked up.
“There is a challenge between us, is there not?” Soren said.
Everyone who had been quietly dispersing now turned back to Soren.
Bainhurst shot a quizzical glance to his companions. They shrugged their answers. He took a step toward Soren and gave a congenial laugh, as if the two of them were friends. “I did issue one, but that was when I believed you were with my wife. I was overwrought, Dewsberry. I ask you to beg pardon.”
“I will not.”
“But you should,” Bainhurst countered with a self-deprecating chuckle. “The grievance I had, well, apparently I jumped to a conclusion.”
“So you did.”
“Which means that I no longer require satisfaction.And, I offer my most abject apologies for ruining your sleep, my lord.”
“Your apology is not accepted.”
Bainhurst was not laughing now. “But there is no reason to duel.”
“Actually, I find there is a very good reason to duel. You have interfered with my life.”
“I apologize—”
“You have disturbed Miss Holwell’s life—”
“I apologize to her as well,” Bainhurst quickly assured him.
“Your apology isnotaccepted,” Soren repeated. “I find myself with a strong desire to—how did you phrase it? ‘Run you though with a sword.’ Yes, that is what it was.”
The deference dropped from Bainhurst’s voice. “There is no need, Dewsberry.”
“Oh, I have need, Bainhurst. A strong one.” Soren noticed Camberly standing on the edges of the onlookers. He appeared as if he had just stumbled on the scene and wasn’t completely certain of what was going on, or of the unwitting role Soren suspected he’d played. Something had driven Cass to jump into his room and it had been more than Bainhurst. Had she caught Camberly and Letty doing something they shouldn’t? Or had it all been a coincidence? Stranger things had happened. “You will serve as my second, Your Grace.” It was not a question.
The duke mumbled, “I am happy to be of service.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Soren said. He looked to Bainhurst. “Let us not let this matter linger. We meet tomorrow at dawn. I’m certain the duke can provide the weapons.”
“Ah, yes, I can,” Camberly dutifully answered.
“Then we are all done. I’ll see you in the morning, Bainhurst.”
“But it is so soon,” he protested. “Surely we should consider the matter a day or two?”
“I’ve already considered. I know what I want to do.” Soren returned to his room, slamming the door on a sobered Lord Bainhurst.
Chapter 6
