This remark did little to quash Brody’s rising concerns. Nevertheless, he did his best to feign calmness, even though it felt like his nerves were so tightly drawn they might snap. “Do enlighten me.”
Ramsgate took yet another sip then set his drink aside on the table between the two chairs. “The matter at hand pertains to your brother.”
Oh dear. What now?
“He attended a dinner at Vauxhall Gardens last night,” Ramsgate continued. “I was there too, with my daughters and… Well, the fact of the matter is, he and my youngest, Fiona, were separated from our small group while watching the waterfall spectacle. I can’t really blame them. There were a great many people present. Trouble is, rather than wait with Fiona to one side until it was over, your brother swept her away between the trees.”
Brody went very still. A sick sensation crawled through him. It took some effort to force the next words out. “Are you saying he made advances upon her?”
Of course that was what he was saying.
“They were seen, you understand, so although it was merely a kiss - and I say merely because I’m aware it could have been worse - I had little choice. I had to respond.”
“Of course. If you’re worried my brother won’t do his duty, you may rest assured that he shall. I’ll see to the special license myself if you wish.”
“You misunderstand,” Ramsgate muttered. He glanced at his glass of brandy but refrained from reaching for it. When his gaze returned to Brody’s, there was a very distinct degree of regret in his eyes. “I’ve always held your family in the highest regard. Your father was a good friend, whose loss still pains me. That said, your brother is not the sort of man I wish to have as a son-in-law.”
Of course not. No one wanted their daughter to marry a man who enjoyed high stakes gambling and lost every time, or the sort who drank to excess and was often seen with some sort of harlot upon his arm.
“But if you’re not looking for him to save your daughter’s reputation through marriage, what then?”
“I’m here to inform you that I have issued a challenge in Fiona’s honor. She has no brothers, so the duty falls upon me. All things considered, I thought it best to let you know, to be sure your brother shows up once the time and location for the duel have been determined.”
Brody stared at the marquess while doing his best not to gape. How could Finn have neglected to mention this to him? Granted, they’d not crossed paths since yesterday afternoon, but he could have left a note. Something to the effect of:
Oh by the way, Brother, I decided to defile Lord Ramsgate’s daughter, so there’s a good chance he’ll put me in the ground the next time we meet.
Brody blinked.
Unsure of how to respond in the moment, he stalled for time by setting his glass to his lips and allowing the brandy to slide down his throat. The warm sensation that followed was welcome, but didn’t do much to ease his concerns.
“Must you resort to such drastic measures?” He knew the words were wrong the moment he spoke them. Still, he had to try and dissuade the man from the course of action he’d chosen.
Ramsgate looked appropriately appalled. “We’re speaking of my daughter’s ruination at the hands of a man whose character leaves a great deal to be desired.”
It was Brody’s turn to take issue. “Finn may have his flaws, I’ll admit, but I won’t permit you to speak ill of him while in my home.”
“Very well.” Ramsgate sat for a moment in silence, then grabbed his glass and downed the remainder of his drink. He stood and proceeded to pace, his expression darkening by the second. “I would have believed myself too old for this, but I cannot allow the matter to slide. Justice must be sought if reputations are to be upheld. Surely you understand this?”
“I do. I simply wish there might be another way.”
“There isn’t. Not one I can think of. Especially not when the first strains of gossip are already making their rounds. I must act swiftly – Losturn must be put in his place.”
“I can speak with him,” Brody tried, “convince him to make a public apology.”
“Are you jesting, Your Grace?” When Brody flattened his lips and shook his head in shame, Ramsgate came to a halt before him and said, “You’ve no idea what this is like since you have no children, but try to imagine how you might feel if you were in my shoes.”
The answer came to Brody before he could blink. He’d kill the bastard.
As if reading his mind, Ramsgate told him stiffly, “You may rest assured, I’ve no desire to take your brother from you, Corwin. First blood will do.”
The words eased Brody’s mind a great deal. “I’ll inform my brother of your visit and what you have said.”
Ramsgate gave a curt nod. “I’ll send a note as soon as I’ve decided on a time and place.”
“Of course.” Sensing an end to the interview, Brody stood. “I’ll be his second.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
