Page 32 of Only Scandal Will Do

“Agreed.”

“And if I win, your forfeit is that you will agree to marry me.”

Kat shivered at the words, but managed to steady herself. She had expected that stipulation. “And if I win, your forfeit is to allow me to return to Virginia and not seek me out ever after.”

The set of Dalbury’s mouth said he did not want to agree, but she stared him down. If she could give up so much, then so could he. She held his gaze until he gave a reluctant nod. “Since we will carry this out in the spirit of a duel, may I ask for your seconds, my lord?”

“As before, Tommy Redmond and Lord Trevor. I suppose your second will be your brother?”

What if Jack sabotaged her? Locked her in her room to make her miss the duel just so he could fight in her stead? No, there must be someone else. Jack’s face had deepened almost to purple. “In addition to Jack I will ask Mr. Reginald Matthews,” she replied. Mr. Matthews had shown a steady regard for her at their last meeting. Despite his connection to the law, he might agree to aid her once more. And of course, he was family.

Dalbury stiffened at the name. “He is a gentleman?”

“More so than I am. He is my choice and he stands as my primary second.”

Dalbury’s eyebrows went up. “Does he know the exact nature of the quarrel?”

Kat nodded. “I believe he knows. He suspects at least, so it will hardly be telling to bring him in.” She flushed, confessing, “Dr. Pritchett knows as well.” Dalbury paled. “You told him?” he whispered.

Heat raced into her cheeks and she couldn’t meet his eyes. “No. He attended the auction and recognized me. But I have his word he will not betray me.”

Dalbury shrugged. “We must have a physician present in any case, so Pritchett will fill the bill.” He looked her up and down. “However this turns out, Lady Katarina,” he said, the hint of amusement in his eyes proclaiming how he expected it to turn out, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet with you.” He picked up her hand and kissed it, a warm graze that sent disturbing sparks up her arm. “I will tell the captain to dock now. You and Lord Manning will be escorted home in my carriage and I will meet you at dawn tomorrow.”

He stopped, and looked thoughtful. “Perhaps it would not be prudent for us to fight in the park. We do not want this affair to become public knowledge.”

Kat nodded, for he made sense. “You have an alternative spot in mind, my lord?”

“My house or yours would suffice. I have a ballroom that has sufficient space.”

Jack shrugged and said, “We have no such open room. So I fear we must avail ourselves of your hospitality. I am obliged.” The last came out between clenched teeth.

Dalbury nodded and bowed. “Because we will fight indoors away from prying eyes I see no reason to rob us of our sleep. Shall we say ten o’clock?”

“Ten it is, my lord.”

“Until then, my lady, adieu.” And he was gone, leaving the space next to her unexpectedly empty.

To cover that strange, unsettled feeling, she raised her voice to summon her brother.

“All right, Traitor Jack. I intend to fight as though my life depends on it, as it truly does.

Will you help me or no?”

Jack still apparently smarted over having his duel summarily taken out of his hands.

“You can never win against him, Kat.” He sulked. “Why must we go through this charade?”

She sighed and her anger abated. As she often did after they quarreled, she embraced him. “To save your scrawny neck, if for no other reason.” She released him and looked deep into his eyes, willing him to understand. “If I must be married to the marquess, then it will be by my own hand that the battle is lost. But I don’t expect to lose.” She smiled saucily at him. She had an idea or two that Dalbury might not expect. “And as long as honor is satisfied, we should have no problem avoiding the ton’s censure. If I do indeed win, I will quietly sail for Virginia and no one will be the wiser. If I lose,” she set her face into determined lines, “then I marry the man and the ton will simply see it as another arranged marriage.”

Jack’s exasperation erupted. “If you are so resigned to marrying him, why don’t you just do it? Why go through with this farce?”

“Because I am not resigned to the marriage. I would prefer to marry Amiable Dawson,

whom I know respects me,” she said quietly. And who did not make her abandon all thoughts of respectability. “If I win, I win my freedom and Dalbury’s respect. If I lose, then at least I hope I win his respect. Perhaps he will think twice before trying to bully his wife.”

Jack’s expression finally showed a glimmer of understanding, but then he had always respected her abilities. He did not realize that most men would need hard proof for her skills to be believed.

“So, are you with me, brother?”