Charmed by Knight by Marie Higgins

Author:Marie Higgins [Higgins, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-05-01T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

“Stay for a few more drinks.” Edmund tried to coax Nick as he stood by the liquor cabinet in his townhouse, pouring the drinks.

“I really must return home. Catherine is waiting for me, you know. I sent her home with my brothers because she knew you needed my help tonight.”

Edmund laughed. “Indeed? I’m not all that bad, am I?”

Nick’s eyebrows lifted. “Do you really want an answer?” He gathered his top hat and coat. “But I really do need to get back. That woman has a strange kind of hold on me, and I find I can’t be without her for very long.”

Edmund set the glass of brandy on the counter and walked his friend to the front door. “I hope to see you again before too long. As I said before, I expect my wedding to be at the end of the week.”

“Yes. I can see you’re looking forward to the day.” Nick squeezed Edmund’s shoulder. “I’m glad to see my friend happier than I have seen him before. And, I’m surprised to learn it’s because of a woman.”

“Bite your tongue, good man.” Edmund laughed. But, Nick was right. Edmund had actually allowed his heart to get involved this time. In fact, it surprised him to think he did have a heart after all.

Nick opened the front door, but came to a halt just before stepping out. Edmund peered over his friend’s shoulder. On the steps, Lord Rollins stood with two of his cronies. Rollins pointed a pistol toward them.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Edmund snapped as he moved in front of the duke.

“I’m calling you out, sir,” Rollins spouted.

Edmund widened his eyes and held back a laugh. “You are completely sloshed! Haven’t you heard it’s illegal to duel?”

“I will overlook that fact just to see you are brought down. I shall not have my name slandered by the likes of you.”

Edmund leaned against the doorframe, folding his arms across his chest. He rolled his eyes heavenward. “Rollins, go home and sleep it off. In the morning you will think more clearly.”

“Don’t presume to tell me what to do.” Rollins growled. “You, sir, will meet me at Becker’s Pass at dawn.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then I will hunt you down like the dirty dog you are and shoot you ‘tween the eyes.”

Nick tried to move past him, but Edmund’s arm blocked him.

“Rollins,” Nick barked, “there’s no need for this. Put your pistol away now!”

“Your Grace, I will handle Lord Rollins.” Edmund turned to the drunken man on his steps. “Are you aware of my experience with the pistol? Haven’t you already heard of my exploits on the dueling field?”

“Those rumors ended long ago, Knight, and at the time, I refused to believe them.”

“So, you are willing to meet me on the dueling field and get yourself killed just so I can prove my marksmanship?” He shook his head. “That’s not very wise of you, milord.”

“I’m very adamant about this, Knight. Name your weapon.”

Edmund groaned. He didn’t want to fight, and he especially didn’t want to kill the insipid man.

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