CHAPTER17
“Imust speak with you.” Lord Gillet kept his focus on Edward, making the matter plain of who he wished to speak to.
“I am enjoying a ball, Lord Gillet. I do not have the time to speak with you now.” Edward took a firmer hold of Julia’s hand and tried to walk around Lord Gillet. After the hint Julia had just dropped that she did not want their betrothal to end, he had to speak to her, now. He did not have the time to deal with the frustrations of Lord Gillet. As Edward attempted to walk away though, Lord Gillet stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
“Now. Alone.” Lord Gillet’s cold gaze held Edward’s.
He is not going to let this matter go.
“What is going on here?” a voice interrupted them. Edward didn’t need to turn his head to see it was Charles who had approached them.
“It seems our host is rather worried about us,” Edward said, offering Lord Gillet a smile. “I would not disrespect Charles by arguing with you here, Lord Gillet. We should save this conversation for another time and place.”
“I cannot.” Lord Gillet turned his focus on Charles. “Lord Rutley, would you find a room for us please? I wish to speak to the Duke of Stapleton now, in private.”
“Very well.” Charles exchanged an uncertain look with Edward, the nerves plainly apparent. “Follow me if you will.”
Edward went to follow his friend and loosen his hand from Julia’s, but she clutched it tighter and hurried at his side.
“Julia, you do not have to be here for this,” Edward whispered to her.
“You do not know me at all if you think I am going to be anywhere else.” She eyed him carefully. He was tempted to smile at her words, though he didn’t quite let it happen. Her boldness was something he admired more and more these days.
As they passed out of the room, their group caused whispers. In particular, Edward caught sight of Lady Beatrice, who started eagerly gossiping to the friends at her side, not even bothering to hide her lips behind her fan.
Out of the room and into a candlelit corridor, Charles led them into a smaller parlor. To Edward’s surprise, Charles showed no sign of leaving as he closed the door behind them all. He crossed instead into the center of the room, with his arms folded.
“Charles, you do not have to be here.” Edward spoke kindly. “This is your ball, and you should be enjoying it.”
“When was the last time you saw me smile anyway?” Charles said, tilting his head to the side.
“A long time ago, but this is hardly going to accomplish that smile either.”
“It is a conversation left for another day.” Charles looked between Edward and Lord Gillet. “Lord Gillet, say what you have to say. Lady Julia and I will stand witness.”
Edward looked to Julia at his side who showed no sign of going anywhere. When Charles stood in the middle of a rug and beckoned Lord Gillet forward, Julia stayed put, her hand firmly in Edward’s.
This is what it will feel like to have her constantly at my side.
“I have come to issue a challenge.” Lord Gillet stepped in front of Edward and put his hand in a pocket, rifling and searching for something. “I will not be insulted in this way, nor have what was mine taken.”
“Lady Julia was never yours,” Edward snapped, instantly angry. “Neither is she an object to own.”
Before Edward could utter anything more, Lord Gillet pulled a glove out of his pocket and tossed it on the ground between them. The act was rather anticlimactic, for itfell to the rug with barely a sound. Nevertheless, they all stared at the glove in silence for a minute, the truth of the matter quickly becoming apparent.
“It is illegal,” Julia muttered before anyone else could.
“It happens regardless.” Lord Gillet spoke quickly. “You have your challenge, Your Grace. A duel. The first one to draw blood wins.”
“What!?” Julia snapped, trying to step forward in her anger. Edward automatically pulled her back, putting himself between her and Lord Gillet.
“This is absurd,” Charles said, his voice deep and fast. “What do you hope to accomplish by this?” he asked Lord Gillet wildly. “A duel is against the law, as Lady Julia says.”
“Honor has to be restored.” Lord Gillet answered Charles though he kept his cold gaze on Edward as he spoke. “My honor has been harmed by the Duke of Stapleton taking what was mine.”
“She was not yours!” Edward found himself saying again. “Neither is she a prize. What do you think will be accomplished by this? If you win the duel, and draw blood first, Lady Julia would not marry you.”
“I would not!” Julia seconded.