Page 81 of A Bride for the Devilish Duke
There was an exchange of greetings and an explanation for Emma's absence. Then, without a word of apology or excuse to Duncan, the Regent seized Damien's arm and steered him away, citing the need for a private conversation on an urgent basis.
Damien frowned as he followed the Regent to the dais set up before the oak tree and up the steps. The Regent sat himself upon a throne carved from a dark wood polished to a rich, ruby red. Damien stood a step below while equerries, resplendent in the Prince’s livery, stood guard lest any other guest come too close.
“It is fortunate that your wife is not present, old chap. I do so find her endearing but information has been brought to my attention that I must raise with you. It gives me some concerns, you see?”
“I do not, Your Royal Highness,” Damien uttered.
What fresh twist is this? Have the twins gotten to the Regent since last I saw him? Turned his mind against my marriage to Emma?
Damien waited with bated breath for the explanation. The Regent leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice further as though imparting a great secret.
“It seems that a member of your new family has been somewhat indiscreet with his gaming. Favoring hells over respectable clubs and amassing debts that no gentleman should have. Large enough to cause consternation to those he is indebted to. It would not do for a Duke of Redmane to be related to a debtor. To a man who may end up in debtors prison.”
The Regent sounded scandalized at this. His eyes were sharp and hard upon Damien's.
He speaks of Charles of course. I thought his debts cleared but it seems the man has decided to humiliate me by reacquiring them. Damn him! I cannot be foiled by a fool who does not know when to leave the card table!
The thought seemed uncharitable as it was directed at Emma's brother. The thought ofhermollified his anger somewhat. He realized that there were no lengths he would not go to for her. Even accepting the disgrace of a debtor for a brother.
But, that would not solve the problem of the Regent's disapproval. That could see the Dukedom wrested from Damien's hands and given to Jacob Fitzgerald. It could expose Harry’s secret.
Damien's mind raced as he tried to think of a solution. Then a commotion elsewhere in the pavilion drew the Regent's attention. Raised voices, one man shouting. It was a voice that Damien recognized immediately.Isaac Fitzgerald.
He whirled, searching for his cousin amid the crowd and soon found him. A clearing had formed amid the assembled guests. At the center of it was Isaac, standing beside his brother.
Isaac looked furious. Jacob looked disgusted.
The object of both men's ire was Charles Montrose.
He looked like a cornered rat. His head turned from side to side as though seeking escape. He licked his lips and raised his hands as though to fend off an attack.
“What the devil is this?” the Regent roared, leaping from his throne, and bounding down the steps of the dais.
“I apologize, Your Royal Highness, for causing this disturbance. But honor demanded it. This man has insulted my brother and I demand satisfaction!” Isaac bellowed.
“Insulted?” the Regent demanded.
“He owes a great deal of money, lost fair and square at Loo. Much leeway has been given. Much time has been given. And now we find that the blackguard is placing bets here before satisfying those he already has!”
Damien's heart sank. Charles' face told the truth of the accusations.
He had been manipulated. It was too much of a coincidence that he should be playing cards with those two. He had now given them the opportunity to cast doubt on Damien’s decision to join the Fitzgerald line to that of Montrose.Damn him!
“Allow me, cousin. As Sherborne is now my brother by marriage, I should be glad to make good his debts. Would it be possible to discuss the matter privately?” Damien assuaged as he entered the circle.
“It is too late for such remedies!” Isaac growled while Jacob remained uncharacteristically silent, eyes glittering with malice as he glared at Damien.
“It can never be too late to settle debts,” Damien chuckled forcibly.
Isaac scoffed. “The insult has been given and it must be addressed. I challenge you, Charles Montrose, Viscount of Sherborne, to a duel to settle this matter!”
A collective gasp went through the crowd at the word;duel. Damien turned to the Regent.
Isaac was an excellent shot with a pistol, and the insulted party would be given the choice of weapon. Emma would be heartbroken if her brother was killed. Christ, what had he gotten himself into?
“Your Royal Highness, is this not excessive?” Damien began, “A duel over such a matter. Should it not be resolved with conversation rather than blood? We are gentlemen, after all, not savages.”
The Regent was watching the unfolding events with narrowed eyes, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
