Page 75 of A Kiss Of Lies

Arend smiled. “A better solution would be to ensure he doesn’t kill you. I’d like to see you practice, and perhaps we could treat the tightness in your shoulder.”

Christian rotated his arm through the air. “Serena has been rubbing liniment into the muscles, and it does help.”

Maitland stood. “Good. Then we have a plan. A risky plan, I admit, but the odds are in your favor. Dennett has never fought a duel. He prefers to run and hide.”

Christian rose too. “Then what will make him fight this one? I don’t want Dennett taking drastic action in an attempt to avoid a duel—it might put Serena in further danger.”

Maitland patted him on the back. “We will have to challenge him in an open forum, in a place where he will have no option but to accept. Then I’ll start a wager on the outcome at White’s. If it’s public knowledge, it would look very suspicious if anything happened to Serena.”

Arend rose and collected his gloves from the table by the door. “I agree with Christian. Dennett will try to run. He only brutalizes those weaker than himself. We will have to ensure we keep Serena safe and away from him until after the duel. With a dishonorable man like Dennett, there is no disputing she’s in danger.”

As the two men left, Maitland promised, “All of us will stand with you. Keep Serena hidden at the Coldhurst residence until the duel. If the duel goes according to plan, then make for Arend’s cottage near York. You can stay there until the scandal dies down.”

ChapterEighteen

Maitland arrived at the Markham townhouse just after breakfast. Hadley had ascertained that Peter Dennett was attending the yearling auction at Tattersalls this afternoon. He wanted stock to take back to America.

This is where Christian would issue the challenge. Half of the male peerage would be in attendance, all eager witnesses. The yearling sale was the premier event at Tattersalls.

It was a somber ride to Hyde Park Corner. Christian wanted the business over and done with. Dennett would die on the dueling field, or die if he came for Serena. His death was the only certain outcome. Christian was still the best shot in England. His damaged shoulder had caused no trouble when aiming a gun in practice.

They had to be ready. Serena had to be protected.

Maitland looked around as they rode through Hyde Park’s main gates. “Arend’s men are watching the Coldhurst house. I don’t want you to worry about her. You need to concentrate on the duel. I’m taking you for pistol practice after this, and then we’ll see to loosening your shoulder.”

“I have to see Serena first.”

Maitland sighed and turned to face him in the saddle. “I knew you’d say that. It is best left until later. There’s no point in upsetting her before the deed is done.”

How did Christian explain to a man who let so little emotion enter his life that he had to see her? If the duel did not go his way, he wanted to have said all the things he felt for her in his heart and to have let her know that he’d willingly die a thousand deaths to see her safe.

“There are instructions I must give her should I not be successful.”

“Tsk! You won’t fail her.”

“You don’t know that.” He gazed silently at Maitland, but his friend’s stare remained steady. Maitland truly believed he’d win. “If I don’t, you have to promise me you’ll save her.”

“I’ll do better than that—I’ll kill Dennett myself. I don’t care how. I’ll make it look like an accident. An evil like his must be extinguished. Serena can hate me all she likes, it matters not to me. I’m not as honorable as you, Christian. I see no downside to his death.”

Relief flooded through him. “Thank goodness you’re a friend. I’d hate to become your enemy. I hate Dennett too, but for me, death must be honorable.”

Maitland gave a rare smile. “That’s why you’re the hero.”

It didn’t take long to find Dennett. He was surrounded by young ruffians, most already worse for drink. Sean Burcher, the man who’d tried to rape Serena, was by his side, Dennett’s ever-attentive shadow. Rage flared bright within Christian. He drew in deep breaths, praying his temper would hold. He had to look the aggrieved party, but it was difficult to do when issuing a challenge over another man’s wife.

Maitland and Christian dismounted and handed the reins to a groom. “We won’t be long. Walk them around and give them only a little water. We shall be leaving soon.”

As they approached Dennett’s band of followers, the man spied them, and instead of becoming defensive he welcomed them with a beaming smile.

“Lord Markham, the war hero and collector of runaway wives. I assume this isn’t a social call.”

Christian stepped forward and clenched his fists at his side, lest he knock the bastard’s teeth down his throat.

“Peter Dennett, I hereby challenge you to a duel, at dawn tomorrow at Kenwood, Hampstead.” Christian removed one of his riding gloves and formally slapped it across Dennett’s face.

Dennett laughed. “How dramatic you are! Surely it is I who should be challenging you. Serena is, after all, my wife.” He glanced briefly at the faces surrounding them. He took note of the small gathering that was quickly growing as the tale of the challenge went racing around the crowd.

A tad quieter now, Dennett asked, “And what if I do not accept this challenge?”

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