A Matter of Duty by Sandra Heath Read Free Book Online Page B

nonsense.’
    ‘Rowe was guilty of cardsharping, Kit, and I won’t retract a single word of my accusation.’
    ‘Is his cheating worth your fool life?’
    ‘My honor is at stake.’
    ‘No, Tom,’ replied Kit quietly, ‘your life is at stake.’
    ‘I saw him cheat, and I won’t let it pass this time.’
    ‘What’s so special about this time? Damn it all, Tom, you’ve seen him cheat before and it hasn’t bothered you. The man’s a blackguard of the first order, a maggot, and he simply isn’t worth all this.’
    ‘I’ve thought I’ve seen him cheating in the past,’ corrected Tom, ‘but I was never absolutely sure.’
    ‘Oh, come off it, man. You were perfectly certain before; you were just wise enough to put your neck before your urge to be noble.’
    Tom hesitated, avoiding his gaze. ‘Very well, perhaps on those occasions I wasn’t as tipsy as I was this time.’
    Kit gave an incredulous laugh. ‘Don’t try to gull me, Tom. I know you like a glass or two, but you’re never soaked. You’ve got some other reason for charging into this duel, haven’t you?’
    Tom smiled a little. ‘You’re too damned perceptive for your own good. You’re right, of course, I do have a reason, but I’m not about to divulge it, except to say that a guilty conscience is a dreadful burden.’
    ‘Guilty conscience? About what? Surely not about turning a blind eye to Rowe’s misconduct? If so, then a great many other gentlemen must have the same burden.’
    ‘It isn’t about Rowe. Don’t ask me any more, Kit, I don’t want to talk about it.’
    ‘As you wish. Perhaps you could give me some details about the duel. I trust it’s to be within an hour’s reach of dawn, I’ve sent word for my carriage to be here—’
    ‘It’s at Kensington. A secluded meadow on Holland House land. His lordship’s away and the house is closed. Rowe chose the place.’
    ‘Trust Rowe to know a suitable venue.’
    ‘He’s a past master at duels.’ Tom took a large gulp of the whisky. ‘How was Cowes?’ he went on, changing the subject yet again. ‘I take it you’ve deserted the delightful Thea on my behalf?’
    ‘Cowes was a crush, and yes, I’ve deserted Thea because of you.’
    ‘I’Il warrant she wasn’t pleased.’
    Kit didn’t reply.
    Tom glanced shrewdly at him. ‘How is she?’
    ‘Still very much married to Rowe.’
    ‘You should be thanking your lucky stars.’
    ‘Why do you say that?’
    ‘Because the lady simply isn’t worthy of you.’
    ‘I don’t wish to discuss it,’ replied Kit shortly.
    ‘We’d better change the subject yet again,’ said Tom with a sigh, ‘Maybe it’s safe to inquire after your grandfather?’
    ‘I was with him at Highclare yesterday when your message arrived. He’s in his usual fettle. He lectured me endlessly about failing in my family duty by remaining unmarried.’
    ‘He’s right, you are failing in your duty,’ said Tom candidly. ‘You have to marry if the Earls of Redway are to continue.’
    ‘Don’t you start. I’ll marry when I’m ready.’
    ‘When Thea’s ready, you mean. You’re a fool, Kit.’
    ‘Tom, I’m warning you.…’
    ‘And I’m warning you. Don’t speak lightly or disparagingly about family duty, because there could come a time when you will bitterly regret neglecting it. You could leave these rooms tonight and break your damned neck on the steps. What price your family duty, then? The earldom’s future would be snuffed out at a stroke, and your grandfather would be left grieving for what might have been – the great-grandchildren he would have had but for your selfish and nonsensical obsession with a vain and mischievous strumpet who has no intention of leaving her husband for you, but every intention of indulging in an affair because she thrives on the danger of it.’
    Kit rose angrily to his feet. ‘God damn you, Tom. Can’t you leave Thea out of this?’
    ‘God doesn’t have to damn me, Kit, I’m damned already,’ replied