Royally Ever After Read Online Free Page B

keeping her steady. She remembered his arm about her shoulders . . . the warmth and strength of his big body.
    The sun was sinking but it seemed to be blazing down on her, on everything, and all the world seemed to be softening and melting.
    She didn’t want to melt. She didn’t want to be one of the scores of women waiting for the exclusive attention he was probably incapable of giving.
    Still, she remembered what he’d said yesterday and the way he’d charmed her by degrees without her quite realizing. She recalled the series of witty, provoking notes he’d sent this day . . . and how she’d wished he’d come in person to annoy her, so that she could throw something at him—and at the same time she’d laughed, too, at his absurd messages. And she had very greatly enjoyed composing her answers.
    â€œAmy has never acted as a second before, and she spent two hours studying Papa’s copy of The British Code of the Duel ,” she said . “It’s her fault we weren’t exactly on time—because she insisted that we couldn’t proceed without a surgeon in attendance. I told her that was silly. If I kill you, no surgeon can do you any good. If I only wound you, naturally I shall leave you to bleed to death.”
    â€œI’m sure that goes without saying,” he said in a stifled voice.
    She looked up sharply. His expression was far too innocent.
    â€œI know you think this is a hilarious joke, taunting me to come out to this place,” she said.
    â€œI wasn’t sure how else to get you alone,” he said.
    â€œWe are not alone,” she said.
    He glanced toward Amy and Mr. Bates, who seemed to having a controversy about the weapons. “This will do. For the moment.”
    â€œSince we are somewhat alone,” she said, “I ought to warn you: I’ve actually decided not to kill you, no matter how great the temptation. I shall fire into the air.”
    â€œI beg you will not,” he said. “You might harm an innocent bird.”
    â€œI most certainly will not fire at you.”
    â€œIt would only be fair,” he said. “Because I most certainly mean to fire at you.”
    â€œNo, you don’t,” she said.
    â€œI do—and I urge you to shoot straight at me,” he said. “I promise you’ll feel better afterward. Trust me. ”
    Amy stomped toward them. “This is most irregular,” she said. “The combatants are not supposed to be enjoying a tête-à-tête.”
    â€œLord Lovedon was bored,” Chloe said. “He came to amuse himself at my expense, because you and Mr. Bates are taking an eternity.”
    â€œWhat seems to be the difficulty?” Lord Lovedon said.
    â€œThe dueling ground,” Amy said.
    â€œAh, yes,” Lord Lovedon said. “According to The British Code of the Duel , as Miss Renfrew is now aware, the seconds must ‘choose out a snug sequestered spot, where the ground is level, and no natural, terrestrial, or celestial line presenting itself to assist either party in his views of sending his opponent into eternity.’ ”
    Chloe stared at him.
    â€œI have a terrifying memory,” Lord Lovedon said.
    â€œWell, we’ve settled it,” Amy said. “Lord Lovedon, would you be so good as to accompany Mr. Bates. Chloe, you’re to come with me.”
    T he seconds chose the place where the Duke of Wellington and the Earl of Winchilsea had fought their duel a few years ago. It was the site Lovedon had suggested to Bates—fitting, Lovedon thought, today being the twentieth anniversary of Waterloo. Though Miss Renfrew evidently required persuading, she had to see it was a suitable spot, a stretch of flat ground near the river, not easily visible to passersby.
    One had to cross a drainage ditch to get there. Lovedon offered to carry Miss Sharp over it.
    â€œThat won’t be necessary,” she told him.