Chapter 71

Sam hesitated a moment, then smiled. “Perhaps I am.”

“And this is exactly what I am talking about. You cannot go about defending his honour,” Alfie said, throwing his hands in the air.

“Your cousin is the best man that I know, and yes, I am angry that you would besmirch his name, but I want satisfaction for your insult to me.”

Tristan was horrified. “Enough, enough both of you. This is arrant nonsense. There will be no duelling,” he said to Samuel. “And I will thank you to keep your opinions to yourself.” He stared pointedly at Alfie. “Sit down, the pair of you.”

Alfie rolled his eyes and dropped back into his chair. Samuel sat very properly in his.