“Unless the cat kills all of the mice.” With another razor-sharp smile, the Duke leaned in. “You’ll have to introduce me to her one day. Young Miss Caroline. Cassandra is so…pleasant.”
Matthew adopted a blank expression before shrugging. His hackles rose at the thought of having this man anywhere near his sisters.
“Caroline never seems to be around when an introduction would take place,” Matthew said apologetically. “But I assure you, one day, Your Grace.”
“Perhaps at your wedding.” Duke Kendall raised his glass. “Your sights are set on the woman in red, am I correct? ThePhoenixand theShadow of Death. Sounds like a fairy tale, doesn’t it?”
“That it does,” Matthew said. “Perhaps in the future I’ll have my very own happily-ever-after.”
“The unfortunate fact is the future is something that twists and turns—filled with traps, trials, and tribulations. And in no way is it promised.” Duke Kendall whispered, “Why not take her now? With the flick of my wrist, I could give her to you. There are countless bedrooms in this mansion.” He leaned closer. “What’s stopping you?”
Whatwasstopping him?
He could waltz out there andmakeher his wife.
The scent of lilies clung to Matthew’s clothing from his dance with her. She had been so soft, so vibrant in his arms. He could have her under him tonight, taste her skin once more, and feel what he had only dreamt of. But he didn’t want what the Duke offered.
Nothowhe offered it.
“I would never force her,” Matthew said, the thought slipping out. The Duke’s eyes narrowed in response. Not wanting to show weakness, Matthew swirled his glass with a smirk. “I want her to come tome. Satisfaction tastes sweet after a hunt, but there’s something to be said for an eager woman. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Indeed I would. Aneagerwoman would be a curious change of pace.” Duke Kendall laughed, a high-pitched series of silent shrieks. “Speaking ofsatisfaction, a question arose in my mind this morning. I must have an answer.”
Not wishing to spend any time here longer than necessary, Matthew sat straight in his chair. “What is it that you would like to discuss?”
“Do you enjoy causing pain, Lord Lincolnshire?”
Taken aback, Matthew took some time to consider the question before answering. “I’m not sure I understand what you mean.”
“You do it every day.” Duke Kendall sipped his wine. “You are in thedeathbusiness.”
“Not according to my business partners. Mr. Reeves and Mr.Sanderson believe that we’re in thelife-savingbusiness. Our soldiers are better off with superior weaponry—that alone saves lives.”
“And what do you believe?” Duke Kendall kept his eyes intent on Matthew, testing him. “Is there a balance in taking a life to save a life? Does one make the other right?”
The wine seemed to curdle in Matthew’s stomach. The same question bounced around his mind every day.Not knowing the answer, he whispered, “It’s more complicated than that.”
Duke Kendall’s laugh echoed in the room. “No, my sweet gunsmith, it’s a simple question. Doyoubelieve that the exchange of one life for another balances the scales? Will God see it that way?”
Matthew stared down into the murky depths of the wine glass in his hands, so dark the dim light didn’t touch it. “It has to balance.”
Duke Kendall smiled. “It won’t.”
After finishing his port, he gestured to Matthew with his empty glass. Matthew stood, retrieved the crystal decanter and poured the wine into Duke Kendall’s raised glass. Then, he poured himself a generous helping and took a large swig of it, draining half the glass in one swallow.
After giving him a moment of respite, Duke Kendall continued, “You box, do you not?”
Matthew nodded. “I do.”
“Bare-knuckle boxing in the St. Giles Rookery.” The Duke paused. “Do you enjoy it?”
Matthew didn’t hesitate. “Of course.”
“I can tell. You see, I’ve been to one of your matches. I bet on you in your bout against Gregory Hargroves—quite the beast! But nothing compared to you. I’ve rarely seen such a display of violence!” Duke Kendall’s eyes lit with morbid interest. “Which part do you enjoy? Is itinflictingpain, or receiving it?”
Matthew liked the rush that boxing gave him, exercise, distraction,and an outlet for his anger. On certain nights he struggled more than others, and punching a bag wasn’t enough. He needed something that would fight back.
Feeling flayed open, he dropped all pretenses.