The Bewitching Hour Read Online Free PDF

simple as one would think. It’s a very serious matter. We should discuss this further. That is, if you are truly bent on this course of action.”
      “Oh, I am.”
      “Lord Stratton," he said loudly, causing the viscount to start. "Would you care to educate Lord Bertram on etiquette in the art of dueling? Or should I?”
      Stratton took another gulp of his drink and waved his hand in Rand’s direction. “Educate away,” he said with an exaggerated slur. “In my present state, I might forget something.”
      “Of course.” Rand turned to Bertram. “The first thing you must learn is that the challenge should be fair. That is of the utmost importance. How are you with a pistol? Stratton is an excellent marksman. Would you be evenly matched?”
      Bertram flushed. “I’ve not had much practice,” he admitted. “I don’t much care for shooting.”
      “Fencing? Lord Stratton also excels at fencing.”
      The young man shook his head.
      “Lord Stratton would be the one who makes the choice of weapons, as he is the one who has been, or rather, is going to be, challenged.” Rand looked over at his friend. “Which would you prefer, Stratton?”
      Stratton rubbed his face as he considered the matter. “Pistols, I think. I haven’t shot anyone for a while. Only target practice and that isn’t at all the same. Yes, shooting someone sounds quite agreeable.”
      “I wasn’t certain how the decision was made,” Bertram said hesitantly. “As I said, I’ve…”
      “Never done this before,” Stratton said slowly, careful to pronounce every syllable.
      “Exactly.” Bertram nodded.
      “Would you care for instruction?” Rand asked.
      “Instruction?”
      “Lessons. How is your aim? You’ve said you haven’t much experience in shooting. I would assume you lack expertise?”
      The thin face clouded with uneasiness. “I’ve never managed to quite get the hang of it. I could use some practice.”
      “If you would like to meet me at Manton’s tomorrow afternoon around one-thirty--no, best make it the day after for I’m certain to be dreadfully hung over tomorrow--I’ll be more than happy to offer instruction.”
      Bertram lifted his brows in surprise. “Why would you make such an offer? Lord Stratton is your friend.”
      “To make the challenge more evenly matched. Otherwise, you might as well put a bullet in your head and be done with it." He lifted his shoulders in a faint shrug. "What's the point of that? With a little instruction you might have a chance, though I must admit, not much of one. You could at least draw a little blood. There would be no honor in completely missing your target.”
      The young man swallowed nervously. “That’s frightfully decent of you. I never expected you to be so accommodating about this. I’m much obliged.”
      “You will wish to find a sawbones, as well. Just in case you aren’t killed.”
      “I have a physician,” Bertram said. “Dr. Chisholm. He’s been my doctor since I was born.”
      “I doubt the good Dr. Chisholm would be willing to stand around and watch you get shot. You need a less reputable physician for a duel.”
      “I see.” Bertram appeared somber. “Who would you suggest?”
      Rand looked at Stratton who shrugged. “I’ve never made the arrangement for a sawbones at a duel,” he drawled out, neglecting to mention he’d never been foolish enough to participate in a duel. He stopped to hiccup. “Pardon me.”
      “As Lord Stratton's second, I'll take care of that. Now, have you decided on a second?” Rand asked.
      Bertram moistened his lips and swallowed. “Not yet.”
      “You understand, don’t you, that a duel is illegal?” Rand asked. “If you aren’t dead, you could be arrested. There’s much to think about.