The Tainted Snuff Box Read Online Free PDF

hardly worth your blade,” I said, growing desperate.  I scanned the room and saw that Lady Perry was still safely at the Prince’s side.  She had no notion of her husband’s confrontation.  But the angry tones had drawn the interest of several other guests, including the gossipy Lady Creevey who stared at us curiously.
    Perry finally looked at me.  “Will you not stand as my second, Brummell?”  Second is the term used for the duelist’s supporters.  Sometimes the support involves carrying one’s bloodied friend off the field to the surgeon’s care.
    Before I could answer, Lord Perry’s cousin, Signor Tallarico, strolled our way.  Could a man in a pink waistcoat play the rescuer?  I hoped so.
    “Did I hear someone mention swords?” Tallarico queried, his deep, husky voice with its Italian accent making his words flow in a way I am certain makes female hearts flutter.  “I’m a master at swordplay, but am always looking to increase my skills.  Is there anyone here in Brighton I could test my technique against?  Or must I venture to London to find an expert?”  He looked from Sir Simon to his cousin expectantly.
    “Angelo, the fencing master, is the man you want.  You are Victor Tallarico, are you not?” I said quickly, seizing the opportunity to gain an ally.  “By the way, I am George Brummell, Perry’s friend for the remainder of time he is in England.  He may have to flee to the continent in the next few days unless we can talk sense into him.  If we cannot, perhaps your home in Italy will be open to him.”
    Tallarico seemed to become aware of his cousin’s anger.  “Flee the continent?  Dio mio , what for?  And look at you, Anthony.”  The Italian gestured with his hand toward his cousin.  “The expression on your face is the very same one you had the time I pushed you in the lake when you wouldn’t leave me and that young girl alone—oh, what was her name?  Jenny!  Jenny from the neighboring estate.  What’s happened to anger you?”
    Before Lord Perry could answer, Sir Simon addressed Signor Tallarico.  “Hope you got what you wanted from Jenny,” he said with lascivious interest.
    Tallarico smiled.  “You doubt it?”  His gaze narrowed at his cousin, and he seemed to perceive there was trouble brewing.   “Her governess had the odious habit of making Jenny wear her hair in a tight braid, remember, Anthony?  I requested that she uncoil it so that I could see the dark locks gleam in the sunshine.  Jenny had refused the request for weeks, the little vixen, but I found her weak spot.  I traded her a box of confections for the honour of seeing her hair undone.  How old were we, Anthony?  Thirteen, fourteen?”
    “Thirteen.  You were a flirt even then,” Perry said, relaxing the slightest bit.  “And I have done nothing but defend my wife’s honour and challenge Sir Simon to a duel.”
    Tallarico looked at Sir Simon.  My hopes that the Italian would defuse the situation vanished when I saw the glint in his brown eyes.  His tone rapidly changed to one of menace.  “You insulted la bella Lady Perry?”
    Sir Simon was all annoyance. “Not intentionally, but Lord Perry here has taken it wrong—”
    “ Diavolo !  You will apologize at once,” demanded Signor Tallarico with heat.  Then, to my acute astonishment, he reached into the pocket of his coat and withdrew a slim dagger.  The tip gleamed in the candlelight.
    Sir Simon’s eyes popped in his head.
    Swiftly, I stepped between the other guests and the sight of the knife, though I feared we might still be observed.  “Gentlemen—”
    “Damn you, Victor,” Perry said, “I shall defend my own wife.  Put that thing away on the instant.”
    Signor Tallarico’s gaze focused on Sir Simon’s throat, as if he were gauging the exact spot to employ his knife.
    “How dare you!” Sir Simon hissed, drawing back his head.
    I leaned slightly toward Tallarico and spoke in the tone of a well-meaning