A Gentleman Never Does

A Gentleman Never Does Part 9

Cold sweat trickled down the back of Gideon's neck. If they'd been alone, he wouldn't have even bothered to respond. If they'd been alone he could have pulled Gareth back into his arms where he belonged and apologized for the lie he'd told so many years before.

If they were alone, he wouldn't have to do what he was about to do. He'd have choices if they were alone. And any time he had a choice, he'd choose Gareth.

But in front of these men, these curious, staring, refined gentlemen of the ton, his honor had been called into question, and he had no choice but to react. The ton had rules for every situation, and those who didn't follow the rules had no place in society.

"I will accept your apology for maligning me." He gazed steadily at Gareth, willing the man to apologize and let it go. He should have known better. Gareth was in a temper, and Gareth in a temper didn't watch his words.

"Apology? For speaking the truth? You are a coward today, Gideon Westwood, just as you were a coward two years ago. Whenever you're faced with a chance to stand up and be a man, you hide behind society and its trappings. I refuse to apologize." He crossed his arms across his slim middle, and glared.

Shocked gasps and mutters from the men around them hammered at Gideon's consciousness. His fists clenched at his side. He wanted to knock Gareth down, to shake some sense into him. "You can see I didn't lie. Just apologize. This doesn't need to end like this, Gareth."

"Teach him a lesson, Westwood."

"Aww, go easy on him, Gideon. He's practically a girl."

The taunts and jeers of their audience infuriated Gareth, and Gideon knew that he'd lost any hope at convincing the man to back down. He had only one way to insure that Gareth came out of this without being injured too badly, without exposing the both of them to ridicule and gossip. He had to issue the challenge himself, giving Gideon the choice of weapons.

"I will not apologize for speaking the truth. You lied to me in the past, even if it is clear that on this occasion you spoke truth." 

Exasperated with his friend, and yes, now he could acknowledge that they were still friends despite how very different they'd grown to be, Gideon growled. "You'll be willing to defend your stand then, at dawn."

"I suppose I must. Those are the rules, right?" The bitter gibe struck at his heart. It was rules that kept them apart. Rules would always keep them apart.

An excited murmur rippled through the small group of gentlemen. One stepped forward, a fellow member of Gentleman Jackson's Boxing Salon. "This isn't the place; the ladies, you know? I'll act as second for you, shall I Westwood?" The man turned inquiringly to Gareth. "And who will act for you, Mr. Belmain?"

Gideon nodded shortly. Not waiting to see what Gareth replied, he spun on his heel and stalked away, leaving Gareth to put on his dancing shoes and find a second of his own for the duel that was coming.

Prying his mother and sister form the dance floor was nearly as difficult as leaving Gareth behind in that circle of interested gentlemen. Both were necessary. He had to retire to his home and make arrangements. One could hope that Gareth wouldn't try to actually kill him, but dueling was risky and accidents happened.

He had to leave his affairs in order, to make sure that everyone, including Gareth, was taken care of if something should go wrong.