@@@@@"As I left church this morning," he said 254
@@@@@"As I left church this morning," he said quietly, "an old
friend, who is also a close cousin, drew me to one side and
volunteered
to serve as my second when I challenge Middleton Courtney to a duel
He never doubted that that must be my intentionRegardless of the
truth of the matter, your good name had to be defendedFor the sake
of the family Scarlett's small white teeth bit into her lower lip
"What did you say to him?"
"Exactly what I am about to say to you'A duel will not be
necessary
My wife is unaccustomed to society and acted in a way subject to
misinterpretation because she didn't know any better
I'll instruct her in what is expected of her" His arm moved as
rapidly as a striking snake, and his hand closed cruelly around her
wrist"Lesson one," he saidHe pulled her to him with a sudden
jerkScarlett was pinned against his chest with her arm twisted and
held high on her backRhett's face was close above her, his eyes
boring into hers"I do not mind if the entire world thinks I'm a
cuckold, my dear, devoted little wife, but I will not be forced to
fight Middleton Courtney Rhett's breath was warm and salty in her
nose and on her lips"Lesson two," he said"If I kill the jackass,
I will have to leave town or be hung by the military, and that would be
inconvenient for meAnd I certainly have no intention of making
myself an easy target for himHe might accidentally shoot straight
and wound me, which would be another kind of inconvenience
Scarlett
struck at him with her free hand, but he trapped it easily in his and
twisted it up next to the otherHis arms were a cage holding her
against himShe could feel the moisture in his shirt seeping through
her nightdress to her skin"Lesson three," said Rhett"It would be
the irony of the age for me-or even an imbecile like Courtney-to risk
death in order to save your dishonest little soul from dishonor
