mainz1947

@@@@@"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