Mistress - Amanda Quick [126]
Dodgson’s eyes glazed with the shock of recognition. He stared at Amelia, mouth agape. “It’s you. You’re the one who told the principals that I could not be trusted. How dare you? Why would anyone listen to you?”
“Miss Farley is one of the principals of the investment pool,” Adam said with grim satisfaction.
“I don’t understand.” Dodgson’s heavily jowled face swung back and forth between Amelia and Adam. “This is impossible.”
“No, Dodgson,” Adam said evenly. “It is far from impossible. You will not be allowed to join the investment pool.”
“On the word of this … this pinch-faced little lightskirt?” Dodgson bellowed. “You cannot be serious.”
Adam rounded the edge of his desk, drew back his fist, and slammed it straight into Dodgson’s unsuspecting face.
Dodgson shrieked with pain, surprise, and fury. He reeled back against the wall, clutching at his nose.
Adam advanced on him with clenched fists. “One does not speak to a lady with such disrespect in my office.”
“Damn you.” Dodgson examined the blood on his hands with horror and disbelief. “Damn all of you. This is a nightmare. I am to be ruined because of the whim of a silly little governess who should have been grateful that some man was willing to tumble her.”
“I have news for you, Dodgson,” Adam said softly. “Financial ruin is not all you face. You will meet me at dawn tomorrow morning in the park. Name your seconds.”
Amelia gasped. She gripped the handle of her parasol with such force that her knuckles went white. Iphiginia stepped closer to her.
“Seconds?” Dodgson appeared dazed. “You’re issuing a challenge because of that ridiculous creature? This is insane.”
“I shall expect to see you at dawn,” Adam said. “Or all of London will know you for the coward you clearly are.”
“If you have not already chosen your own seconds, Manwaring,” Marcus said calmly from the doorway, “I would be honored to act as one of them.”
“Marcus.” Iphiginia turned quickly. A rush of relief went through her at the sight of him.
Marcus filled the doorway. His broad shoulders nearly brushed the sides. He was so tall that he’d been obliged to remove his gray, curly-brimmed hat.
He studied the scene in the office with his usual unruffled air, but there was an ominous gleam in his amber eyes.
Adam inclined his head brusquely in Marcus’s direction. “Thank you, sir. I shall take you up on your offer to act as a second.”
“Masters?” Dodgson stared first at Marcus and then at Adam. “Have you both gone mad?”
“No,” Marcus said. “But we are in danger of becoming quite bored. I suggest that you take your leave.”
“An excellent notion,” Amelia said. “My friends and I have some matters of business to discuss.”
Dodgson turned to her with a desperate look. “Amelia, for God’s sake, you cannot do this to me. There is too much at stake. Please, my dear, you must allow bygones to be bygones.”
“Get out of here,” Adam said.
Amelia looked at Dodgson. “You heard Mr. Manwaring. Remove yourself from these premises immediately. The very sight of you makes me ill.”
“Amelia.” Dodgson went toward her as though to take her hands in his. “I cannot believe you would be so hard-hearted. You were once such a sweet creature.”
“Do not touch me.” Amelia stepped back quickly. “Do not ever touch me, Dodgson.”
“You heard Miss Farley.” Adam came up behind Dodgson, grabbed him by the collar, and propelled him toward the door.
Marcus politely got out of the way.
Adam shoved Dodgson out into the hall and slammed the door.
He turned and looked straight at Amelia. “I regret that you were obliged to come face-to-face with the bastard, Miss Farley. I assure you, it will be the last time.”
Amelia stared at him. “Mr. Manwaring, you must not meet him tomorrow at dawn. I forbid it.”
Adam gave her a crooked smile. “Think nothing of it. As it happens, I am a rather good shot. Hobby of mine, you know.”
“But you might be injured. Even killed. Dodgson is a liar and no doubt a cheat. There is no telling what he might do in a duel. You