“Can’t there be some other way? Why must it be a duel?” He gave her a wry smile. “I swore you’d marry nothing less than a gentleman. Dueling is the gentleman’s way.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t want a dead gentleman. I’d prefer a living bastard, thank you. And what about George? You have a goat now, and he’s depending on you. If nothing else, think of your kid.” “Penny.” He touched her cheek. His eyes brimmed with tenderness. “I’m only thinking of you. If I don’t defend you, I’m not worthy of you. Not in the world’s eyes, nor in my own.”
