"I meant that I comforted Miss Darlington after the incident and then escorted her home. She did not seem averse to my attentions, and there was nothing improper about them, I assure you. I resent your implication, sir."
"Resent and be dammed," Ian said softly. "Are you really too stupid to understand that by proposing this absurd duel you are making matters worse for her?"
"I see nothing absurd about defending the honour of the woman I love."
"The only honour impugned last night, at least until you stepped in, was George Darlington's. I don't suppose you are defending his?"
There was a thread of sarcasm in the question, and Travener's blush deepened.
"It won't do, you know," Ian said, modifying his tone through an enormous effort of will. "You can't challenge Mayfield. He said nothing about Annie's father that was not the absolute truth."
