“What do you mean, I’m simply enjoying a dance and enjoying some harmless conversation.”
“No, you weren’t. I saw you. You were making out with Lady Rebecca.”
“In God’s name, grab a hold of yourself. It was all innocent fun.”
“That’s not the way I see it. You’ll be hearing from me.” He stomped off.
Nicholas stood stupefied. What had he done wrong? He stayed for a few more dances, then left, but thought nothing more of the instance. So much for country hospitality. The next day as he sat in his study, his servant Henri knocked on the door.
“Come.”
“Sir, there’s a gentleman to see you.”
“Show him in.”
As he sat waiting, he thought back to the events of the previous night. Surely not, he thought. The gentleman came in and Nicholas didn’t offer him a seat.
“And how may I help?”
“Sir, I’m a close associate of Lord Abraham Kingsley, and he has instructed me to tell you he has been grossly insulted by your behaviour and seeks satisfaction in a duel.”
Nicholas knew he was an excellent shot and probably had little to fear from his opponent, but the last thing he wanted was trouble with his neighbours.
He sighed. “Is there no other way to settle this, other than killing one another?”
“I’m afraid not, sir.”
“Then, so be it, I’ll see him in the morning. Tell me where and when and I’ll be there.”
The location was settled and all arrangements made.
Henri, his confidant and servant of many years, showed up at the appointed hour. It was a dismal morning with a light drizzle, the weather lending its sorrow to the morbidity of events. As soon as Abraham and his second showed up, Nicholas walked over and said, “Are you sure there is no other way of resolving this dispute other than killing one another?”
“I want satisfaction. I’ve been grossly offended.”
“So be it.”
The official marked out the boundaries, handed over the pistols, and made them aware of their responsibilities. As they took up their relative positions, the weather worsened, as if prophesying the doom to come.
The official took his position and shouted, “Fire!”
Abraham was the first to fire and missed. Nicholas stood for a minute, raised his pistol and fired. Abraham fell to the ground dead. Nicholas ran to his friend, knelt on the ground, lifted his own head to the weeping heavens and shouted,`“O God, what possesses the souls of men to indulge in such acts of savagery?”
Henri walked over, grabbed his master by the shoulders, raised him to his feet and said, “My lord, let’s go. There’s nothing more we can do.”
Nicholas staggered to his feet, took his arm and walked to their waiting carriage. As the duel had been held on the Buckingham estate, Abraham’s friend Albert sought out Lady Buckingham and Rebecca to explain the situation. They were sequestered in the living room.
“Ladies, I fear I’m the bearer of bad news. During your ball last evening, Abraham accused Nicholas of trying to make out with Rebecca. This led to an altercation ending in Abraham challenging Nicholas to a duel. In all fairness, I must say Nicholas did all in his power to defuse the situation, but nothing would satisfy Abraham short of a duel.” He paused to clear his throat. “Well, the duel took place on your property this morning and I’m sad to say, Abraham came out the worse of the two.”
“You mean to say Abraham is dead!”
