Upon their return to London William brought Emily back into the temporary care of Mrs. Varnes. She was to help her niece pack her belongings as Emily was moving into the Burton townhouse in St. James.

 Meanwhile, William met with John Christi for lunch at a small café on Piccadilly Street.

    “What news, my friend?” asked Will, taking a sip of his coffee.

    “I’ve much to tell you,” began John. He ordered ale and a sandwich and took out a thick pamphlet of papers.

    “What’s this?” asked Will, picking up and the document.

    “Dossier on Rupert.”

    Will quickly browsed over the pages. “His real name is Rupert Louts? I don’t understand…”

    “No wonder no one in our circles knew him. Inspector Cleaver went to Portsmouth and found Rupert’s real family. His father is a fisherman on the docks, his mum a barmaid. The father said Rupert had been gone for months, but that he sent them money periodically. Mrs. Louts told Mr. Cleaver that there used to be a noble family of Lord and Lady Nathaniel Sutter residing in a nearby manor, but that they had passed away years ago, leaving no heirs.”

    “So, he had assumed their name and moved to London to penetrate society. But where did he get the means? Does he have some kind of a sponsor or benefactor?” asked Will perusing the file.

    “Mr. Cleaver tagged the bugger with a few of his boys from the investigating office. They followed Rupert around for days. Turns out, he’s been making biweekly visits to Essex, to visit an old relation. Only she isn’t his relation at all. She’s the great aunt of Charles Sutter, Nathaniel’s nephew twice removed, who perished in the West Indies three years ago. It appears he was the favorite of hers and the last male to inherit the Sutter estates. Rupert showed up on her doorstep and presented himself as a long lost relation. He charmed and coerced her into giving him money, and the senile old widow took him to her bosom. She’s mighty wealthy, and gullible, it appears.”

    “What a snake, taking a trusting old woman for her money,” said Will in disgust.

    “It has been mighty hard not to confront him, Will, but we all know that it is your right to settle the score first.”

    “You’ve done well, my friend. I thank you,” said Will.

    “That’s not all, William. It appears Rupert has got an accomplice in his dealings. You mentioned a man called Dr. Humphreys. Well, he’s no doctor at all. A wanted convict, it appears. Patrick Reed—a master of trickery and disguise. The Scotland Yard has been after him for months.”

    “I suspected as much… Not to worry. Justice will be served soon enough,” said Will, his hands turning into fists. “What have Hayle and Egan been up to?”

    “They wined and dined him, and took him to brothels and to the races. Rupert doesn’t suspect a thing; he’s quite convinced that his treachery has been successful.”

    “Good,” said Will, his jaw clenching.

    “When will you make your move?”

    “First I want to make sure Emily is safe and protected. Also, I need to have a real doctor inspect her and give her a proper diagnosis.”

    “Of course.”

    “But don’t worry, soon enough Rupert Louts will know the true meaning of regret.”

--#--

    After lunch William rushed to Mrs. Varnes to see Emily, but not before he summoned Dr. Adams to accompany him. When they arrived, Gordy informed that Mrs. Varnes had left to visit Louisa, but Miss Summerset would receive them presently. Will smiled inwardly at hearing Emily’s maiden name…,soon she would be known to all as Mrs. Burton.

Emily was pleased to see Will but quickly her excitement turned to alarm as William disclosed the information he had just learned from John.

    “This is Dr. Adams, a trusted physician and an acclaimed medic. I’ve brought him here to give you a proper examination and diagnosis.”

    Emily was reluctant to allow more tests at first, not wanting to hear the same ominous sentence she’d been given before, but when Will told her that Dr. Humphreys was a known crook and that nothing he had said bore any credibility, she happily obliged.

    “Well, my dear,” said Dr. Adams after a thorough examination. “I have some somber news…”

    Emily’s face fell. Will held his breath.

    “It appears you will have to suffer the company of Mr. Burton for many, many years to come…as you are perfectly healthy.”

    Emily’s eyes lit up. Will exhaled.

    “But what of my coughing fits, doctor?” asked Emily. “Will they continue?”

    “How often do these fits come over you?” asked Dr. Adams.

    “It happened several times when I visited Rupert, but he always had a vial of laudalum on hand.”

    “The bastard,” muttered Will under his breath. “He undoubtedly drugged you with something…there is nothing wrong with you at all, Emi. You are perfectly healthy.”

    Emily stared in terrified shock. “Do you really think he’s capable of such perfidy?”

    Will gave her a look that affirmed her suspicion.

    “But I also get headaches and coughing, and shortness of breath here, at the house. I don’t know what to make of it…” said Emily.

    “Your symptoms resemble an allergic reaction rather than a serious illness,” informed Dr. Adams “And I can certainly supply you with a viable treatment as soon as we figure out what exactly you’re allergic to.”

    “Then I am not really sick?”

    “You’re in no serious danger,” confirmed the doctor.

Suddenly she felt hot tears sting her eyes. She sat down on the settee, feeling as though she could lose her balance. The tears seemed to come in gushing streams as she covered her eyes with her hands.

    Will knelt down at her feet. “My darling, why, what is the matter? Why are you crying?”

    Emily revealed her tear streaked face to him, and he saw an unmistakable smile of happiness on her lips. “Don’t you realize? If all Rupert and Dr. Humphreys told me was a lie…then I am able to give you children,” she sobbed through her words. “We can have a family, Will. Isn’t that right, doctor?” she looked up at Dr. Adams, her eyes shining with hope.

    “You can have a whole score of them if you wish, Mrs. Burton,” said the doctor smiling.

    Will embraced Emily and picked her up in his arms, spinning her in circles.

    “I love you so much, Will. I am so glad that all of our dreams can truly be realized,” she whispered against his shoulder.

    “I am so happy that you are healthy, my love. Your wellbeing is my salvation.”

--#--

    It was an ordinary night at Athenaeum’s, and Hayle was engaging Egan in a surprisingly challenging game of billiards, with John Christi and Rupert looking on.

    “I see you’ve honed your skills, brother. Could it be that I’ll actually have to pay attention to my strokes?” jibed Egan.

    Hayle delivered another ball into the pocket and smiled triumphantly at his younger sibling. “That, or I’ve always let you win out of pity,” he said blowing cigar smoke from his nostrils.

    “Any news about Burton?” asked Rupert pouring himself another drink.

    The men exchanged discreet looks.

    “I believe William will be joining us shortly,” answered John, trying not to give away even a slightest hint of what was pending.

    “He’s made himself scarce these last few weeks,” continued Rupert.

    “Well, I suppose he’s still trying to mend that broken heart of his,” said Egan finally outplaying his brother.

    “Ah yes,” hissed Rupert, a cruel smile distorting his face. “Well, when one is lucky in so many things, one day it is bound to all come crashing down…Will Burton has got social status, he’s got wealth, he’s fortunate in having loyal friends…but that elusive thing we all chase after, l’amour…ah, there he’s come up somewhat short of perfection. I guess not everything is attainable, even for the likes of Will Burton.”

    “Is that a fact?” came a deep toned query.

    Rupert whipped around and saw William Burton leaning in the entryway with his arms folded in composed nonchalance.

    “Ah, Mr. Burton,” said Rupert, rather nervously, “We were just talking about you.”

    Will pushed off the wall and approached Rupert rather closely. The Bastion brothers ceased their game, and John was sitting on the edge of his seat. The tension in the room was palpable.

    Will didn’t say a word, he didn’t hesitate for a moment. He locked his penetrating gaze with the icy eyes of his adversary and smashed his fist into Rupert’s jaw. Rupert staggered back, practically falling down, groaning in pain. He held his bruised face and stared at Will in disbelief.

    In silence, Will slowly, methodically removed the white glove from his hand and threw it at Rupert’s feet.

    “I challenge you to a duel, Mr. Louts,” said he stoically. “You may either accept the challenge or be dishonored, if that, in fact, is of any consequence to you. You tried to pass yourself off as a gentleman and an aristocrat; well, this is your chance to live out your fantasy. Defend yourself as an equal of the class.”

    Rupert straightened and wiped his bloody lip with his sleeve.

    “On what grounds do you issue the challenge?” he asked arrogantly.

    “You have the audacity to ask? Well, as you wish…I demand satisfaction on the account of you spreading poisonous slander against a most honorable and innocent lady. I demand satisfaction for destroying a most cherished union between the mentioned lady and myself,” William didn’t blink as he pronounced his accusations. “Not to mention, lying about your identity, and stealing from an old woman,” Will felt rage boil in his veins. He came up close to Rupert, towering over him, his eyes piercing Rupert’s with vengeful fire. “You will atone for your treachery, Rupert.”

    Rupert stepped away from William and looked at the other men. They all stood staring down at him with utter malice. He realized quickly enough that they had never included him in their circle. They were simply holding him in wait for this maniacal avenger. Bastard bluebloods.

    “And what if I reject your challenge, Mr. Burton,” asked Rupert, eyeing the exit.

    “The police already apprehended your accomplice, Rupert, and he’s confessed to everything. They are outside the door to this club at this very instant.”

    “They won’t let you have a stand off with a criminal, Burton. Why, I don’t think the police constable will allow you to challenge me to a duel at all, they’d rather put me into jail and be done with it. And as I understand duels are prohibited, or frowned upon to say the least, a most barbaric ritual…” said Rupert, squinting with derision.

    “I have an understanding with the authorities, Mr. Louts. They are aware of the circumstances and have tacitly approved my intentions. Your choices are simple: you can meet me tomorrow morning at the place of my choosing and fight me man to man, or you can leave with the police presently…with your tail between your legs like the cur that you are.”

    “Capital alternatives,” jibed Rupert. But this was no time for quips. He felt desperation seize him. There was nothing he could do. Either way, he was to be arrested. Although, the possibility of shooting Will Burton in the heart, would certainly give him much solace behind bars.

    “Name your place,” said Rupert, as his eyes sparkled uneasily.

--#--

    It was a cold hazy morning. William Burton was riding in the carriage with John Christi and Dr. Adams.The three men were silent. Will’s face was stern and his green eyes alert as he looked out of the window.

    “It’s not too late to call it off,” said John, looking imploringly at William.

    William didn’t so much as acknowledge his friend’s comment. He continued staring outside at the fog covered trees whizzing by. Will had a hell of time last night saying goodbye to Emily. She of course had no idea about his intentions. But he knew…as he held her, and kissed her, he knew this could very well be the last time. But he had to do it. It was a question of honor. Not just of his…he was defending her. William remembered Emily’s story of the cowardly man who did not come to her defense when needed. Will was no such man. He would fight to the death for her. And by God, Rupert would pay for what he had done.

    It was another half an hour before they arrived at the familiar fork in the road and the carriage came to a halt.

    “We’ll walk from here,” said Will. He got out and started down a muddy path leading into the woods. Dr. Adams followed with his medical attaché case in hand. John whispered a prayer under his breath and proceeded after them, clutching the wooden case containing the dueling pistols.

    They arrived at the clearing amid the woods and waited. Will had been here before. A modest cairn marked the spot of his last battle. He was lucky then. But did good fortune follow him here on this blustery morning?

    In a few minutes they heard the rattling wheels of an approaching carriage stop a short distance away.

    “They’re here,” said John, trying to suppress his disappointment at letting go of the last shred of hope that Rupert’s cowardice would keep him at bay.

    Rupert Louts appeared before them, escorted by two policemen and a constable. He didn’t look well rested—a night spent in jail anticipating the morning confrontation visibly affected his countenance. His dress was disheveled, his face was sallow, his eyes red, but not with weariness, Will noticed…no, it was utter hatred.

    “Mr. Burton, I trust you had a pleasant night’s sleep,” said Rupert removing his coat and jacket and throwing them carelessly on the leaf covered ground.

    “Mr. Louts,” said Will, removing his cloak, “this is Dr. Adams, he will be assisting should either of us need medical attention. And you’re already acquainted with Mr. Christi, who will be acting as my second. I’ve taken the liberty of bringing the dueling pistols; you may inspect them at your leisure of course.”

    “Come now, Will…I trust you…you are a gentleman, right? A man of honor…how could I possibly doubt you?” asked Rupert, venom seeping out of his every word. “Though I better have a look, just to be sure…”

    Rupert approached John who opened the lacquered case revealing a pair of black powder single shot dueling pistols with octagonal shaped barrels.

    “Ah,” said Rupert, letting his squinting gaze appraise the weapons, “these are quite exquisite,” Rupert traced his long fingers down the beautiful handle, featuring an aesthetic Repousse design. “Not some ancient flintlock of your ancestors, I see. These are percussion-fired, eh? More reliable and hard-hitting.”

    John felt a wave of uneasiness at hearing Rupert’s familiarity with pistols. Will approached, his jaw was set, his gaze stoic, his stance unyielding.

    “Make your selection, Mr. Louts, I am anxious to get started…my wife awaits me.”

    Rupert stared at his opponent for a moment…and then realization sank in. Emily told him everything…Will had forgiven her…they must have eloped. The plan had failed…Damn her…she couldn’t keep her mouth shut.

     “Ah, sweet Emily…she will look ravishing in black…”

     “Enough conversation, Rupert.”

    “Enough? I beg to differ, my good fellow…I think I deserve a fair verbal exchange before we settle the score. Let it be known,” began Rupert, addressing everyone, his face distorted with hatred, “that I, Rupert Samuel Louts the first, detest and despise you, Mr. Burton. I despise each and every facet of your good-natured, self-deprecating, blue-blooded, persona. You are so well admired among the swine of your elitist aristocrats. The women sing your praises, the parliament is no doubt awaiting for you to take your seat…and your friends would risk their very lives for you. Who can not like such a man?...Me,” said Rupert, his mouth contorting in a baleful smirk. “Your very sight offends me. Your inflated self-importance…and your impudent gall at taking whatever it is you want. You vulture!”

    “Are you finished?” enquired Will calmly. He knew what Rupert was doing. Louts hoped to bait William with this tirade and inflame his anger in hopes that roused rage would cause a distracting tremor in his hand…but Will wouldn’t allow Rupert’s vituperative railing affect his aim. This was a desperate act. The act of a man lacking in confidence… Will’s arm was steady.

    “I loathe you, Burton…you and your disgusting horde of groveling cronies who bow to your every whim. You are pathetic… Aristocrats, ha! A bunch of trash!” yelled Rupert, and spat on the ground at his feet.

    “That’s enough,” cautioned the constable. “Get on with it.”

    “One last thing,” continued Rupert, leering perversely. “Miss Summerset—“

    “You better shut your mouth, Rupert,” warned William.

    “Fear not, Mr. Burton…I shall not pronounce insults at her expense…but I was just curious, how did it feel to hear your fiancé’s philandering confessions? Did you go blind with rage as you imagined other men ravaging her?” Rupert met Will’s unflinching gaze and grinned. “I must admit hearing her describe your reaction was most gratifying. It warmed me to my very core to hear how your misguided wrath caused you to lose the love of your life.”

    “I know what you’re doing…believe me, it’s a lost cause,” said Will.

    Rupert ignored him. “My scheme was rather good, you’ll have to admit. How to thwart and ruin the man who seems to have everything? I considered spreading gossip to impede your political aspirations, but that wouldn’t have caused enough damage…I even thought about framing you for murder, but it seemed like too much work…and seeing you being sentenced to a prison term wasn’t nearly titillating enough. And then it came to me…I tell you it was a brilliant epiphany. I asked myself, what makes William Burton the happiest? It’s not his hefty purse, it’s not his popularity at the clubs…ah, his poor aching heart, that’s right. It was your heart that seemed to have finally mended, and who was the ‘angel’ that provided the cure? Why, it was Emily Summerset, the very woman I had sought out at the opera…the woman of my own choosing was your salvation. Isn’t it fascinating how intricate a web life spins?”

    “Your dislike for me is quite clear, I assure you,” said Will. “There’s no need to continue this ridiculous rant, Mr. Louts, I think everyone here has got the idea.”

    “But by far, what I am most proud of, Mr. Burton, was the last phase of my revenge,” continued Rupert undeterred. “To have you see your once true love marry someone else…a handsome French colonel. If only I had been there when you learned the news of their engagement…ah, it would have been a balm on my poor tormented soul.” Rupert’s eyes were dilated and he had the look of a madman as he spoke.

    “Shut your maw and pick up your weapon, Louts, now!” yelled Will picking up one of the pistols.

    Rupert let out a loud cackling laughter. “So much for your being unsusceptible,” said he, stretching his mouth in a depraved smile. “Now give me the pistol you have in your hand,” demanded Rupert.

    Will handed the weapon to his opponent and picked up the remaining shooting iron.

The men stood back to back with their pistols raised in one hand and secured in the half-cock position. An eerie silence came over the scene. It seemed that even the rustling of swirling leaves had ceased their dance. No birds chirped in the trees, no animal made itself known, and certainly no man dared utter a word as the two adversaries began their measured walk of fifteen paces.

“Gentlemen, stop and turn to face your opponent,” announced John loudly.

The men turned and faced each other.

“Cock your pistols,” said John.

Will’s grip tightened around the metal handle. Drops of sweat slid down Rupert’s face. John’s heart thumped wildly as he said, “Gentlemen, are you ready?”

The two men gave a slight nod of agreement. Will’s eyes sparkled with determination and focus. Rupert’s mouth twitched with strained nerves.

“Fire!” yelled John.

There was a loud bang of the simultaneous crack of pistols, followed by a heart wrenching groan of Rupert Louts, crumbling to his knees, holding his shoulder.

Dr. Adams rushed to Rupert’s side. Will, left standing, intact, and in somewhat of a shock, dropped his pistol to the ground. At that very moment, he heard the unmistakable voice of his wife.

“Stop!” she yelled, as he saw her rushing through the trees, holding up her skirts. “I beg you to stop!”

“Emily,” Will called to her. “Everything is alright. Don’t come any closer,” he warned. “This isn’t a scene for you to see…”

“I will damn well see what I want!” yelled Emily outraged. She charged right at Will, her fists thumping at his chest. “How dare you endanger yourself? Didn’t you think about what losing you would do to me?”

“I am sorry, my love…I simply had to…”

“No, Will Burton. There’s no excuse… Don’t you ever do this again!”

“How did you know where to find me?” asked Will, but the answer was clear enough as he saw Hayle and Egan Bastion emerge from the thicket.

Will frowned.

“Don’t look at me like that,” said Hayle, approaching them. “Your wife figured it out on her own.”

“She demanded we take her to you…” added Egan. “And I think we were right to bring her.”

“That’s right,” said Emily, “to think that you could be bleeding on this very field right now, and I am taking my morning tea with my aunt, completely oblivious. Will, you cannot be careless with your life anymore…because your life is my life…and if you would be hurt in any way…” she shook her head, not wanting to explore the horrifying thought. “You must swear that you shall never duel again.”

He looked into her beautiful hazel eyes…so distraught, and yet so loving. “I swear, Emi. It’s over,” said William, cradling her distressed face in his hands.

A shuddering growl startled them as they turned their attention to Rupert laying prostrate with Dr. Adams working over him. William approached them.

“It isn’t a mortal wound,” said the doctor, wrapping Rupert’s shoulder. “But had you aimed a few inches lower you would surely have bruised his heart.”

Rupert looked up at William, his crooked smile belied his traumatized condition. “It seems you have bested me once again, Burton. But don’t expect any gratitude for sparing my life…”said Rupert before a violent cough quaked his chest.

Will kneeled down and stared at Rupert, squinting into his bloodshot eyes.

“Dr. Adams says that Emily is healthy, yet her coughs continue. I know you are behind this, Rupert. Tell me what you’ve been doing to my wife to cause her symptoms,” said Will, trying to control himself.

“If the doctor says she’s healthy, then why are you asking me? I’m just a lowborn swindler, a miscreant—“

Will grabbed Rupert’s collar and brought his face up so that it was inches away from his. Will’s piercing gaze seared through him.

“Do not attempt to jest with me, Rupert…for I will not show mercy and finish you off without a second thought if you don’t tell me what I want to hear.”

Rupert’s face turned white as a sheet. He saw the determination, the absolute resolve behind Will’s words. He knew he had lost.

“It’s rather silly really…” began he, but before he could continue, his blue eyes rolled back and his head lolled to the side.

“He’s fainting,” informed the doctor.

William, still holding his collar, began shaking him violently. “Tell me, damn you!”

Rupert came to for an instant and muttered, “Ask Alice...” before losing consciousness.