Harriet flashed him an uncertain glance and then looked at Felicity. "Tell his lordship I thank him for the mare, but I do not feel today would be a good time for me to go riding with him. We would not be able to converse and the ride would be quite tedious."
"She says—" Felicity began.
"Yes, I heard," Gideon said. "The thing is, if I go riding in the park alone today after what happened last night, people will most certainly talk I shall be the subject of a great deal of unpleasant speculation. It is even possible that some will say I am beating my wife."
"Rubbish," Harriet snapped to Felicity.
"I am not so certain about that," Gideon said thoughtfully. "People expect the worst from the Beast of Blackthorne Hall. Beating his wife would be perfectly in keeping with the rumors about him. And after Rushton's dire predictions and accusations last night, everyone will definitely be waiting for the worst to happen. Don't you agree, Mrs. Ashecombe?"
Effie gave him a thoughtful look. "Yes. Very probably. One thing is for certain, there will be no lack of gossip today. What with one thing and another, the two of you have managed to make yourselves notorious."
Harriet gritted her teeth, alarmed at the possibility that he was right. People were always willing to believe the worst of Gideon and he did nothing to stop them. Last night she had actually added to the scandalbroth that always swirled around him. If she was not seen with him today, the rumors of a rift between them would be rampant.
"Very well." Harriet lifted her chin. "Felicity, you may inform his lordship that I shall join him this afternoon for a ride in the park."
"I am pleased to hear it, my dear," Gideon murmured.
Effie rolled her eyes. "I have had enough of this crazed conversation. Let us be off."
"Certainly." Harriet led the way out of the library. She refused to look back at Gideon because she knew he was silently laughing at her.
A few minutes later, when Effie and Felicity were seated across from Harriet in the carriage, Felicity succumbed to a burst of giggles.
"I fail to see what is so amusing," Harriet grumbled.
"How long can you maintain this pose of not talking to him?" Felicity demanded. "I was told on the dance floor last night by several of my partners that there are bets being placed in the clubs. Everyone is trying to guess the exact length of time the Quarrel will last."
"It is no one's business," Harriet retorted.
Effie gave her a severe frown. "If that is the case, you should have kept your Quarrel private."
"It was impossible to do so," Harriet said. "Gideon insists on provoking me at every turn. Just as he did in the library a few minutes ago. He refuses to respect the fact that I am not speaking to him."
Effie eyed her curiously. "You cannot be surprised to learn that Society is finding this all quite fascinating. Your husband has always been a source of gossip."
"I know," Harriet admitted.
"Attacking Rushton as you did last night has just added another dollop of excitement to the rumors."
Harriet scowled. "Rushton called St. Justin a beast again. I cannot abide it when anyone calls him by that horrid name."
"This is the first time we have had an opportunity to see you alone," Felicity said, leaning forward intently. "And I have been dying to know just why it is you are not speaking to St. Justin. Does it have anything to do with these rumors of a challenge we have been hearing? What is going on, Harriet?"
Harriet looked at her sister and her aunt and nearly broke into tears. "You have heard about the duel?"
"Everyone has heard," Felicity assured her. "For heaven's sake St. Justin chose Fry and Applegate for his seconds. Neither one of them could keep silent. They are both far too taken with the notion of themselves as men of the world now."
"It is absolutely outrageous," Effie complained. "A duel is supposed to be conducted in some secrecy, for goodness' sake."
"There are always rumors about duels," Felicity pointed out.
"Yes, but in this case the matter has virtually become a public spectacle. The entire world knows about it."
"Oh, dear." Harriet groped for a handkerchief in her reticule. "It is all so awful I am so afraid St. Justin will be shot or forced to flee the country. And all because of Mr. Morland. He is not worth a duel. I have explained that to St. Justin, but he refuses to call it off."
Effie gazed at her thoughtfully. "Is that why you are not speaking to your husband? You are angry with him for risking his neck in a duel?"
Harriet nodded morosely. "Yes. And it is all my fault, in a way."
Felicity leaned back in the seat. "St Justin challenged Morland because of something Morland said to you? Is that what happened?"
Harriet sighed. "It was a bit more than just an insult, I'll grant you. Nevertheless—"
"How much more than just an insult?" Effie demanded.
"Mr. Morland attacked me, if you must know the truth." Harriet saw the horror in her aunt's eyes and hastened to reassure her. "But there was no great harm done. Except to Mr. Morland. I dropped a rather large stone on his head. But St. Justin refuses to let the matter rest."
"I should think not," Effie retorted. "This news changes everything. Of course St. Justin must do something."
"Oh, Harriet," Felicity breathed. "St. Justin is going to fight a duel over your honor I think that is terribly romantic."
"Well, I do not," Harriet snapped. "I have got to find a way to prevent it."
"He must love you very much," Felicity observed, eyes filled with wonder.
Harriet grimaced. "It is not that at all. It is simply that St. Justin takes his honor very seriously."
"And as you are his wife, your honor is tied to his own," Felicity said softly.
"Unfortunately, yes." Harriet straightened with resolve. "But I will find a way to stop this stupid duel. I have already taken steps."
"Steps?"
"This morning before you arrived I sent for assistance."
Effie stared at her. "What sort of assistance?"
"St. Justin's parents," Harriet said with satisfaction. "I dispatched a note to them informing them that something dreadful was about to happen. I am certain they will help me find a way to end this matter. After all, St. Justin is their only son and heir. They will not want him risking his neck in a duel any more than I do."
The rumors of the duel and the Quarrel and Harriet's attack on Rushton were not only titillating the ton. Harriet discovered that afternoon that they were also the talk of the Fossil and Antiquities Society meeting.
Fry and Applegate, both looking solemn and extremely important, assumed the stature of Dashing Men of Action the moment they walked into Lady Youngstreet's drawing room. Everyone edged close to the duo in hopes of picking up a crumb of information.
"Matter of honor," Fry declared in grave tones. "Cannot discuss it further, of course. Very serious matter. Very serious indeed."
"Absolutely cannot talk about it," Applegate said. "Quite certain you all understand. Can only say St. Justin is dealing with this as a gentleman. Afraid I cannot say the same about the other party involved. Refuses to see us or name his seconds."
Harriet, who was sitting on the sofa, overheard Applegate's remark and brightened slightly. She wondered desperately if that meant Morland would manage to find a way to call off the duel. Perhaps he would send his apology to Gideon. She leaned forward, straining to hear more from Applegate.
Unfortunately, Lady Youngstreet chose that moment to sit down beside her. She gave Harriet a droll wink. Harriet realized she had already had a nip of her afternoon sherry.