Puck and Prejudice

Chapter Seventeen

“Henry!” Lizzy gasped. “What on earth are you doing here?”

“I believe that’s my line,” the man replied with deadly calm, “although I’d phrase it much less delicately.”

Tuck glanced between them. The same brown hair. But the eyes were different. His were more hazel than blue and his features

were sharper, as if he were a bird of prey.

“Henry?” Tuck was just about to register the name when Lizzy spoke again.

“My older brother. Henry Percival Wooddash. Henry, take a chair and I’ll introduce you to my husband.”

Henry slumped before doing a quick internal rally, a gesture that was startlingly familiar. “I came here to keep you from

ruining yourself.”

“Which I didn’t do.”

They were whispering as if they thought that would keep the conversation under wraps. But it was more akin to stage whispers,

where anyone with curiosity could listen in on the circus.

“Hey there.” Tuck stood, unfolding himself out of his chair. He was a good six inches taller than her brother. “My name is

Tucker Taylor and I’m a dry-goods merchant from Baltimore—”

“Not an American as well.” Henry looked as if he would com bust in three... two... one... “A challenge!” he exclaimed. “I’m issuing you a challenge. For kidnapping my sister—”

“Henry! Stop this instant,” Lizzy exclaimed.

“—and ruining her. And thinking you’d be a welcomed member of the Wooddash family, with our impeccable reputation.”

“What is a challenge?” Tuck had benched weights heavier than this guy.

“It’s when you take a pair of pistols to a quiet glen with the aim of shooting each other in a respectable fashion,” she explained

quickly. “And don’t listen to such nonsense. Henry doesn’t even own guns.”

Tuck tried to take it all in. This dude was going to shoot him for marrying his sister? And do so wearing those neck ruffles?

The past was way more hardcore than he gave it credit for. It wasn’t all tea drinking and top hats.

“I should be able to procure some in this town with little difficulty. I can’t be the first aggrieved family member to be

forced into such desperate measures.”

“Henry, I won’t say this again. So, sit. Both of you.” Lizzy hadn’t so much as raised her voice, but she might as well have

screamed. “And then I will speak. If you do not listen to this command—and let me be clear, this is not a request—then I will find dueling pistols first and fire one directly into your nose to prevent you from sticking it into our business. I

am of age, of sound mind, and now married. We stood over the anvil and exchanged our vows. The blacksmith was the witness.

It is done, and the only thing you need to do now is congratulate us. After that, we shall make a plan for how to deliver

the news to our parents.”

“You’ve changed, Elizabeth.” Henry’s tone was heavy with accusation as he reluctantly took a seat.

“You say this like it’s a bad thing,” Tuck said, not caring how much the guy seemed to hate him. He was acting like a murder-happy little brat. “Everything and everyone changes. So don’t waltz in here and make threats to my wife.”

Tuck wasn’t prepared for the possessive sensation that flared within him by speaking those final two words.

“How did you find us?” Lizzy asked.

“I had business to attend to in Portsmouth. I decided to surprise you at the Woodlands and—”

“Surprise? Is that what we are calling it?” Lizzy gave him a skeptical look. “‘Spy’ is more like it.”

“Georgie might be deemed respectable, but we all know it’s only because of her income.” He sniffed. “I was seeking assurance

that your visit wasn’t marred by questionable activities; one can never be too careful.”

“Heavens, Henry. What questionable activities? Music? Books? Conversation? The Woodlands is a refuge. There’s fresh air, plenty

of room to move around, and freedom from judgment.”

“Must I truly dignify that with an answer?” Henry gestured toward Tuck. “You forsook the season to retreat to the countryside

for your whimsical notions of writing and indulging in female companionship. Mamma and Father, against my sound counsel, indulged

you for a month, and what transpires?”

“Mr.Alby is Mother’s husband. That man is not our father,” Lizzy ground out.

“ That man , as you call him, is father enough for my needs. Remember who kept Mamma from sliding down into less-than-desirable economic circumstances after Papa’s passing. Her marriage to Rufus Alby secured our place back in the best of society. But you? You just love to bite the hand that feeds you, don’t you, sister?” Henry barked out a bitter laugh. “And now you go and marry this... this... American with unknown connections and reputation. Did you ever pause to think what this would mean for our family? Georgie was meant to be a chaperone. How did she allow this to happen?” He slammed back in his seat. “How am I to solve this problem?”

“Listen, my man.” Tuck leaned in, balling his hands into fists under the table and digging them into his thighs. As much as

he’d love to check this guy, getting red-carded here would only make the situation worse. “My wife isn’t a problem. She’s one of the smartest, kindest women I’ve ever met and if you are so concerned over reputation, then

I suggest you stop acting like an asshole.”

Lizzy’s eyes widened as their gazes locked.

“I’m not going to step in and tell you all how to end this. All I can say is that it’s a damn shame you haven’t taken the

time to get to know your sister. Because if you did, you would realize that she never does anything without a reason.”

Henry’s mouth opened and closed rapidly like a fish out of water.

“I’m not going to duel you. I’m not going to fight over a woman. She gets to choose what she wants to do with her life. Not

me. Not you. Full stop. We’re married. This has happened. End of discussion.”

“Well...” Henry huffed; his chest puffed out before deflating. “I rode the last three days to get here.” His haggard features

spoke to the truth of his claim. “I tried to prevent this, but failed. You’ve both made your bed, and I welcome you to lie

in it. If you”—he directed his withering tone at Tuck—“think you’re going to be seeing a shilling from our family with this

stunt, I can assure you that I’ll do everything in my power to stop it.”

“While I find your conduct utterly deplorable and unbecoming as a gentleman, I’ll have you know that Georgie is giving me a dowry and—”

“I don’t need to be paid to want to marry your sister.” Tuck dropped his voice low and leaned in. “And I’m going to advise

for the last time that you discontinue any conversation that doesn’t include a congratulations and maybe a passing comment

about the weather.” He gestured to the window, where rain had begun falling.

“What did Georgie say when you arrived?” Lizzy asked.

Henry’s grin was cold. “Let’s say she wasn’t the most congenial host.”

Tuck settled back, reading the situation. The guy’s pride had taken a hit and he wanted retribution. In a tight game, the

primary focus had to be on the puck. Sure, there could be a soft focus on other factors, knowing the shooter’s usual “tells”

or having the muscle memory to react to situations you’ve handled before. But right now, Tuck had no prior knowledge. His

attention needed to zero in on the words coming from the brother’s mouth—that was the puck. Tuck had to observe, wait for

the play, and be ready to step in and make the save.

“You didn’t even send word,” Lizzy retorted. “You no doubt showed up on her doorstep with a scheme to catch the unattended

women in some form of mischief.”

“To which you exceeded my worst nightmares.”

“Were you horrible to her?”

Henry made a face. “I think the real concern should be how horrible they were to me . After I went to sleep with the stated intention to begin pursuing you in the morning, she and her wretched friend Jane locked

me in my bedroom. It appears they thought that would trap me, but I climbed down the drainpipe. I got my horse and was en

route before dawn.”

Tuck winced inwardly; those ladies wouldn’t be too happy with how things turned out.

“You appear supremely pleased with yourself.”

“You orchestrated the stunt, sister. I was merely a player in this affair. Naturally, I’ll need to apologize to Father for

letting down the family. Nevertheless, the repercussions should squarely rest upon you.”

The guy was making the case for how to throw Lizzy under the bus as soon as possible.

“Our plan is to return to London tomorrow,” Lizzy explained. “I wasn’t trying to cause more disruption than necessary.”

“You’re never trying to cause disruption,” Henry snapped. “And yet somehow you always do. You have a rare talent for always

making bad decisions. On that note, I’m going to retire. I don’t have the appetite you do for ruination.” He cast a scornful

look at her half-empty plate. “Tomorrow we will begin the journey home.”

“Fine,” Lizzy said through clenched teeth.

“Fine.” He pushed back his chair and stood.

“And one last thing, Hen?” Lizzy’s voice had turned sweet.

Her brother froze. “I’ve told you never to call me that.”

“I don’t mean to ruffle your feathers.” She tucked her arms against her torso, waving her elbows like little wings. “You have

no business challenging anyone to a duel. You know you are a terrible shot.”

Henry’s features contorted.

“Rest well, Chicken.”

Boom.

Whatever happened, Tuck had no need to make a save. Lizzy had clearly taken possession.

Henry glanced at Tuck. “My only consolation is that you will be punished for this by being forced to endure her company.”

And with that he was gone.

Lizzy exhaled. “Did that just happen? Or did I dream it?” Her hand rested on the table, looking small, pale, and alone. Tuck’s

gaze lingered on it, mind racing. Should he reach out to offer comfort and reassurance? Would that make her feel better?

As if reading his thoughts, she frowned, balling her fingers into a fist and sliding it onto her lap.

She had her pride. And he respected it. But he didn’t want her to feel alone. Sure, he bickered with Nora. Sometimes they

both got too busy with their own lives and didn’t talk much, but both of them knew they could count on the other if the going

got rough.

“Well, he seems great.” Tuck’s deadpan observation earned a rueful giggle.

“That’s Henry for you.”

“What was all the chicken stuff? He couldn’t deal with that.”

Her smile was small but victorious. “My entire life Henry has enjoyed pointing out my every deficit and shortcoming. His favorite

hobby is to remind me that I’m nothing but a burden. It’s gotten worse over time. And I have very little recourse except he

hates when I call him Hen. I couldn’t say Henry when I was very small. I would use that nickname and he loathes being equated

to a chicken. No sense of humor at all, really.”

“His confidence isn’t great.”

“No. I imagine not.” She poked at her plate. “I believe he has always been scared. Of what? I’m not sure. Perhaps the whole

world. And how he chooses to mask it is by being terrible. I’d pity him if I were a better person.”

“You are the better person. The best person.” He gestured at her lunch. “It looks as if you are finished. I’d ask if you’d like a walk,

but the rain is really coming down out there.”

She glanced at the window with a longing expression. “Honestly? A walk in the rain sounds lovely. Impractical but lovely.”

“I’m not going to melt, Pocket Rocket. If you want to go out and sing in the rain, I’ll keep you company,” Tuck said.

“Sing in the rain?” Lizzy made a face. “You are a strange one.”

She’d put her hand back on the table. This time he didn’t hesitate to take it and give a gentle squeeze. “Takes one to know

one. So before we go and disappoint your entire family, want to have a little fun?”

His fingertips traced her skin. Lizzy’s eyes widened at the unexpected touch, but they quickly melted into a playful glint.

“Very well, let’s embark on some more bad decisions.”