“It is a bribe,” she said.
“It shows your scorn for me.”
“Comprehension of you, rather.”
“And if I don’t?”
“If you don’t I will challenge this man—and fight him. I am an excellent fencer, an excellent shot.”
She looked at him, half scoffing, yet half believing. “Englishmen don’t fight duels.”
“This one will.”
“He might kill you.”
“I might kill him; you would have to take the risk.”