Chapter Twenty-FourMaria
My hand shook as I wrote to Mrs. Hamilton. I apologise for not accepting your invitation sooner. To make amends, please join me at my home for tea Fryday next.
Then she would see me and my “lover” Jacob cozy up together.
As I sealed the letter, James slunk in and headed for his whisky bottle atop the cabinet. He looked haggard. Brown smudges hung under his eyes.
“What is it, James?” I readied my pen for my invitation to Jacob. “You're downright surly.”
He took a swig straight from the bottle. “I just come from Hamilton's house.”
My heart lurched at the sound of his name. Oh, no…
“He told me tis in my best interests, in light of these most recent events, to leave town. Then he brought up the possibility of a duel, if I dare further besmirch his sterling reput
