At that period, duels were reasonably common in Ireland and England although less so in Scotland. They were also illegal, so the seconds had to ensure complete secrecy before the two parties met, and find at least one escape route afterwards. Duels were affairs fought between gentlemen, generally with pistols at a set number of paces although the old-fashioned contests with swords were not unknown.
Talk of the duel ended that gambling session and all the players returned home. "I could not think what else to do," George said to me as we left Weir"s Inn.
"You have put your life in jeopardy for my sake," I said.
George adjusted his sword belt as we walked through the dark Grassmarket. "It was not only for your sake, Dorothea. I have known Marie longer than I have known you, and I disappro
