With the lanterns lit Mulgrave stood silently by the far wall. Gaise Macon, studiously avoiding the beautiful girl in the green velvet robe, pretended to examine the many paintings on display. Ill at ease as he was he seemed much younger, his face boyish in the yellow light.
A tall man appeared at the top of the stairs, and began to descend. His hair was fashionably long, grey shot with streaks of black. His face was heavy set, the eyes deep beneath shaggy brows. He was fully dressed in black leggings and boots, and a braided red coat, with a general’s yellow sash across it. As he reached the foot of the stairs he gestured to the woman. ‘You may go to your room now, Cordelia,’ he said. ‘I shall deal with this.’ His voice was firm, the tone cold, his anger barely suppressed.
‘Yes, Father,’ she said, offering him a curtsey.
Casting an angry glance at Gaise Macon she gathered the hem of her robe and climbed the stairs. Her departure brought a sense of relief to Mulgrave. It was also a tactical error from the quartermaster general. With the girl present Gaise would have remained uncertain, even defensive. Now Mulgrave could see the young man’s confidence returning.
‘Your explanation for this intrusion had better be good,’ said Cordley Lowen.
‘I am Gaise Macon, commander of the Eldacre Company.’
‘I know who you are, young man,’ snapped Lowen. ‘I have heard the name – and the ridiculous’ nickname you have acquired. The Grey Ghost, is it not? What do you want?’
‘I like a man who speaks his mind, general,’ said Gaise smoothly. ‘It makes matters so much more simple. I paid you for ten wagons of supplies. I received four. Last month I paid for twelve and received seven. At twelve pounds in gold coin per wagon that makes one hundred and thirty-two pounds you owe me. Or eleven wagons of supplies. I will take either. And I will take either now.’
Cordley Lowen’s laughter barked out. ‘How rare it is,’ he said, ‘to find such stupidity among the noble classes. Did you really think you could come here and cajole me into settling this . . . alleged debt?’
‘No,’ said Gaise Macon. ‘I did not.’ From his belt he pulled the leather riding gauntlet. Stepping forward he slashed it across Cordley Lowen’s cheek. The sound was harsh, like a distant gunshot. Lowen staggered back. ‘1 knew you would not honour your debt,’ said Gaise, ‘but martial custom demanded that I offer you the chance. My man, Mulgrave, will discuss the details of the duel with you. The choice of weapons is yours.’
Cordley Lowen stood for a moment in astonished silence. Then he shook his head. ‘I am not a nobleman. You cannot force me into a duel.’
‘You are mistaken, sir,’ Gaise told him. ‘Perhaps you should have read the King’s Manual before accepting the position of general. Noblemen and officers are covered by the conditions of the duel. We are both generals. I can challenge you. I have challenged you. Of course you can refuse the challenge. On page one hundred and four of the Manual you will find a section dealing with refusal. It states that the officer declining must resign his commission instantly. From that moment on he will be barred from all public office and lose the right to vote in any election, or to own lands above one acre. Harsh, is it not? But then we Varlish have no stomach for cowards.’ Gaise stepped in close to the general, reaching out and tapping at his yellow sash. ‘Swords or pistols, General Lowen. Your choice. I will leave you to discuss these matters with Captain Mulgrave.’
Gaise Macon stepped back, gave a short perfunctory bow, then gathered his cloak and left the house. Cordley Lowen swung towards Mulgrave. ‘Is he mad?’
‘A trifle hot-headed, sir. Will it be swords or pistols, and at what time and place tomorrow do you wish the duel to take place?’
‘I am no swordsman.’
Then it shall be pistols,’ said Mulgrave. ‘That is probably all to the good, sir. General Macon is an excellent swordsman. He is also a fine shot, of course, but there are many variables in pistol duels. A sudden gust of wind, heaviness or rain in the air. The ball might merely shatter a shoulder or break an arm.’