Free Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman by Wareeze Woodson

there?”
    Surprised and a little alarmed at his friend, Adron admitted perhaps he’d allowed his temper to overcome his judgment. He should never have flung that nonsense at George. Now he needed a face saving tactic. “No, but in fairness to your noble intentions, I propose a test for her.”
    “What sort of test?”
    “A test of her overwhelming love for her son.” Adron hated the understanding in his friend’s eyes and warm color crept along his cheekbones.
    “You’ve tested her unmercifully now.”
    Adron cocked his head to the side. “You understand I failed Robert once but where his child is concerned, I won’t fail again.”
    “You make that an excuse. I thought I knew you but you’ve allowed your sense of fair play to become twisted.” George raised his chin. “You’ve let your rigid view of women in general blind you.” A look of great sadness crossed his face. “She’ll give up her very life for her son. I hope you’ll come to your senses before you require that of her,” he finished and strode out the door.
    Adron stood staring at the space George had vacated. What kind of monster did George think he was? Adron didn’t intend to physically harm Laurel. That piece of self-delusion brought a half smile to his lips. He admitted at times he’d fought the longing to throttle her, but he would never actually do such a thing. The thought of her in harm’s way brought a queasy sensation to his stomach.
    He poured a shot of whiskey and drank it down before hurling the snifter into the fireplace. The shattered chards of glass crashed to the bottom of the empty grate and the sound intensified the pain forming in his head. “Well hell!”

Chapter 6
    Later, after the children had been fed, bathed and tucked into bed, Laurel rushed to prepare her toilette before the ball. She slipped into her chamber, surprised by bright moonlight streaming through the narrow window. The hangings had been shoved to one side and Rhonda stood with her hands on the top of the chest of drawers. She spun around to face Laurel.
    “Rhonda,” Laurel snapped. “What are you doing here?”
    “What did you do with my jewels?” Rhonda hissed and moved closer. She sidled across the chamber with her hips swaying and a mocking smile on her lips.
    The key hanging from a chain around Laurel’s neck seemed to burn against her flesh and her heart leapt into her throat before reason returned. Rhonda couldn’t be talking about the casket of jewelry Robert had entrusted to her the night he died. Her sister-in-law must mean the sapphires. Laurel’s resolve stiffened. She didn’t want this fight, but she wouldn’t give in to Rhonda’s demands either. She cleared her throat. “I’ve done nothing with your jewelry.”
    “Such a sweet, deceiving little—baggage. No one would believe me when I tried to tell the authorities about you. You killed my brother as surely as if you delivered the deadly dose with your own hand.”
    Laurel drew back. “You’re deranged. Please leave my room.”
    Mocking laughter spilled from Rhonda’s lips and spears of hatred sparked from her eyes. “If you imagine you will end up with anything, you’re the one who’s daft.”
    Laurel stepped to the door and held it open. “As you say. Now please have the goodness to leave.”
    Rhonda flung her head back, picked up her skirts and departed without another word. Laurel wished she could be shed of Rhonda’s lingering perfume as easily.
    Laurel sank onto the bed, her composure shattered. For her, the confrontation with Rhonda dredged up old memories of Robert best left buried. She could almost smell the whiskey on his breath even now. He’d given her the jewels, gently kissed her and limped away. Tears gathered in her eyes, but she quickly brushed the moisture away. She had no time to brood over the matter now. Bolting from the bed, she struck a flint to light her lamp.
    Tonight would be her first opportunity to lay aside her widow’s weeds and don an