Page 44 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

Yes, he is a senior for sure.

“I would also like for you boys to turn around and clap for a special guest that crept in while the fight was going on,” Mr. George said, looking directly at William as he spoke.

William could feel his cheeks turning red with dismay.

“He is an export of this grand institution and one of the finest swordsmen we have in England right now. He is the first son of the Duke of Wellington, William Marlow.”

The boys turned around to face William, hooting and clapping as Mr. George pulled him out of the crowd into the centre of the fighting circle. William turned to his former teacher who was also his good friend.

“You saw me.”

“What kind of teacher would I be if I didn’t?” Mr. George replied.

William smiled and looked at his former teacher.

Everyone seems to be growing grey hair nowadays.

“So boys, would you like a fencing match between me and your favourite swordsman?” Mr. George shouted.

William was surprised at his outburst. He only came to calm his nerves down not to engage in another duel.

Watching duels and fencing always provides entertainment that calms me.

He wasn’t prepared for a fight. He shook his head in an attempt to refuse Mr. George’ request but the boys were already sold on it.

“Fight! Fight!! Fight!!!’’ they chanted.

William kept shaking his head but the boys had already brought a pair of swords for them. Mr. George had collected his and was waiting on William to do the same.

William heard footsteps and turned towards the door. He saw a group of young women, chattering as they walked into the hall. William was not surprised. The school was open to admitting both sexes although no female had ever enrolled and young women regularly came to see fights during training sessions. He turned back to face Mr. George.

“It is a mistake to be so eager to face me because of the unfortunate event of the outcome of my last duel,” he told him.

Mr. George shook his head.

“I taught you William. It doesn’t take a cheating Duke for me to know I will beat you.”

William smiled. Mr. George was always confident and remained the last person to fairly beat him in a fencing match.

“I won’t pity you,” William told him, taking four steps back.

“Neither will I,” Mr. George replied.

William attacked first. Rushing at Mr. George with such speed and force that it drew a shout from the small crowd watching, one girl squealed in the far end.

If I attack him like this at first, I will be able to tell his current abilities.

William put his energy through each swing, making sure to send his blade both high and low. He started with a one-armed attack. He held his sword with one hand and sliced at Mr. George’s head and neck area. Mr. George refused to dodge.

He was never comfortable with dipping his head under an incoming sword.

He blocked each swing, using his sword to push William’s sword back with the strength of his arm. He was stronger than William and William felt it in his blocks and parries. When he blocked the slices, he put force in his blade, throwing William’s blade back towards him simultaneously. William was sleek enough to deflect the backward swing of his blade. William flicked his sword at Mr. George midriff which caused him to jump back in evasion of the blade. Mr. George jumped again to the side to evade another wicked looking swing. William knew Mr. George would not be ready for a kick so he quickly kicked at Mr. George’s leg; William’s shin connected behind Mr. George’s knee, buckling them. William did not attack him there to finish the fight instead William took steps backward.

He pointed with one finger to Mr. George and signaled him to stand up and come closer. This drew a small clap from the audience; they were impressed with William’s theatrics.

“That was a smart move,” Mr. George said as he stood up.

“Of course you wouldn’t expect it, you were too busy watching the fair damsels behind us,” William stated.