Just as expected, Lord
and Lady Northwood took the bait of the offer to fight Lord James
Xavier's slave mistress, a black woman who fancied herself to be a good
fighter. When he heard the amount being wagered, Lord Northwood wanted
to back out right there and then, sensing that the deal did not feel
quite right. Lydia, however, calmed his nerves and convinced him that
it would be fine. Living the life style of a Lord and Duchess was
eating into their funds at an alarming rate and Lydia feared that they
would soon be penniless if she did not win them more money. So Lord
Northwood agreed, and the fight was set. |