Crossing Swords

By Kaleidoscope Press

Their tempers always flared hot.

This time, Henry and Charles have gone too far, and the challenge of a duel has been accepted. But once the alcohol has worn off and cooler heads have prevailed, both men regret their hasty words. But to recant on the duel may label either man a coward, and neither’s pride would allow such a thing. Both men fabricate out-of-town emergencies to save face and jump on the early morning train. The same train.

These sometime friends, sometimes foes have a lot of exploration ahead of them. What is this tension between them? And why the attraction? And why not explore both — right in the sleeping car of the early morning train out of town?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steamy eReads
• Release date: Mar 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005755454

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Crossing Swords

Kaleidoscope Press

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 1

He stood in front of the decorated mirror, adjusting the printed silk cravat around his neck. After making sure it wasn’t too tight as well as ruffled past the second button of his shirt, he ran his hands through his slick, brown hair one more time. Yes, wonderful.

Today was like every other day Henry had spent for the last eight months. Except for one thing. He glanced down at the stand next to him, spotting the dire letter he’d received this morning. His heart thumped in his chest just considering it. The letter was from his father, whom he hadn’t heard from in the last year.

-My son, I write to you today to inquire about your profession...

Henry had no profession to speak of. Yet. He’d graduated from Yorkshire a year before, now spending his days gallivanting about with his old university friends at various clubs during the day and out at theatres by night. And why not? He’d no wife, no family to speak of. Better yet, he’d rather not marry for years to come. It would ruin his enjoyments. But, this letter spoke of time running out. The allowance his father had allowed him while at university shrank with each sending, and money was short. He needed to find a job now, or he’d find himself destitute within the month.

Henry snarled as he thumbed across the envelope. Damn. Couldn’t his fun last a little longer?

Never mind that. He returned to spy himself in the mirror, taking one last glance to make sure everything looked right then turned to open the door. Sunlight beamed down on him, and he shielded his eyes. At least it was a lovely day.

The block was as chipper as usual as he stepped out onto the cobblestone walk. A group of children laughed around the corner, and the horse and buggy traffic was light. A rock hit his shoe as a boy yelled at him, Off to the club for you, again?

Henry bent down and chucked the rock back at the boy. As always, son. You should join me when you’re older.

The group scattered away, chuckling as they went. Ah, youth. He’d made fun of plenty old men in his day as a child, never thinking he’d be in the same position. But, he wasn’t exactly old. He was only twenty-two, in a week that was, and still felt as a youngster some days. Except today.

He kept his spirits up as he passed by the row of brand new, red brick flats stretching down the street. Old woman Dalton was out sweeping the dust from her doorstep, just as she was every afternoon, and he greeted her with a pleasant wave and the usual, How do you do, Mrs. Dalton?

Ah, Henry. On your way to The Porter, I see, she answered back, stopping her insistent sweeping to heave a difficult breath. Drink one for me, yes? I would, but I’m afraid I can’t handle the hectic place any longer.

Nonsense, ma’am. I shall bring you back a warm pint, if you wish. Would cure that cough, I’m sure.

Thank you, Henry, she said between coughs. And, I’ll pay you for your trouble when you do. She tried to smile big — then it wavered. Pardon me. I shall get back inside, now.

Henry tipped his head, and once she was gone, he continued on his merry way. He’d learned her ailment was due to working in the factories. If he was afforded the full allowance he had been given when he first set out on his studies, Henry would be able to still be living in his fine apartments closer to the business center of town. But with the dwindling allotment, he’d been forced to take up quarters in the new flats built to fit in the growing number of industrial workers.

The jangle of bells perked his attention, and he spotted a newsboy with the daily paper. Passing by him, and crossing the road, he glanced into the shaded windows of a row of shops and tailors. Inside, someone was being fitted into a fine suit. In another shop, a row of candy made his mouth water. He could use both a new suit and a box of candies for some of the girls at The Porter, but best he not waste any coin now.

Further down the road, he stopped and glanced up at the swinging sign above the door. The sign read: The Porter. The gentleman’s club was quiet, as it was the time of day before the working businessmen filed in. It was best to find a table early, he and his classmates always said. The outside red brick matched those of the flats and