As Godfrey opened his mouth for more insults, Kendra’s temper snapped and she stalked across the room to confront Godfrey, pointing her fencing foil at him. “Enough! Godfrey Rogers, I have a nine-year-old son who is more mature than you are. You aren’t allowed to have tantrums and spew insults at another man without explaining your grievance. A wound uncleansed turns lethal. It’s time to end this nonsense!”

Patrick Rogers took a furious step toward her. “I knew it was a mistake to allow women in here!” He cast a disapproving but fascinated glance over her black-pantalooned legs. “Don’t you dare threaten my brother!”

“I’m not threatening him. By clinging so tightly to his pain and anger, Godfrey has become his own worst enemy, and his protective big brothers aren’t helping!” Kendra retorted. “As I said, it’s time this feud was explained so there is a chance of ending it. Godfrey and Patrick, come into the back room. Lucas and Simon, come also. I will attend as the referee, because any woman who has raised children knows something about settling disputes without bloodshed. Now move!”

She pointed her sword at the back room, and after a stunned moment, Lucas strode toward it, his expression determined. Simon followed.

Godfrey was shaking on his crutches, close to falling. In a much softer voice, Kendra said, “Believe me, painful truths are better revealed than allowed to fester inside. What is said in that room will be forever private if that is what you wish. But you owe Lucas and your brothers the full story.”

Face white, Godfrey lurched toward the back room on his crutches. Patrick followed. The middle Rogers started to follow also, but she waved her blade in a blocking motion. “Unknown Rogers brother, you can stand guard outside to make sure no one tries to enter. Each of the principals has one second standing beside him, and I will ensure that the discussion stays on course.”

He gaped at her. “I’m William Rogers, and how can I be sure you’ll be neutral?”

She caught his gaze. “As a woman, I favor peace over bloodshed. As a mother, I know the necessity for fairness. Will you accept that?”

After a long moment, he nodded agreement and took up position in front of the door as Kendra followed the four men inside. Before the door closed she saw that Athena Masterson had come to stand beside William Rogers. No one would get past those two—and Kendra was grateful to have Athena at her back.

This spacious back room was where Henry Angelo gave private lessons, but it also held chairs and a desk and a long, narrow, padded table where injured fencers could lie down if they needed examination or treatment.

Godfrey folded into one of the chairs, with Patrick looming protectively beside him. Lucas and Simon stood side by side, their expressions calm and impenetrable.