"A lot. Enough that I wouldn't have to worry about money for a long time, several trips perhaps."

"Good. Alright, unless you get really lucky, you won't be able to hit him much less just wound him, and you would need to practice for a month of Sundays in order to get good enough to pull this off. So here is what I propose we do. Go to the duel in the morning, go through all the steps like normal, except that when you both turn and fire on the count of ten, I want you to turn a half second early and fire immediately. And I don't want you to hit him. I want you to fire just wide, on purpose."

Louis stopped eating and looked at her without expression.

"Are you getting all this?"

"I'm just curious about where this is going."

"I have a hunting musket, small caliber like a pistol, that I'm very accurate with, even at long range. I will position myself behind you on the small hill overlooking the orchard. When you shoot and miss, I will shoot and hit him in the shoulder. But we have to be careful. We must time our shots perfectly so that nothing is suspected and we must fire just as he is getting ready to fire his ball. Because if we shoot before he is ready, he will have a free shot at you after he has regained his composure and judging from his mood last night, I think he aims to kill you. The hill is on the west side of the orchard so be sure you're facing east when you fire, otherwise I'll have to shoot him in the back."

"I like it," said Louis. "It's perfect, but what happens if our shots don't come at the same time?"

"They will. That's what we're going to practice for the rest of the day."

The sun was still below the horizon when they climbed into the carriage. Dark bags had collected under Louis' eyes during the sleepless night. He climbed into the coach and sat next to Ramsay and Serge without speaking.

"Here have some," Ramsay said offering a small silver flask. "It will help with your nerves."

"My nerves are fine," Louis said looking out the window.

Ramsay shrugged and tipped up the flask quickly. "You're on your way to becoming a rich man."

"I just wish it didn't have to happen this way."

Ramsay rolled her eyes and drew on the flask again.

"Have you dueled before?" Louis asked.

"Yes, I've been in dozens of duels. Being a mercenary, it comes up more often than you might think."

"Do you have any last minute tips?"

She laughed. "Yes, mind you don't get yourself killed out there this morning."

Louis looked solemnly back inside the coach at her.