Duels

I have been giving a lot of thought to the comment Darkthane made on my last post. He suggested that dueling was a source of entertainment. The idea has merit, but I discovered a few flaws.

It seems that the duel would be between two men that I liked, one man that I liked and one I didn't or two that I didn't like. The first would be bad because someone I liked would be wounded or dead. The second could have the same result and to add insult to injury I would be stuck with someone I didn't like. The third wouldn't be any fun at all because I wouldn't care or would again get me stuck with someone I didn't like.

If my understanding of period etiquette is correct a proper lady couldn't watch anyway. That is if the men involved actually told her about it in the first place. If you chose to go, you were most likely not proper in which case you would have just run off with the guy in the first place.

Finally, if everything went well and it all turned out for the best, your hero would be sweaty and/or bloody. He would want some kind of a kiss and that would be the end of your dress. Can you imagine trying to get blood out of lace or velvet? Your maid would surely give notice and without a good ladies maid there is no telling what you would look like.

I am afraid that when all is said and done duels are much more fun if you are the duelist. Hmmm I think I need to get a sword.