Page 79 of The Unwanted Duchess

“Samantha, I never meant to make you feel incapable. You are one of the most intelligent people that I have ever met, and I plan to speak with a university lecturer soon about how we can find you a place. I would never truly think that you could not understand what I must do.”

“I was hoping that you did not mean it.”

“I truly did not. Samantha, say the word, and it will be done, no matter what it is that you want. I will find a way to do what you ask of me, even if you think it is impossible.”

“Graham, it is all fine. You do not need to cross oceans to make me feel better. You need only stay and be a friend to me. That is all that I am asking of you.”

“Then I shall be the best friend that you could ever ask for. I will do everything in my power to ensure that you are taken care of in every sense. I have been meaning to tell you something for a long time, and now is quite possibly the worst moment to say it, but —”

But he did not get to speak. He was silenced by Samantha’s lips pressed softly against his. He stepped back, alarmed, but she was looking up into his eyes with a faint blush across her cheeks and a smile playing on her lips.

“Was it something like that?” she asked. “I have been trying to express it myself for a long time.”

And so he gave in to her. He pulled her close and kissed her like he would never see her again, and he almost did not let her go at all. He did not want to. He wanted the two of them to stay there forever, perfectly frozen in that moment. Everything was wonderful and full of hope again, and he was determined to make it stay that way.

“Samantha,” he said breathlessly as they pulled apart.

“I know. No more running away, no more anger, no more sadness. Only good things for the two of us from now on.”

“No, it is more than that. I need to tell you that I —-”

But the door swung open, and in walked a gentleman that Graham only faintly recognized. He had seen him once before, he was sure of it, but he could not quite put his finger on it.

Samantha, however, could. She sprung out of her seat and rushed towards him.

“Get out,” she thundered. “You have no right to be here. I do not even know how you found us in the first place, but you are not welcome. Leave.”

“Samantha, I —”

“No,” she snapped, “You shall refer to me as my title dictates and refrain from such informalities.”

“Very well. Your Grace, it is urgent.”

“I do not care. I shall never care about what you have to say to me. You have caused enough misery, and I want you gone. Now.”

The butler came, trying to escort the man away, but Graham was far too confused to have that happen. He needed to know who the man was first and then deal with him accordingly. Then again, he did not wish to go against his wife.

“Samantha,” he said gently, going to her side, “who is this man?”

“Do you not recognize him?” she asked. “Well, I cannot say that I am surprised. He is hardly a man of any importance to our lives. He was, however, at our wedding, as all half-brothers are expected to be.”

Graham looked at the man more closely, and at last, he understood completely.

“Have him taken care of,” he instructed the butler before turning around, but the man pulled away from him.

“Samantha, you have to listen to me. It is about our father.”

CHAPTER 26

Graham seemed to be keeping to his word and looked to Samantha as to what she wished to do.

She looked at the butler trying to escort her half-brother out and then her half-brother, and for just a moment, she felt pity. He had come a long way to simply speak with her, and if he was as uncaring as her father, then he would not be there.

Furthermore, at least if he told her what he wanted, then she would know. If she had him leave, then she would never know why he was there.

“I shall give you five minutes,” she said firmly, “and not a second more.”

“Wonderful. That is all that I ask. Where can we discuss this?”

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