Page 61 of The Insufferable Duke
“Isaac would forget any plot he had far too quickly to be able to carry through with such a thing.” Christopher laughed off the idea. “Our aunt is quite attracted to the idea of star-crossed lovers, and even Percival seems intrigued by the idea. Our mother… she’s wary, but I do believe she likes Lady Julia.”
“Yes, I believe so too. Her dislike is with the parents rather than Julia.”
“Just so.” Christopher stepped away from the mirror and came to stand behind his brother, so they stared in the mirror together. “It will go ahead, Robert.”
“Thank you.” He smiled broadly. “I believe I have you and Lady Helena to thank for that. You two have worked hard to make the families at peace.”
“We’ve not been as successful as we would have liked to have been.” Christopher grimaced, knowingly. Just the night before, when he had discussed coming with Robert for the final fitting, Isaac had flung himself into one of his rages again, ranting on what was wrong with the Carters and repeating complaints he’d made all before as if this was the first time he was hearing of the wedding.
Even their mother had complained, stating that she could not put up with Isaac’s rants anymore. For a minute, Christopher had believed she was going to ask for the wedding to be called off, but she hadn’t gone that far.
“Lady Helena and I were happy to help,” Christopher said, pushing all thoughts of his family away. “Just as I want your happiness, she wants it for her sister. She quite adores Julia.”
“I had noticed.” Robert smiled and returned to his fidgeting. “You should have seen her the night she caught me in the garden with Julia.”
“Ha!” Christopher tipped his head back, laughing at the mere idea of it. “I imagine she was fierce indeed — formidable.”
“Oh, she was. For a brief moment, I thought she might strangle me with her bare hands.”
“Back then, I wouldn’t have put it past her.” Christopher continued to laugh, marveling at the idea. “She is not so vicious though; she is simply protective as any good sister should be.”
“You sound as if you admire her, brother?” Robert’s eyes flicked to meet his in the reflection of the mirror.
“Perhaps I do.” It was a concession. Without Percival in the room, it felt a little easier, for at least his cousin wasn’t here taunting him, demanding to know just how deep that admiration ran. “Let us say this, she is not who I first thought she was. I’ll be glad to call her part of my family, and I can certainly put up with her company during family events.”
“I’m pleased to hear it though I am not sure how many such events there will be.” Robert stiffened. “Even after the wedding, the families will not see eye to eye, will they?”
“They just need time.” Christopher patted his brother’s shoulder comfortingly. “Generations of hate cannot be dissuaded within these weeks. It may take years for all to be as it should be.”
“I daresay you’re right.” Robert stood tall and turned in a circle one more time. “So, will I do for tomorrow?”
“You will do, indeed. I’m sure you’ll make Julia very happy. Now come on, and get out of that suit. There are last minute arrangements to make at home, and if my suspicion is correct, Isaac may be causing trouble while we are not there. More rants and rages that our poor mother and aunt have to listen to.” At Christopher’s words, Robert hurried back behind the curtain, eager to change.
* * *
“Uncle Isaac! Did you do this?” Christopher barged into the front room of his house, pushing open the double doors and waving some notecards in the air.
His mother and aunt were sitting together and had been embroidering fresh silks. They both jumped at Christopher’s loud entrance. Laura accidentally stabbed herself with the needle, and Frances practically threw her embroidery into the air.
“Christopher, quiet voice, please,” she pleaded.
“Not now.” Christopher moved to his great-uncle who sat forward from his armchair, wiping at his bleary eyes. A book that had been resting on his chest fell into his lap, showing he’d fallen asleep reading it and had been woken by Christopher’s entrance.
“How many are there?” Robert called, having followed Christopher into the room.
“Four.” Christopher waved the letters in front of his great-uncle again. “Care to explain why four of the guests that are coming tomorrow have dropped me a line this morning to ask if the change in location is correct?” His brows furrowed deeply together. “No such change was made. Ever.”
“Well, I…” Isaac shook his head. “I didn’t change anything. I sent out no cards.”
“Isaac?” Laura called to him. “When I came to call the other day, you were writing something and hurriedly hid your letters. Was that what you were doing?”
“Erm.” Isaac scratched his head.
“You were right,” Robert muttered to Christopher as he dropped the letters onto a table. “He has been causing trouble. I didn’t think he would bother this close to the wedding.”
“It will not stop the wedding,” Christopher insisted. “I will send messengers to all these houses, and I will ride round other houses this evening, just to make sure he hasn’t sent any more troublesome notes to other guests.” He cast a suspicious glare at Isaac who raised his eyebrows.
“I have not been up to any trouble!”
