Page 62 of Alone with the Beastly Duke
“He does not have to,” Jasmine replied. “We all know that it was an unfortunate accident, and having him talk about it would simply make him uncomfortable.”
“Do you not think the Duke himself would tell us if the question makes him uncomfortable?” the Countess replied.
“But... Mama...”
“Nonsense, many people at this table want to hear what truly happened to the Duchess. Allow him to answer the question,” Jasmine’s father said.
At this point, all eyes were on Axel, and Jasmine waited with bated breath, hoping the dinner would not get any worse than it already had.
Axel sat up with his eyes hardened.
“I do not know the rumor you speak of, Lord and Lady Thornhill. However, everyone at this table can believe whatever rumor they wish to believe. It is not my duty to lay to rest some mischievous rumor that a member of the Ton invented about the death of someone dear to me,” Axel asserted before smiling broadly.
Several gasps and whispers followed Axel’s speech as everyone at the table looked at him askance.
“How dare he?”
“He is simply an insolent man.”
“He has all but admitted to killing his wife.”
Jasmine tried to hide the smile that threatened to form on her face at the scandalized look on the guests’ faces.
“Your Grace, are you a giant?” Cassian suddenly asked.
“Quit asking ridiculous questions, Cassian!” William said sternly.
“No, please. I do not take offense. In fact, his question is the least offensive question I have been asked this evening,” Axel remarked cheerfully.
“You see!” Cassian said triumphantly. “I told you he would not be offended.”
“To answer your question, young man, I am not a giant. My mother was Norwegian, and this is why I am so tall and huge,” he responded. “Have I answered your question?”
Cassian nodded in admiration.
“I wish I could be as tall as you,” Cassian responded.
“Why would you want that?” Daphne asked.
“If I were so tall and huge, then maybe girls would notice me,” Cassian explained.
Rose laughed. “You do not need to be a giant for girls to notice you. All you have to do is to stop playing ridiculous pranks on them.”
Cassian shook his head. “I will not be doing that. You cannot possibly expect me to stop playing pranks.”
“Do you want my advice?” Axel said to Cassian.
“Yes, please,” Cassian replied.
“Do not worry so much about getting people to notice you,” Axel advised.
“Why? Is it not a good thing to have people notice you??” Cassian asked.
“Not necessarily. I am a man that gets noticed wherever he goes, but see the amount of hostility I get wherever I go?” Axel pointed out. “How everyone refused to sit by my side?”
Cassian nodded.
“Just be yourself, boy, and do not forget to treat people with kindness even if they are mean to you,” Axel continued. “The kindness you put into the world finds a way to come back to you.”
