Page 2 of The Physician's Barbarian
“Of course I will. Beau is a good man, and if he comes to me himself and professes his intentions, I’ll be happy to listen.”
Her whole body slumped in relief, and she sank into my arms, hugging me tightly. I hugged her back just as fiercely, kissing the top of her head again. It wasn’t always easy for me to see my little sister growing up, but I was glad she’d be well taken care of.
Giving me another squeeze, she pulled away with a bright smile. “Wait here.”
She darted out the door without a backward glance, leaving me standing there with my arms still raised for a hug. A few seconds later, she came back, dragging Beau along with her. He had to have been waiting outside to get here so fast. I fought off a grin, crossing my arms over my chest. It was easy to see who would be in charge in their relationship.
The bell tinkled as they came in, and Evelyn gave Beau a little push, whispering harshly under her breath to get him moving. He looked a little anxious, almost dragging his feet. I wasn’t helping any with my narrow-eyed look, but it was his turn to squirm. He should’ve known I’d react this way if he let my sister approach me first. Chicken.
“Beau,” I grunted, eyeing him suspiciously.
“Hey, Ambrose,” he replied, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. “How’s business?”
I bit back the urge to laugh. He was stalling. “Booming,” I replied dryly. “Evelyn said you had something to talk to me about?”
He cleared his throat a few times, his eyes casting about a bit wildly. It wasn’t until Evelyn took his arm that he summoned the courage to say what he’d come here to say.
“I want to court your sister with the intention of marriage,” he said, glancing down at Evelyn with a look so full of love I’d be a fool to ignore it. He was smitten already, even before formally courting. The thought made me pause, and I studied them a little closer.
“You haven’t been seeing each other without a chaperone, have you?”
His eyes widened in surprise, and he whipped his head to face me so fast I worried he’d strain something. “No! We’ve only ever spoken at the bakery, and only with my parents present. I swear.”
That was a relief. I didn’t want to be the person to humiliate my sister by forcing her to have a fast wedding to maintain her honor. And I would’ve had to duel Beau or something to that effect for besmirching her. It probably wouldn’t have ended well for either of us. While I’d been taught to hold a sword, I wouldn’t say I was good at it. I didn’t like violence on principle. I was the one who had to fix the idiots who started poking holes in each other.
“Then I see nothing wrong with your request.”
His eyes widened in surprise, and he brightened considerably. “Really?”
Chuckling, I clapped his shoulder. “Honestly, I was dreading the day Evelyn started courting. If I had to pick anyone to care for my sister, it would be you. I look forward to your wedding day.”
His face turned bright red, but the joy and relief were clear, and he grabbed me in a tight hug when I offered to shake his hand. I chuckled, patting his back. Evelyn looked close to tears with her excitement, and both looked ready to run to the courthouse that instant. I doubted it would take long for them to make things official. There was just one obstacle in their way.
“Have you spoken to Father yet?”
Evelyn sobered, her expression tremulous. “No… I wanted you on my side first. I don’t think it will go well…”
Neither did I. But as Father’s only heir, I had a chance at getting him to listen. Hopefully, I could get through to him. He’d gotten everything he wanted from me with a good match and a son to carry on our name. Surely he’d be more lenient with Evelyn.
The conversationwith Father went about as poorly as we’d all expected. He lost his ever-loving mind and threw Beau out of his house before they could even have a full conversation. Evelyn had to be taken away by one of the house staff because she was inconsolable, leaving only me and my father in the parlor.
“A baker,” he scoffed, glaring into the hearth as he tipped back a glass of scotch.
“Beau is a good man, Father. He would treat her well,” I argued.
He shot me a dirty look. “It isn’t an advantageous match, Ambrose. She can do better. And she will. I’ve spoken with several suitors in the past few weeks. She has much better options than the baker’s boy.”
I scowled. I knew exactly what suitors he was talking about. No way was I going to allow that. All his ‘matches’ were old men with titles but nothing else to offer my sister. She deserved to be happy.
“Father, if you’d just?—”
“No. I will hear no more of it,” he cut me off. “Starting tomorrow, we will have suitors coming to the house. Do me a favor and keep an eye on your sister. I don’t want herembarrassing our family blubbering the whole time. A baker,” he scoffed again.
I glared at his back as he stomped away. I’d keep an eye on my sister alright. And I’d do everything in my power to make sure she ended up happy. Even if I had to pick up a sword to do it.
Two
AMBROSE
