Page 78 of Duchess in Disguise
Isobel visibly deflated, and the sight of her upset sparked something within Richard, and words spilled from his lips before he realized what he was doing.
“What, pray tell, is wrong with me? You have a lot of gripes, and I respect your opinion and feelings because this must be so sudden for you. Especially because I am not asking for permission to court her, but rather to marry Miss Lennox. But I would appreciate it if you elaborated on your distaste, so that I can do what I need for us to reach an agreement.” Richard stated calmly.
Graham’s expression turned dark.
“Oh, how utterly kind of you to want to know where my problems with you lie. If I told you that you – your very existence and character bothered me, would you do me a favor and disappear from my sight?” Graham leaned forward, seething.
“Graham!” Isobel gasped in surprise.
He turned to her immediately, his tone light once more as he spoke to his sister, while his hand gestured in Richard’s direction. “I do not understand, Bel. Why do you love him so? He looks like the sort of man you cannot rely on. The very sort to value some ideals over your opinions. Untrustworthy and fickle.”
“With all due respect, you do not know me. You know nothing of my character or who I am, so your judgments are quite misplaced. I am willing to answer any questions you may have,but I will not simply sit idly by while you interpret my character to suit your distaste.” Richard told him, determined to prove himself worthy.
Graham was silent for a moment, and then he rose to his feet.
“In that case, I challenge you to a bout of boxing. The best and quickest way to learn more about a man is to fight him. Someone I know and respect taught me that.”
“Who? It certainly could not have been our dear father. He was a pacifist!” Isobel stated, bewildered.
Richard rose to his feet and stepped closer to Graham, his gaze unflinching as it met that of his opposition.
“If that is what you want. At the end of the day, I will marry Miss Lennox, one way or another.”
Graham looked surprised one moment, intrigued the next as he narrowed his eyes.
“That sounded like a challenge. Are you challenging me, duke?”
Richard shrugged. “If I must. Miss Lennox is worth it.”
A sigh came from the side, and Isobel stepped into the space between them, folding her arms as she faced her brother.
“Graham, you owe Richard your gratitude. He saved me from a fire, and he offered me support when I was handling a difficult situation recently. He has proven to me that he loves me, and I would be grateful if you would approve of his request. Please,” she begged.
Graham stared down at her for a moment, then he snapped,
“Who dared involve you in a fire?”
Richard quickly replied, “No one you need to worry about. Not anymore, at least. I handled it, and I will continue to deal with anyone who would like to try to hurt my beloved. No one will dare to touch my wife.”
Graham’s gaze slipped to him, and it was as though he was seeing Richard for the first time. Silently, he held out a hand, and when Richard had grasped it, Graham said,
“All I have ever wanted was a man who would protect and love her. And you are rather keen on doing so. Do not falter in your duties, or else I will find you, kill you, and bury you beneath the oak tree in my backyard. Do you understand?”
Richard nodded. “Absolutely.”
Graham grinned, winking at Isobel.
“You have my blessing. Make my beloved sister happy.”
Richard looked down at Isobel, feeling his heart thrum happily beneath her gaze, and he smiled at his wife-to-be.
“You have my word.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“Ididn’t think accepting a gracious offer to join you for brunch would result in…this, if I were being honest.”
Graham chuckled at Richard’s words, watching with a smile as Isobel ran out of the house to greet her sisters, along with their husbands and children.
