“You were bound to meet them at some point. I thought that since you were adamant about receiving her hand, you would not mind relaying your intentions to her sisters as well. Consider it an insurance ploy,” Graham said with a cheeky grin. “I assume you know – family means the most to Isobel. And we are a rather… rowdy bunch. If you are not able to get along with us, I doubt a marriage between you both would be feasible.”
“I can do it,” Richard insisted immediately. “I know how important you are to her, and I value your place in her life. I am not going to tamper with or undermine any of the bonds that she has, but rather aim to become as special as you are to her.”
Graham studied him for a moment and then hummed thoughtfully.
“Perhaps it was your sweet words that managed to seduce her. I still do not know how you managed to slip past her guards, but it is in your best interest to ensure that her care and happiness are your priority. You might think that I am the only force that could ruin you, but I assure you – my sisters are just as wild as I am.”
“Graham! Stop threatening to bury the lad in your backyard and bring him to meet us!”
Richard stifled a laugh as Graham sighed, long suffering before he led Richard into the courtyard to greet his future in-laws. Almost immediately, he felt overwhelmed by the number of people waiting to be introduced to him. Their expressions were open – at least more so than Graham’s had been – but that did not stop the unease from weighing heavily in his joints.
But as he arrived, Isobel clung to his arm with a bright smile and began to lead the introductions.
“Everyone, meet my betrothed – Richard Harte, duke of Dellamere. Richard, this is my sister, the eldest Margaret Millington, duchess of Windermoor, and my other older sister, Catherine Richards, duchess of Rosehall.”
“It's a pleasure to meet you both,” Richard said kindly, bowing his head slightly.
“The pleasure is ours. We were quite surprised to receive the news of our sister’s pending engagement. Though I suppose it was just as surprising as her sudden desire to become a nun,” Catherine stated, laughing when Isobel poked at her side playfully.
“Nonetheless, we are happy that she met someone she can rely on and trust. I do hope you won't feel too tired from spending the afternoon with us,” Margaret spoke softly, gesturing to the many children loitering around the courtyard. “Our husbands are currently away on business trips, and the children will never turn down an opportunity to spend time with their cousins, uncle, and aunts.”
There seemed to be about seven children in total, simply playing together in peaceful harmony – as peacefully as one can expect from a gathering of occasionally screaming children – but it was nice to see.
“I envy how carefree they are,” Richard sighed.
“As do I,” Isobel nodded. “I can clearly recall all the trouble I got into as a wee lass. Mother was beside herself with worry because I was so attached to Graham, and I wanted to do everything he did. The problem was that half of those activities were not suitable for young ladies in the making. I can never forget the look on her face the morning she sounded me seated in one of the trees in the garden.”
“I was certain she’d have a heart attack. She wailed and wailed, screaming for someone to help her precious little Bel.Eventually, you grew tired of the threatrics and climbed down the way you had gone up, much to mother’s shock. I really thought she would faint.” Catherine laughed.
Richard regarded his bride-to-be with an expression of disbelief.
“I would never have expected that you were a wild child. Although I cannot say that I am surprised.”
‘I beg your pardon?” Isobel shrieked in mock shock.
“Oh, she was an absolute menace. There are moments when I turn to her and I recall how precious she was when she joined our family. She was so adorable and we were all so in love with her – and beside ourselves because no one wanted to do anything if Isobel was not doing it. And she has grown into this lovely, courageous young lady now – and we thank God every day for this wonderful occurrence.” Margaret teased, making kissy faces at Isobel when she pouted.
“What about you, Your Grace? Surely, you have stories to regale us with about how wonderful your childhood was.” Graham prompted, ignoring the glare Isobel gave him.
“I don’t believe I have anything that could measure up to yours. I did not get along with my peers as a child because my parents were rather strict on who I spent my time with. I prayed and prayed for a sibling because I was truly lonely – but I guess I was meant to develop character from my solitude.” Richard chuckled with a shrug.
The others fell silent, and he grew worried that he had said something wrong, but then Isobel took his hand in hers and squeezed them comfortingly.
“Good thing you’re marrying into a large family, then,” Catherine grinned reassuringly. “We’ll make sure you’re never lonely ever again.”
Those were likely the kindest words he had ever heard. He squeezed Isobel’s hands back and replied earnestly.
“I am truly honored. Thank you.”
Brunch was an entertaining affair, to say the least. He had been introduced to each child – Graham’s wife returned from a short trip she had taken to her cousin’s estate with their daughter, which put the total at eight children. And that was an interesting activity to say the least.
The children were quite close, and when it came time to hear their names, they all rowdily sputtered and shouted what could have been random words at Richard.
“Now, now, children,” Catherine sighed tiredly. “We raised you with better manners than that. Do you not want to leave a good impression on your future uncle-in-law?”
The children feel silent, and Isobel suggested that she would just make quick work of the introductions to keep things from getting too noisy again.
She started by pointing at a young girl who had bright red hair, much like most of her aunties, and said,
