Chapter 40
I well deserved it, I suppose.
~From the journal of the Marquis of Aylesbury—May 1895
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Glenrothes poured anotherfinger of whiskey for himself before downing it in a single swallow.“Is that it then?Or is there more, God save me?”
“There is just one more thing,” Aylesbury said, grimacing as he downed the remainder of his drink in a single swallow.“You’ll want to brace yourself, I suppose, as it is something you mentioned you thought unimaginable.I’d like your permission to marry your sister.”
The fist came out of nowhere.
Taken by surprise, Aylesbury found himself flat on the floor and levered himself onto one elbow, rubbing his jaw and flexing it painfully.Hoping it wasn’t broken.
“Dinnae look so surprised, lad,” Glenrothes grunted, shaking out his hand.“Ye deserved it.”
He had been expecting it, true.Five minutes ago.Perhaps ten, but not at that particular moment.But he did deserve it.Two years ago, at least.
The earl held out a hand, silently offering to help him to his feet, but the marquis just eyed him warily.“Are you sure you’re done?I hate to accept a hand in good faith that means to take me down again.”
Glenrothes only grinned and offered his hand again.This time, he took it.“I forgot to ask,” the earl said conversationally as he levered Aylesbury back to his feet.“What hole was Blossom really on when ye saved her at the golf club.”
The earl’s low brogue should have been a warning.
“The second.”
That thoughtless answer set Aylesbury on his back once more before his feet were even firmly planted beneath him.The metallic tang of blood filled his mouth.Wiping his mouth against his sleeve, he stared up incredulously at the murderous Scot towering over him.
“Ye bastard,” Glenrothes growled.“I’ll bloody well kill ye.”
“I plan on marrying her,” he pointed out.“And I might add, I saved her life as well.”
“Aye, and that’s what’ll be saving yers tonight.Now get up.”
Well, he did deserve it and would do no less to anyone who dared to lay a finger on his sister, Aylesbury reasoned.So be it, then.He grinned then as he climbed to his feet and raised his fists.
“Let’s have at it then, shall we?Queensbury rules?”
