Page 50 of The Beastly Duke's Christmas Bride
“I believe you’re growing slower in your old age,” Sebastian said with a nod.
“Slower!” Marcus said in outrage. He harrumphed before grabbing for the duke in a move that appeared dangerous. Gasping, Isabel stumbled back just in time to watch Sebastian elbow the man hard enough to push Marcus down and catch him in a headlock. “Gor!”
“Not in front of the lady,” Sebastian pointed out sternly. He didn’t even look irritated, nor stressed. “Apologize.”
Marcus mumbled a few words before awkwardly trying to look up at her. With his head caught down in Sebastian’s arms at waist level, he couldn’t be comfortable. Isabel opened her mouth, wondering if she should excuse him of saying anything. “Beggin’ your pardon, Duchess.”
“Er, that’s all right. I do accept, I mean.” She frowned at her husband as he released the man. She was going to scold him, only for Marcus to start laughing. “Are you all right, sir?”
He waved a hand. “Sure! He’s a good one, Vale. And you don’t need to worry, see, he’s a strong fellow.”
“Oh, I wasn’t worried for him,” she said. “I was worried for you. I would rather not have to hit anyone over the head if I can help it.”
That made Marcus laugh, throwing his head back in a such a loud rumble that several men paused to watch for a moment. “Oy! You are a good one indeed. Very good, Vale. Perhaps she can make your rough corners shine, eh?”
“Not in the gymnasium,” Sebastian said. “I only wished for her to understand a part of my past. We’re only here in London today for this visit.”
“I’ll take what I can get, ‘spose. Had a question for you about an order you put in that I don’t think makes much sense,” Marcus said before throwing them into another conversation that Isabel couldn’t follow.
But she watched them. She listened and watched, wondering how these two men had become such good friends. The respect between them was evident in their familiar behavior and friendly jests. She wasn’t even certain she had seen Sebastian so comfortable even with the other dukes that were also his friends. The man preferred to hold so much of the ton at arm’s length, including herself. And yet with Marcus, they were practically brothers.
“That will do nicely,” Marcus said with a nod as the two men came to a final decision. “Now, won’t you enjoy another match or two before you leave?”
“It is a long ride back to Eastwynd,” Sebastian pointed out. “We should be on our way. The carriage is too nice for these parts and will be coming around in a moment.”
Isabel dared to speak up. “You don’t wish to have a match of your own?”
The other man jumped on the opportunity. “Aye! Any of the fellows here would be glad to pair up against you today.”
Reluctant, the duke glanced between them. “I don’t think so.”
“Five rounds only,” Marcus offered.
“A short one,” Isabel added. She leaned forward. “We came all this way and it would be a shame not to have this opportunity. Besides, I should like very much to see you box.”
She carefully ignored Marcus’s grin and wink as her husband hesitated, glanced about, and grudgingly gave a short nod. “I suppose a short match would be acceptable. Three rounds.”
“You’ll only leave them hungry. Five rounds.”
“I can knock a man out in three.”
Marcus narrowed his eyes. “It’s been a few years, Vale. Are you sure you still have that heavy fist?”
Feeling impulsive, Isabel said, “I bet you a whole farthing he can do it.”
Her husband turned to her with wide eyes. “What are you doing?”
“Don’t men place bets?”
“Half a crown,” Marcus said before he could say anything. He put out a hand and she shook it even while Sebastian tried to move between them. “Ha! A bet is a bet. Now, you have to do it, Vale.”
Sebastian immediately began grumbling about the uselessness of friends and not knowing what to do with strange wives. Decidedly ignoring that, Isabel beamed at the two men.
I might not know everything when it comes to Sebastian and boxing, but I can certainly learn. And in the meantime, I can even have some fun.
CHAPTER 18
It wasn’t as though Sebastian meant to agree to a match.
