Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 69

"Valeria," Thatch interjected with mock sternness. "Haskell and I are talking. You should speak less."

Valeria stuck out her tongue and muttered, "Okay."

It was a token reprimand, clearly meant to protect her.

"Are you absolutely certain you want to marry this girl?" Thatch asked again.

Haskell's gaze returned to his father. "I am. My engagement was always with the daughter of the Judson family. Since Honora is not their daughter, naturally, I will not marry her."

Thatch exchanged a nearly imperceptible, pleased glance with Draven before nodding. "Very well. Since you've made your decision, we'll attend the welcome reception tomorrow night to show our support."

A faint, hidden smile touched Draven's lips. A cripple marrying a worthless country girl. Haskell was finished.

"By the way," Thatch added, "Valeria told me she misspoke yesterday, and you had Crispin discipline her?"

Haskell hadn't expected his father to bring this up. "Yes. Is there a problem? Do you feel it was inappropriate for me to teach Valeria some manners?"

Thatch's dissatisfaction was plain. "Valeria is your sister, a young lady of the Palmer family. She was just being blunt. There was no need to be so harsh."

"Dad, don't forget she is the goddaughter you took in for Draven's sake, not your biological daughter," Haskell reminded him.

Thatch's brow furrowed with impatience. "Valeria has always been outspoken. Why are you making such a big deal of it? Just apologize to her. It seems Valeria was right; you've become far too sensitive since the accident. Perhaps in addition to doctors for your legs, we need to hire a therapist for your mind."

Haskell stared at his father, who was clearly determined to force an apology. After a long silence, a humorless smile touched his lips. "Valeria, come here."

Seeing him relent, Valeria swaggered over. "Make sure it's a sincere apology, Haskell, or I won't accept it."

But as she drew near, she heard Haskell murmur a single word: "Crispin."

Before she could react, Crispin grabbed her wrist, pulled her forward, and slapped her hard across the face.