Chapter 7 (Kicked!)

Little Richard was excited that morning as the butler informed him about the incoming guests. The guests were from the Wynde family, the close companions of the Granville. Richard couldnt understand why they would visit while his father was on a trip.

Around ten a.m., the Wynde family arrived in a charter chariot. There were three family members: Joseph Wynde, the head: Jezebel Wynde, the spouse: and Margeret Wynde, the daughter of the same age as Richard. Little Richard and the butler had to greet them under the balcony, and Bak Joan had to pull Richards wheelchair.

Joseph Wynde, the head, spoke, We came from Dyfed to London and hoped to meet your father, Mr. Andrew Gratville. But now, as he has gone to Bengal, we missed him. Dont you feel bored without your dad, Richard? Joseph Wynde had a jolly voice of a businessman but also sounded fake. Jezebel had a sugar-coated smile, and Margeret Wyne remained silent. Richard took them to the main hall and continued chatting.

The Wynde family mostly talked and asked Richard about the house, the education, and the family. But, sometimes, they crossed the line and indirectly asked Richard about his fathers business. (They wanted to get the information on the Gratville familys business through the kid.) Sometimes, Richard answered these questions right as he didnt know the purpose. But Bak Joan didnt feel alright for Richard.

Once, Richard wanted to urinate. So, he apologized to the guests and headed to the toilet. Bak Joan told him on his route to the restroom, Master, the Wynde family members are frauds. They desire to get details on the family business through you. I will warn you about questions you should not answer. I will pat the wheelchair if they ask business-related questions, Richard didnt know much in this field. So, he agreed to take his suggestion.

When they got back to the hall again, the chatting continued. Joseph Wynde started talking about his adventures in India. He covered Bengali festivals and foods that the kid would be interested in and indirectly asked Richard about the conditions of his fathers mines in Bengal. In cases like this, Bak Joan patted the wheelchair, and Richard politely said, I dont know, After more than three refuses by Richard, Joseph Wynde realized Richard didnt want to answer his questions. So he changed his strategy.

Margaret, sweetheart, why are you being so quiet today? You should talk with Richard in the garden to become friendlier,

Margaret was speechless since she arrived and remained composed. Richard didnt know what was hiding behind a silent girl. In the garden, Richard and Margaret chatted about the fruits and flowers. Bak Joan had to pull the wheelchair as usual. Richard had never talked to a same-aged girl before and was shy. When Margeret Wynde asked him the name of a flower or a tree, he couldnt answer due to his lack of knowledge in gardening. When this happened, Margaret looked annoyed. Sometimes her eyes were on Richards wheelchair, making him feel hot under the collar.

Does this girl want to ride in my wheelchair? Is she looking at my legs? Thoughts came in.

When they reached a place where the Wynde family couldnt see them, Margeret couldnt hold her worries and sobbed.

Any problems, Maam Margeret?

Richard asked, after hearing her cry.

Look, Mr. Richard Gratville. As you know, the Gratville and the Wynde families are friends,

I know,

My daddys business has been declining for a long. And the only way to save it is for me to marry you,

What? Marry me?

Yes, Mr. Richard. Even before our marriage, Daddy will have to retain his business to prevent it from ruining completely,

But, How does it,

The truth is, Mr. Gratville. I can never imagine marrying a disabled person who cant even walk. So, if we grow up, please, stop the marriage,

Richard was speechless. He felt like a thousand horses kicked his chest.