Possible Clues:

• Snubbing of French intended
• Challenge of French intended
• 'Standing up to it and break the engagement, perhaps (8)'
• Cade half intended open disobedience
• Extremely debatable -- intended to make challenge
• Bold opposition of French fellow anticipating marriage
• Half dead, intended insubordination
• Trembling I faced new, ultimately supreme challenge
• Newspaper boss backed intended contempt
• Challenge of French partner before marriage