Page 166 of The Highlander's Princess Bride
She returned the bow. “Not at all, Sir Dominic. And I’m sorry I pulled you away from your visit with Lord and Lady Lendale. I hope I shall meet them someday soon.”
“I’m sure you will,” Aden said. “After all, Liaisyour cousin.”
Lia Easton, Marchioness of Lendale and the natural daughter of the Duke of York, had written a lovely letter to Victoria with a standing invitation for her and Nicholas to visit them at Stonefell Manor.
“Yet another cousin,” Chloe said drolly.
“There are legions of us,” Alec said. “Victoria is just getting started.”
“I’m sorry the Lendales weren’t able to be here,” Victoria said, “but I’m so grateful that my aunts came up from Brighton,” She smiled at Aden. “Thank you for arranging that.”
“Of course, pet.” Her brother lifted his glass to her. “After all, this is your official celebration. It’s only right your family should be here.”
While Victoria had intended to have only a small, family party to mark the occasion of her marriage, over the last few weeks it had transformed into a grand ball with over a hundred guests. Nicholas had insisted they open the Kendrick House ballroom, and had brought Taffy and some other castle staff down to help manage the elaborate affair. Over Victoria’s halfhearted objections, her husband had arranged for a lavish supper, an orchestra for dancing, and even a card room for the gentlemen and older ladies. She’d objected, but all the Kendrick men, including Angus, had taken her husband’s side.
“Ye sneaky buggers went off without us to get riveted,” Angus had said, “so ye might as well let us have a grand party to make up for it.”
Knowing that for too many years the Kendrick family had lacked occasion for celebration, Victoria hadn’t had the heart to deny them their fun.
“It’s so nice of Edie and Vivien to take my aunts under their wing,” Victoria said. “I think the poor dears are feeling a little overwhelmed.”
Alec snorted. “They’ve been getting along as thick as thieves, having a grand time racketing about town all week.”
“Where are my aunts, by the way?” Victoria said, craning to look around the room.
“Edie and Vivien took them to the card room,” Chloe said. “The five of them were going to form a table.”
“Oh, God,” Aden said with mock alarm. “I hope my wife doesn’t fleece them.”
“Is Vivien good at cards?” Victoria asked.
“You have no idea,” Aden said.
“Perhaps I’d better check on them.” Her aunt Rebecca, although a very sensible woman, was something of a gambler, though usually for low stakes.
“Don’t worry. Edie will keep an eye out,” Chloe said. “Your only job tonight is to enjoy yourself.”
“Yes,” Alec said. “You’re off duty for the night, Cousin.”
Kade came hurrying into the room and over to the table. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you, Victoria.”
She took his hand. “Do you need something, dearest?”
“No, but Nick is waiting for you outside the ballroom. He says you’re to stop hanging about with this group of reprobates and come talk to him.”
“Goodness,” Chloe said, “I hope he doesn’t include me in that description.”
Kade snapped his fingers. “Right. Nick said I was specifically to say that you arenota reprobate, Lady Hunter, and to beg your pardon.”
Chloe wiped her brow with exaggerated relief. “Thank goodness. But do tell your brother that this set of reprobates is actually very nice.”
“I think so too,” Kade said with a shy smile.
“After you deliver her ladyship to the earl, why don’t you come back and join us?” Aden said.
Kade’s eyes went wide. “Thunderbolts, I’d like that. Maybe you could tell me more about your adventures during the war?”
The boy had taken quite a shine to Victoria’s mysterious brother, something she found both touching and amusing. Aden had been incredibly kind to Kade, entertaining him with highly exaggerated stories of his prowess on the Continent. At least she hoped the stories were exaggerated.
