Page 21 of The Highlander's Princess Bride
“It surely is not,” Nick said. “And I never joke.”
“That’s actually true,” Graeme said.
Miss Knight momentarily pressed a hand to her forehead. “Please forgivemylack of manners, my lord, but you are not paying me enough to take on such an insane task.”
“Actually, we’ve yet to discuss your wages, Miss Knight,” Nick said.
“Whatever it is, it won’t be enough.”
Nick tamped down the frustration stirring in his gut. If she refused the position, God only knew what he would do. He’d envisioned a scenario that would have allowed him to judge the governess in a calm and reasonable fashion. His family, as usual, had blown his plans to smithereens.
As had Miss Knight. Because she’d not been what he was expecting, she’d initially thrown him off his game. Now, though, he was convinced she was the perfect person for the job.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” he said. “Sir Dominic assured me that you were more than capable of taking on these additional duties and would be happy to do so.”
“He did?” she asked with disbelief.
Nick nodded. “Indeed, and I assured Sir Dominic that I would pay you handsomely for your efforts. I’m disappointed you do not feel up to the task.”
She jerked as if someone had jabbed her with a pin.
“Arnprior,” Alec said, “she’s entirely capable of whatever you ask.”
“Apparently not.”
“Sheer nonsense,” Alec growled. “She’s worked in some of the best houses in England.”
When Miss Knight shot Alec a glare, he looked perplexed before wincing on the realization he’d undercut her. She did not, however, contradict his assertion.
“My lord, while I am flattered by Sir Dominic’s confidence in me . . .” she said.
“You should be flattered,” Nick interrupted with a smile. “He is not a man who gives his approval lightly, as we both know.”
“Yes, but—”
“In addition to paying you exceedingly well, I will give you a sterling recommendation when you wish to leave my employ.”
From the way her eyes narrowed thoughtfully, it was clear that a good recommendation was even more important than money. He would be happy to exploit that bit of knowledge, too.
But then she shook her head. “You are generous, my lord, but I am doubtful this plan will succeed.”
Royal hauled himself up from his chair. “Stop badgering the girl. She doesn’t want to be here, and we don’t want her, either.”
Nick also rose. “Sit down, Royal.”
Every line of his brother’s body spoke of mutiny, but Nick stared him down. He’d led a regiment for five years, and had been Royal’s commanding officer. His brother had never defied him during the war. Now, though, defiance was a regular event for Royal and for everyone else in the blasted household. The fact that Nick was willing to employ a slip of a girl to help him impose order at Kinglas was a measure of how desperate he’d become.
Royal muttered an oath and plunked back down in his chair.
“Coward,” Angus muttered at Royal, who ignored him.
When Nick resumed his seat, he was surprised to see Miss Knight regarding him with a wariness that was quite at variance with her previous pert demeanor. Had she expected him and his brother to start pummeling each other?
“There’s no cause for concern, Miss Knight,” he said. “My brothers do have enough sense to refrain from brawling in the presence of a lady.”
One of her eyebrows went up in a haughty arch. “It was not your brother I was worried about.”
“Touché, lass,” Alec murmured.
