Page 33 of The Highlander's Princess Bride
But although Kade was clearly happy to be taught by her, the other Kendrick men were not. That presented odds decidedly not in her favor.
She glanced up to find the earl watching her with an ironic eye. He knew what she was thinking, and it made her flush.
Fortunately, Arnprior returned his attention to his brothers. “We’ll be having a little chat about this mad rush to get back to Kinglas. I won’t have you pushing yourself, Kade. We can’t risk a relapse.”
His little brother scoffed as he threw aside his blanket and began to unwind the scarf around his neck. “I’m perfectly well now, Nick. And Braden fusses over me like he’s already a doctor—or my old nursemaid. He’s practically locked me in my room.”
Braden snorted. “As if anyone can control you when you set your mind on something.”
“I’m not a baby anymore,” Kade said, “and it’s time you all stop treating me like one.” He smiled at Braden, as if to take any sting out of his words. Then he glanced around the great hall. “Where are Grandda and the twins?”
“Your grandfather left early to visit some of the tenants,” Arnprior said. “And Graeme and Grant are—”
“Still sleeping,” Royal interrupted sardonically.
Victoria didn’t wonder, since they’d been up most of the night tormenting the household.
“Oh, I thought they’d want to see me,” Kade said, sounding crestfallen. “It’s been months since they were in Glasgow.”
The earl smoothed the thick, tumbled locks back from the boy’s forehead with such care that it made Victoria’s throat go tight. Though he was a rugged, hard man, he treated his young brother with incredible gentleness.
“We thought you were arriving later in the day, remember?” Arnprior said.
Kade brightened. “Oh, yes, that explains it.”
“I can go wake them up, if you like,” Royal said.
“No, Kade needs a rest,” Braden said. “He should go straight up to bed.”
Victoria had to repress a smile at the boy’s decisive manner. He might be young, but he showed a maturity that stood in stark contrast to the behavior of the twins and even Royal.
“Agreed,” the earl said. “You can see your grandfather and the twins at dinner.”
Kade wrinkled his nose. “You’re all beasts, but I suppose I could rest for a bit.” Then his eyes widened and he flapped a hand at one of the footmen. “Please be careful with that, Andrew, and bring it straight up to my room.”
“Aye, Master Kade,” the footman said as he gingerly carried a small wooden case through the hall. “I’ll not let anythin’ happen to it.”
“It’s my violin,” Kade said to Victoria. “Nick brought it back from France when he came home from the war.”
“It must be a very fine instrument,” she said.
He nodded enthusiastically. “It’s splendid, as you’ll hear. You play the pianoforte, do you not? I play that instrument, too. I’ve been studying some duets I thought we could try out together.”
This time, Victoria’s heart went straight down to her heels. “Oh, how . . . how lovely,” she stammered.
“Then we can—”
“Enough, lad,” Arnprior gently broke in. “You can speak with Miss Knight later.” He cast her a look that threatened doom and destruction if she contradicted him.
She mentally swore, but gave Kade a smile. “That would be fine.”
“Good,” said the earl. “Now, up with you, young fellow.”
He helped his brother stand. When Kade stumbled and grimaced, Arnprior hoisted him into his arms, cradling the boy against his chest.
That sight brought a sting of tears to Victoria’s eyes.
Idiot. Stop being sentimental.
