Page 36 of The Highlander's Princess Bride
Nick managed a smile and got himself out of there before he did something stupid—like show his brother how frightened he was. He wouldnotlose Kade, not like he’d lost his own wife and son. No matter what it took, he would provide everything the boy needed to get well again. And if that meant he had to tie Victoria Knight to a chair to get her to stay at Kinglas, he would bloody well do it.
Alec walked into the entrance hall as Nick came down the stairs.
“They’re waiting for you in the library,” his friend said.
“You’re not joining us?”
“No, I’m going upstairs to pack up my gear. I’ll be heading out before lunch.”
That gave Nick a jolt. “And will Miss Knight be joining you?”
Alec cocked his head to study him. “If you play your cards right, I think you can convince her to stay.”
“Any suggestions?” Nick asked sarcastically. “I’ve been spectacularly unsuccessful so far.”
“Just tell her how much you need her,” Alec said. “And mean it this time.”
“Christ, man, I do need her. Kade needs her.”
Alec clapped him on the shoulder. “Just say that.” He started up the stairs, but then turned back. “Arnprior, if you fail to treat Miss Knight with the respect she deserves, I’ll come back and murder you.”
“As I said earlier, I will treat her like a royal princess.”
Alec let out a guffaw. “Well then, see that you do.”
Shaking his head at the man’s odd sense of humor, Nick strode to the library.
His brothers and the woman he hoped would be his new governess were gathered around the low table at the window, which held a generous cold collation. Miss Knight was rigidly perched on the edge of the chaise, another cup of coffee and an untouched scone before her. No wonder she was as slender as a reed—the woman apparently never ate. She and Kade should be perfect for each other.
Perhaps Braden was making her nervous, since he was pacing and looking ready to jump out of his skin. Only Royal was availing himself of a hearty breakfast, plowing his way through a mountain of ham, cheese, and pastries. His enthusiasm might also account for Miss Knight’s lack of appetite, since she was regarding Royal with a vaguely horrified expression.
If he weren’t so tense himself, Nick would have laughed. Royal could always be counted on to eat, even in the middle of a crisis or a raging battle. During the war, Nick had encountered him more than once crouched behind a hedge or in a ditch and calmly eating whatever meager victuals he’d scrounged up.
“Never know when it’s going to be your last meal, old boy,” Royal had said one time as cannon shot whizzed over their heads. “Might as well make the most of it.”
If nothing else, Nick admired his brother’s intestinal fortitude.
“Finally,” Braden burst out. “What took you so long? Is Kade all right?”
“He’s fine,” Nick said as he settled into one of the armchairs flanking the chaise. “He’ll have breakfast and then a nap.”
“Poor lad looked done in,” Royal said, putting down his plate.
“You have no idea,” Braden said.
“Then please stop beating about the bush and tell us,” Royal growled.
“You needn’t be so nasty,” Braden said with a huffy sort of dignity. “I simply thought Nick should hear it first. HeisKade’s guardian.”
“I’m here now,” Nick said, “so there’s no need to argue.” He glanced at Miss Knight. “Would you be so kind as to pour me a cup of coffee?”
“Oh, of course,” she said, starting a bit. She carefully prepared him a cup, as if afraid of spilling. The girl was clearly rattled. Despite Alec’s assurances, Nick sensed she’d love nothing better than to bolt.
“Lord Arnprior, I feel it’s not appropriate for me to be here,” she said, confirming his suspicions. “Surely this is a private family matter.”
“No, you need to stay,” Braden said firmly. “Since you’ll be teaching Kade, you should understand what happened to him. He’s going to need quite a bit of support from you to recover.”
Her gaze shifted to Nick, her big blue eyes pleading for him to explain.
