Page 93 of The Highlander's Princess Bride
But there was one female who appeared decidedly unimpressed, if Ainsley’s expression was any indication.
If Royal treated Ainsley with the disdain he displayed for pampered society girls, they would be sure to see fireworks before the evening was out.
“High flyers and barmaids are more to my taste, Victoria,” he’d bluntly informed her last week when she tried to persuade him to join the family at a fashionable musicale. “And if my sexual preferences shock you,” he’d added, “then I suggest you bloody well stop trying to polish me up for the marriage mart. It’s a hopeless cause.”
Victoria had no intention of giving up. Royal needed her help as much as every other male in the Kendrick family.
“Hallo, old man. Good to see you,” Alec said, standing up and extending a hand.
“Gilbride, it’s—”
Whatever words had been about to emerge died on Royal’s lips when he finally noticed Ainsley. Victoria watched in amazement as his eyes widened and a flush bronzed his sharp cheekbones. While her ladyship was a beautiful girl, he was hardly the sort to be instantly smitten by any female.
Edie shot Victoria a smug glance before smiling up at Royal. “Mr. Kendrick, I’d like to introduce you to my friend—”
“I know who he is,” Ainsley interrupted. “Unfortunately.”
Everyone at the table froze, although her remark seemed to jolt Royal out of his odd reverie. “Och, Lady Ainsley, how nice to see you again.”
“You two know each other?” Alec asked.
Royal crossed his arms and stared at Ainsley with a sardonic expression.
After glaring back at him for a few moments, she finally answered. “I had thevastpleasure of meeting Mr. Kendrick at a troop review in London last winter.”
“And then I had thevastpleasure of sitting next to her ladyship at a dinner party a few weeks later,” Royal drawled back in bored imitation.
Victoria frowned. At the moment, Royal was acting like a hardened society rake.
“Again, unfortunately,” Ainsley snapped.
Royal flashed her a smile that was mostly teeth.
“That must have been some dinner party,” Edie said.
Ainsley’s snort was delicate and dismissive. “You have no idea.”
“Royal, I didn’t know you were in London last winter,” Victoria said brightly.
“Nick dragged me down to see a bloody sawbones,” he said. “Best doctor in London, he said.”
“Ah, splendid fellow, Arnprior. Always looking after his brothers,” said Alec in an inanely hearty voice. “I hope the doctor was able to give you some relief.”
“He suggested amputation for my leg.”
“Oh, dear,” Edie said faintly.
“Too bad he couldn’t amputate your tongue,” Ainsley said in an airy tone.
Again, a horrified silence fell over the table. Victoria mentally scrambled to stave off the impending disaster.
Fortunately, Royal guffawed. “Ah, Lady Ainsley, charming as always. How fortunate that you’ve decided to grace the peasants of Glasgow with your exalted presence.”
“Not for long, thank God,” she muttered.
Victoria patted the chair on her other side. “Royal, why don’t you sit next to me and tell me about your day.” She’d been hoping to save that seat for Arnprior, but preventing bloodshed now took priority.
He hooked an empty chair from the table next to them and dragged it over to face directly across from Ainsley.
