Page 109 of The Highlander's Kilted Bride
“Richard,” Charlie said, exasperated, “in all the years that you’ve known me, when have I ever been coy?”
“Well, never, I suppose. But your mother said I was being too cautious, and that I should make a go of it.” He twirled a hand. “You know.”
“Did my mother actually send you looking for me?”
He bristled. “I didn’t need her to tell me. You’re not the first girl I’ve wooed.”
Kade snorted. “Obviously with a complete lack of success.”
“I’ll take no insults from you, Kendrick,” Richard huffed. “If it wasn’t for you, Charlotte and I would be doing just fine.”
“No, we would not,” she said.
“But if I find the brooch, you have to marry me,” he replied. “It’s a matter of family honor. Besides, your mother said—”
Charlie jabbed a finger at him, having had quite enough. “If you bring my mother up one more time, I will toss you into the pond.”
“And if she doesn’t, I will,” Kade added.
“This is ridiculous,” Richard snapped. “I’m going back to the house.”
He stomped past them, then turned to glare at Charlie. “Are you coming, Charlotte?”
She frowned. “Why would I?”
“Because if it’s not proper for you to be alone with me, then you certainly shouldn’t be alone with Kendrick.”
She gave him a smile that was mostly teeth. “Why not? We’re just old friends, you know.”
Richard flapped an agitated arm. “He’s not. He’s . . . he’s . . .”
“Yes?”
“A rogue.”
She felt her mouth sag open. The man was truly an idiot.
“A rogue?” Kade said with disbelief. “I thought you said I was a pompous ass?”
“That too,” Richard retorted. “In any event, you’re not to be trusted with an innocent girl.”
“It’s a little late to be worrying about my virtue,” Charlie said. “But if it’s any consolation, I promise I will knee Mr. Kendrick in the nutmegs if he starts behaving like a rogue.”
While Kade started to laugh, Richard swelled with outrage—rather like a frog in high dudgeon—and then turned on his heel and stormed out to the path.
“This isn’t the end, Charlotte,” he yelled over his shoulder. “Your mother is going to bemostdispleased.”
“You don’t have to tell her,” she called back as he disappeared into the night.
Kade was doubled over with laughter.
Charlie poked his arm. “You’re only laughing because you won’t have to face an epic scold. No doubt Richard will tell Mamma every gory detail of this hideous encounter.”
He straightened, trying to catch his breath.
“Not every detail, I suspect,” he managed to gasp.
Charlie eyed him with concern. “Are you all right? Do you want me to thump you on the back?”
