The Highlander's Princess Bride

by Vanessa Kelly

  “Name one,” she retorted.

  “It’s the perfect place to fade back into obscurity,” he said. “Out of sight, out of mind, remember? Dominic was quite clear as to the necessity of that, and it doesn’t get much more obscure than an old castle in a remote Highland glen. Besides, Arnprior is bound to give you a good reference if you stay. It can only help to have the support of a well-regarded earl when you set up your own establishment, don’t you think?”

  She sighed. “Must you be so rational?”

  He grinned and took her arm. “Unnerving, isn’t it? Why don’t we go out and meet young Kade? At least you’ll have a better idea of what you’re in for if you decide to stay.”

  “Oh, very well.” She allowed him to pull her out to the corridor. “But don’t expect any miracles.” Kade would certainly have to be a very talented musician and a nice boy to convince her to take on the rest of the lunatics in his family.

  “I won’t.”

  They made their way to the great hall, a hive of activity as footmen dashed about, hauling in bags and trunks under Mrs. Taffy’s careful direction. Despite the commotion, the servants performed their duties swiftly and silently, casting worried glances at the small family group clustered around a chair in the center of the hall.

  Huddled in the chair sat a boy, swaddled in a heavy coat and a blanket. The earl crouched in front of him, speaking in a low tone. Royal hovered close by, regarding the pair with a somber expression. Next to him stood a serious-looking young man in spectacles, also dressed for travel. His hand rested protectively on the back of the boy’s chair.

  Victoria and Alec halted several feet away, not wishing to intrude. The earl glanced up and smiled, waving them over. She thought the smile looked forced, and there was no mistaking the tense set to the broad shoulders under his dark green coat.

  The earl rose as they approached. “Miss Knight, I’d like you to meet my youngest brothers, Braden and Kade. Braden is currently at the University of Glasgow, while Kade, as you know, has returned home to study. Alec, I believe you met the lads last summer while you and your wife were in Glasgow.”

  Braden Kendrick was tall but still boyish-looking, not yet having attained the brawny masculinity of his older brothers. He wore spectacles and had a thoughtful, diffident air that set him apart from the rest of the Kendrick men.

  As he began to bow, Alec forestalled him by extending a friendly hand. “Well met, Braden. How go your studies? Arnprior tells me that you’re a splendid scholar, and that you wish to study medicine.”

  The young man gave Alec a shy smile that lit up the deep green gaze he shared with Royal and the twins. “My studies are going well, sir. Thank you for asking. With any luck, I’ll be attending medical school at the University of Edinburgh in a year or so.” He cast a quick look at the earl. “If Nick approves, of course.”

  Arnprior clapped him on the shoulder. “Lad, why wouldn’t I approve? I know you’ll do us all proud.”

  “God knows someone has to,” Royal said sarcastically.

  When Braden shot him a disapproving glance, Royal shrugged a half-hearted apology. After shaking his head at his older brother, Braden turned his solemn and surprisingly astute gaze on Victoria.

  “Miss Knight, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said with a bow.

  “And I can’t tell you how happy I am to meet you, Miss Knight,” Kade broke in eagerly, gazing up at her with a wide smile. “Because I could hardly wait, I made Braden leave a day early, I was that eager to get home to Kinglas and my studies.”

  Oh, dear. Victoria mustered a smile and gave the new arrivals a shallow curtsy. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I hope your travels were not too taxing.”

  Kade shook his head. “It was worth it, knowing I would soon be home and beginning my lessons with you.”

  “Don’t worry, Nick,” Braden said, obviously reading Arnprior’s troubled expression. “We spent the night at the coaching inn at Arrochar. The innkeeper and his wife took splendid care of us.”

  Kade huffed out an exasperated breath. “You’re all fussing too much. I’m quite well. No need to worry about my stamina, Miss Knight.”

  The boy smiled up at her from the depths of his woolen cocoon, his gaze eager. His eyes were a vivid blue, the color of a loch on a sunny day. He more closely resembled the earl than his other brothers, with his dark hair, high, intelligent brow, and the beginnings of rugged features that promised he would someday grow into a handsome man.

  But even under the coat and blanket, and with a flannel scarf around his neck, Victoria could tell he was much too thin. And his coloring was dreadful. He was as white as milk though with a hectic flush splashed across his narrow cheekbones. But he was obviously thrilled to be home—and to start working with her.

  It made her heart sink that she would have to disappoint the boy. He seemed utterly sweet and charming, and apparently, he had considerable musical talent. Under other circumstances, she would have leapt at the chance to have him as her pupil.

  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.

  “Confound it, Nick. I told you I’m not a baby,” Kade said, half laughing, half protesting.

  “Of course not. But we don’t want you falling and knocking yourself out on your first day home.” The earl glanced at Victoria. “Miss Knight could hardly teach you if you had a cracked skull, could she?”

  “And score one for Arnprior,” Alec murmured in Victoria’s ear.

  She shot her cousin an irate glance. Still, she couldn’t help but admire his lordship’s ruthless tactics.

  “I suppose you’re right,” Kade said. “Having my brains splattered all over the hall could be a problem. And Taffy certainly wouldn’t approve of the mess.”

  “Good Lord, how appalling,” the earl said as he headed toward the stone staircase. “I really don’t understand why I agreed to let you come home.”

  “Because you missed me?” Kade asked.

  “That must be it.” Arnprior paused at the bottom of the steps and glanced at Braden. “Coming, lad? You probably need a rest too.”

  Braden shook his head. “I’d like to have a quick chat with you and Royal first. Just to catch you up on the report from Kade’s physician.” He glanced at Victoria. “You as well, Miss Knight.”

  Why would Braden wish to speak to her? And she certainly had no desire to further insert herself into the affairs of the family. “I don’t think—” she started.

  “If you don’t mind,” Braden said.

  She frowned, but then was caught short by the distraught look that momentarily flashed across the young man’s intelligent features.

  “I think you’d better do it, lass,” Alec murmured.

  Surprised, she glanced up at him. Alec had clearly picked up on the change in Braden’s demeanor. Royal also looked disturbed, directing a sharp, questioning look at Arnprior.

  The earl, however, simply gave a nod and started up the stairs. “Very well. I’ll get Kade stowed away and then meet you in the library.”

  “You don’t need to stow me away like a piece of old luggage,” Kade said in a suddenly sharp tone. “And Braden’s making a big fuss about nothing. I’m perfectly fine, no matter what the doctor said.”

  “Lad, if I can’t fuss over you, then who can?” the earl said in a reasonable tone of voice.

  The boy looked mutinous for a few seconds, but then he sighed. “No one, I suppose.” He rested his head on Arnprior’s broad shoulder, as if suddenly overcome with weariness.

  As Victoria watched the earl carry his brother up the stairs, she had a sinking feeling that something was wrong, very wrong. It just might not be so easy for her to escape Kinglas, after all.

  Chapter Eight

  “I’m fine,” Kade insisted as Nick helped him climb into the high, four-poster bed. “Now that I’m here at Kinglas, I’ll be right as a trivet in no time.” He glanced around the warm, cozy bedroom, blinking hard as he took in his books, old toys, and musical instruments.

  Kade’s erratic emotions had convinced Nick that something was wrong—something worse than his little brother’s recent illness. There had been tears as well as relief on the lad’s face when Nick bent down to greet him. That had startled him, since Kade was a child who rarely cried. He also had the distinct sense that Kade was hiding something from him, which was entirely out of character. Nick had always been more of a father than a brother to his younger siblings, and the lad especially confided in him.

  “I’m supposed to worry about you, remember?” Nick said as he tucked him in. “And you were quite ill, brat. What the devil were you about scaring us all like that?”

  His brother wrinkled his nose. “I didn’t much like it, either.”

  During the worst of the fever, Nick had feared for Kade’s life. It was now all too evident that his brother was not up to the rigors of attending school, so he would need private tutoring until he recovered his health and was ready to go to university.

  “And I hate not being able to play my music,” the boy added. “Bad enough I couldn’t practice my violin at school, but then the physician gave Braden strict instructions that I was not to play until I was recovered. He said it was too exhausting, which is a lot of old rubbish.”

  Nick frowned. “Why couldn’t you practice at school? That’s why I sent you there in the first place—for the musical instruction.”

  Kade’s gaze dropped to his lap as he fidgeted with the bedcovers. “Oh, I meant I couldn’t play as much as I wanted to. But of course the music teachers were very good.” He looked up, again giving Nick that wobbly, heartbreaking smile. “As they should be, since I know you paid them an awful lot.”

  Nick forced a lighter tone, even though tension gripped his insides. “That’s why I hired a governess, since it’s bound to be cheaper than school. You and your brothers will drive me to the poorhouse one of these days.”

  “Poor Nick, we’re an awful burden, aren’t we?” Kade said with a little grimace.

  He smoothed the hair back from the lad’s pale face. “You’re never a burden, my boy. Don’t ever think that.”

  Tears shimmered in Kade’s gaze for a moment before he blinked them away. “I’m so happy you hired Miss Knight. She seems awfully nice.” He grinned. “And very pretty, don’t you think?”

  “And much too old for the likes of you,” Nick said with mock severity.

  Kade laughed. “I’m just teasing. But when do you think we can begin my lessons?”

  “Soon enough. There’s no rush.” The only rush was on the part of his erstwhile governess, who was champing at the bit to escape Kinglas.

  His brother snaked a hand out from under the covers and grabbed his fingers in a convulsive grip. “I need to get back to work, Nick. I need my music.”

  Music had always been Kade’s comfort and refuge. Clearly, he needed that comfort now more than ever. “I understand,” Nick said gently.

  “Then you’ll speak to Miss Knight about getting started as soon as possible?” Kade’s eyes pleaded with such eagerness it broke Nick’s heart.

  “I’ll take care of it,” he replied, leaving it vague.

  “That’ll be better for my health than anything, I just know it,” Kade said in a pious tone.

  “Now you’re just trying to manipulate me.”

  “Is it working?”

  Nick patted his brother’s hand and then placed it back under the covers. “Yes. I’ll talk to Miss Knight about when you can begin your studies.”

  Perhaps after you manage to convince her to stay?

  And that, of course, meant he had to convince his family to stop acting like blockheads.

  Kade sighed with relief as he slumped down on the thick pile of pillows. “Thank you. And thank you for bringing me home.”

  He heard the catch in the boy’s voice. “Lad, you know you can always talk to me, don’t you? About anything that troubles or concerns you.”

  When Kade’s gaze darted off to the side, Nick had to tamp down his frustration.

  “Of course. But don’t worry, Nick. Nothing’s wrong now that I’m home,” he finally said, peering at the heavy velvet bed curtains as if he’d never seen them before.

  Nick was debating whether to push him a bit more when the door opened and Taffy came in, followed by a footman carrying a tray of covered dishes
.

  “Now, Master Kade,” she said. “You’ll be having some breakfast and then a nice little nap, won’t you?”

  “I don’t think I have a choice,” Kade said, glancing up at Nick.

  “No, you don’t,” Nick said. “And I expect to hear from Taffy that you ate all of your breakfast.”

  The housekeeper uncovered dishes of coddled eggs, toast, and scones with jam, but Kade eyed it all with distaste. “I’m not very hungry these days. Sometimes it seems like too much trouble to eat.”

  Jesus. “You just need some good, Highland food,” Nick said, keeping his voice level.

  “That’s right,” Taffy said, casting Nick a quick, worried look as she began preparing a plate. “Now, Laird, I’ve had breakfast brought to your library. The others are waiting for you there.”

  Nick knew a dismissal when he heard one. “Yes, Taffy.” He ruffled his brother’s hair. “I’ll come up and see you later, brat.”

  When he reached the door, he glanced back. His brother looked so small and frail, swallowed up by a heap of bed linens and blankets. Fear wrapped an icy hand around his heart, and he grabbed the door frame, feeling slightly dizzy.

  Get a grip, man. He could not afford to panic, especially when Kade’s health was at stake.

  His brother glanced up from the tray on his lap and gave him a cheery little wave. “See you later.”

  Nick managed a smile and got himself out of there before he did something stupid—like show his brother how frightened he was. He would not lose 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.”