She waggled a hand. “I’m not, especially in Miss Peyton’s case.” The girl certainly liked Grant, but she was also shy, and didn’t appear the sort to run off in a scandalous fashion.
“We can also be fairly certain Lady Ainsley didnotgo along willingly,” Nicholas said. “I cannot believe Royal did something this demented.”
“Why would any of them?” Victoria asked.
“Because Nick wants them to get married,” piped Kade from the doorway.
Nicholas groaned. “Christ Almighty, please don’t tell me you were involved in this.”
“Don’t bark at him.” Victoria stood up and smiled. “Dearest, please come in.”
The boy trudged over, casting a guilt-ridden glance at his big brother.
“No one is upset with you,” she said, hugging Kade. “Just tell us what you know.”
“Well, I didn’t know they were going to dothis,” he said. “I thought it was more of a joke than anything else.”
“Lad, it would be very helpful if you could tell us everything you do know,” Nicholas said.
“Of course. A few days ago, I heard Grandda talking to the twins about how you were right. He said they’d all been causing trouble for too long, and that it was time to settle down and start good Highland families.”
“You mean you eavesdropped,” Braden said disapprovingly.
Kade shrugged.
“Thank God you did,” Nicholas said. “What else?”
“The twins agreed and said they weren’t sure if Lainie and Anna would marry them, because they might not want penniless younger brothers. That’s when Grandda said they should elope.”
“They’re not penniless,” Nicholas said with an exasperated sigh. “They’re just not rich. And Miss MacBride is a vicar’s daughter. I don’t imagine her father is that plump in the purse.”
“No, but her mother’s family is,” Victoria said. “She’s the daughter of a baron. He has a large estate outside of Edinburgh.”
“I didn’t know that,” Nicholas said.
“You did hire me to help them court respectable girls, sir. Part of that means finding out everything I can about suitable prospects, especially if the twins already like them.”
“Graeme and Grant are worried the fathers might not approve,” Kade said. “But Grandda said that once they were all married, everyone would be happy to be related to the Earl of Arnprior.”
“Possibly,” Victoria said. “But we don’t know if the girls truly wanted to marry your brothers.”
Kade winced. “I’m sorry, Nick. I truly thought it was mostly joking about, at least in that respect. And Grandda swore me to silence. He said he didn’t want to worry you with stuff and nonsense.”
“He talked to you?” Nicholas said in surprise.
“Well . . . he caught me listening.”
“Kade, this is very bad,” Braden said. “You should have told us.”
The boy looked stricken.
“Never mind, lad,” Nick said gently. “I understand you wanted to help. Did Grandda say anything about Royal and Lady Ainsley?”
“No. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, Nick, but you already have so much to worry about, what with my illness and Royal’s bad leg. And everything else.”
The earl sank into his chair, propping his forehead in his palms. “I’m a bloody idiot. What a mess I’ve made of it all.”
“It’s not your fault,” Braden said. “You’re just trying to take care of us.”
