“Well, I certainly hope you’ve learned your lesson.”
“I’m the one who’s really to blame,” Johnny gloomily said. “It’s because of me that everything turned into such a mess. I caused all sorts of upset and almost got myself killed in the process. Charlie isn’t the one who has to apologize, it’s me.”
Mamma reached over and took his hand. “My son, what you did was very wrong. But why didn’t you come to us? Your father and I would have protected you from that awful man.”
Charlie and Johnny both glanced at their father, who was now looking rather sheepish. The fact that neither she nor Johnny had felt they could trust him was obviously making the poor old dear rather uncomfortable.
“Never mind that now,” Papa hastily said. “All’s well that ends well, and whatnot.”
Angus snorted. “No thanks to ye, Kinloch.”
Kade, who was standing behind his grandfather’s chair, gave Angus a little jab. “Grandda.”
“I only speak the truth, lad.”
“That is quite enough, Angus,” Mamma said. “Henry is correct. That horrible man has been dealt with, and Johnny is safe.” She smiled at Kade. “Thank you, Mr. Kendrick. Truly.”
Kade bowed. “I was happy to help, my lady.”
“Where is the brooch now?” Melissa asked.
“I’ve got it,” Kade said.
He reached inside his coat and took out a small leather pouch. Opening it, he handed the brooch to Charlie.
“Back to its rightful owner,” he said with a smile.
She cupped the glittering piece in both hands, relief flooding through her. The brooch was as beautiful as ever. In fact, the jewels shone so brightly that she could almost believe they’d been recently cleaned.
“Thank you,” she said to Kade.
“It was my pleasure.”
“I highly doubt that,” she drolly replied.
His only response was a wink.
Melissa suddenly grabbed Colin by the arm.
“What is it, my love?” he asked with concern.
“Do you know what this means?” she said, bouncing a bit with excitement. “It means that Kade will now marry Charlotte. Not only did he find the brooch, he rescued Johnny and saved our family’s honor. Just think of it—the great Kade Kendrick is going to be one of us!”
Mamma blinked. “In all the commotion, I’d quite forgotten about your father’s vow. Yes, Mr. Kendrick did find the brooch, so Charlotte is obligated to marry him. There’s nothing to be done for it, I suppose.”
“You’re very kind, my lady,” Kade said. “But Miss Charlotte—indeed none of you—is under any obligation to me, including one of marriage.”
Startled, Charlie gaped at him. After all this, was he now saying that hedidn’twant to marry her?
Kade caught sight of her no-doubt astounded expression.
“Unless Miss Charlotte wants to marry me, of course,” he hastily added.
And didn’t that just sound horribly tepid?
Fighting the sensation that she’d just been dumped into an icy pond, Charlie forced herself to respond.
“Mamma, I have no intention of requiring Mr. Kendrick—or anyone else—to marry me over a silly vow that Papa made while in a temper.”
