“Language, dear boy. There is a child present,” she replied.
Kade sighed. They hadn’t even set foot in the house and the situation was already descending into perdition. “Sorry, Tira.”
She patted his knee. “It’s all right, Uncle Kade. Sometimes the way Grandda behaves makes Papa say swear words, too.”
Royal choked.
By now, the carriage had come to a halt in front of the house and Billy was letting down the step. Kade handed Ainsley and Tira down and then reached for Angus.
“Grandda, behave yourself,” he murmured as he helped him down.
Angus grumbled something unintelligible. Ignoring him, Kade turned to examine Laroch Manor.
Looming over them was a classic six-story tower house, centuries old and bookended with two medieval-looking turrets. Although a plain stone porch sheltered the front door, its stark appearance was softened by large clay pots of flourishing rosebushes and greenery on either side of the entrance.
Two wings in the Jacobean style stretched out on both sides of the tower in an elegant sprawl, with a crenellated roofline adding a fine embellishment. At the far end of one wing stood a fanciful two-story tower topped with a sloping slate roof that gave that part of the building a fairy-tale-like appearance. Dozens of windows gleamed brightly in the sun, and neatly trimmed bushes and smoothly cut lawns encircled the house. Laroch Manor exuded old-fashioned, quiet charm, with not a blade of grass or pebble of gravel out of place.
He’d half expected a drafty old castle, because that was often the case this far north. Since he’d grown up in one, he knew how challenging it was to keep antique buildings from falling to pieces. Laroch Manor, however, was the opposite of shabby.
The front door opened and a group of servants bustled forth, followed by what were obviously Lord Kinloch, Lady Kinloch, a pretty young lady, and a callow youth sporting a thin mustache.
Charlie was noticeably absent.
Lord Kinloch, a tall, portly man in his fifties, booted and garbed in country tweeds, advanced toward them with a welcoming smile.
“So, here be the Kendricks,” he exclaimed in a bluff, brogue-tinged voice. “Welcome, welcome. I’m Lord Kinloch, and this is my good wife and two of my children. Your maid and the baggage coach arrived an hour ago, and we’ve already got your rooms set up nice and tidy. You’ll be able to have a good rest before dinner.”
Royal bowed and then handed Ainsley forward. “Thank you for your generous hospitality, Lord Kinloch. Let me introduce my wife, Lady Ainsley Kendrick.”
Ainsley dropped a graceful curtsy. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Lord Kinloch. My late aunt always spoke of you with great affection.”
Lord Kinloch heartily pumped Ainsley’s hand. “No need to stand on ceremony, my dear. We’re all family here, and we’re exceedingly grateful you could join us for Melissa’s grand affair.” He winked at her. “And help us with our little problem.”
Ainsley offered a winning smile. “I’m happy to help you and Lady Kinloch in any way I can.”
Lady Kinloch stepped forward to join her husband, offering Ainsley a languid hand in greeting.
“My dear,” she said in a soft voice, exchanging air kisses with Ainsley, “it is positively delightful to meet you in person. I’ve so enjoyed our correspondence.”
Lady Kinloch was a slight woman, with delicate features and pale silver hair coiffed in the latest style. Her green silk gown sported fashionably large sleeves and was trimmed with abundant lace. Looking like she’d just stepped out the pages of a ladies’ magazine, she was a marked contrast to her bluff, genial husband.
“Allow me to present my daughter Melissa,” Lady Kinloch said.
The bride-to-be had been hanging back with her brother and darting surreptitious glances at Kade, but now hurried forward to join them. A dainty young woman who took after her mother, Melissa was nothing like her sister, and not as beautiful in his eyes. Charlie, despite her wild hair and dust-covered attire, was vibrant and captivating.
Not that it mattered whether Charlie was captivating or not.
Melissa murmured her greetings, dropping a pretty curtsy, then darted a glance at Kade and batted her eyelashes.
Good Lord.
“And you’re Mr. Kade Kendrick,” she said in a pretty, lilting voice. “Sir, thank youso muchfor coming and agreeing to perform for the guests. Mamma and I are greatly in your debt.”
Kade gave her a slight bow. “It’s my pleasure, Miss Stewart.”
“Ah, the great Kade Kendrick,” said Lord Kinloch. “My wife and daughter have been able to speak of nothing else.” He winked at Kade. “Good thing my little girl here is about to get riveted, else she’d be making a play for you, lad.”
Lady Kinloch looked pained. “Really, my dear, you mustn’t say such nonsense. You’ll embarrass poor Mr. Kendrick.”
