Anger flared in Kade’s chest. Andrew was trying to bait him, but he refused to fall into that trap.
“My brothers and I love and respect our grandfather,” he calmly replied. “After my mother died, he helped raise us, especially me. Besides, he knows a lot about Scottish and clan history, and that’s important.”
Andrew snorted. “Clan history is only good for old coots stuck in the past. Nobody cares about that anymore.”
“I wouldn’t let the duke hear you say something so stupid,” Charlie put in. “After all, he is the chief of Clan Campbell, and you’re a Campbell.”
“She’s right, Andy,” Richard said. “Papa said we have to show the proper respect to the duke, remember?”
Andrew gave his brother another shove. “Who asked you, anyway?”
Richard glared at him but was clearly unwilling to stand up to his bully of a brother. Not for the first time, Kade sent up a prayer of thanks forhisbrothers. Some of them might be rambunctious, but they all had the kindest of hearts.
Andrew switched his attention back to Charlie. “Well, are you coming riding, or not? If you don’t come right now it’ll be too late. We have to be back in time to change for dinner.”
“I don’t,” Charlie replied. “I’m still too young to have dinner with the adults, remember?”
“I wish I was,” Kade wryly said. “They’re awfully long affairs. I’d much rather have dinner with you and the other children.”
“That’s because you’re an idiot,” Andrew contemptuously said.
Charlie jabbed a finger at him. “That’s an incredibly mean thing to say.”
“Who cares?” Andrew replied. “It’s just stupid Kade. All he does is sit around and read books.” Then he grabbed Charlie’s arm and hauled her to her feet. “Now come along before it gets too late.”
“Let go,” Charlie snapped as she tried to yank her arm from his grip.
“No,” Andrew replied as he began to try to drag her away.
But Charlie dug in her heels. She was a slip of a thing, but she was stronger than she looked. Still, seeing that bully trying to force her made Kade’s insides twist with fury.
If there was one thing a Kendrick hated more than anything, it was a bully.
He put aside his book and jumped to his feet. “Let her go, Andrew. Charlie will come if she wants to, not when you demand it.”
“And I suppose you’re going to make me, are you?” Andrew sneered.
Kade took Charlie’s free hand, and she threaded her fingers through his, holding tight.
“If I have to, yes, I will,” Kade replied.
The big bully snorted—much like a pig—but then let Charlie go.
Kade nodded. “Thank you—”
Instantly, Andrew came at him and shoved him hard in the chest. Kade went flying onto the wrought iron bench, banging his hip on the edge. Though pain shot through his body, he refused to cry out.
Even worse than the pain was the stunned look on Charlie’s face.
“I say, Andy,” exclaimed Richard. “No need to hurt the poor fellow. He’s not very well, you know.”
“I’m fine,” Kade gritted out as he struggled to right himself.
“Here, let me help you,” Charlie said, offering him a supporting arm.
Kade felt a humiliating heat flare into his face. Being shoved was bad enough, but did she think he was so weak that he needed her help to get to his feet?
He shook his head and stood. Nobody pushed a Kendrick around and got away with it. Kade knew that one should never back down from a bully, no matter the consequences.
