“Clan bloodlines are that important, as ye well know. Miss Charlie is a Stewart, descended from kings and queens. Ye’ll nae be wantin’ any of those treacherous Campbells in the mix.”
Charlie recovered her voice. “In all fairness, Richard is a pale imitation of a Campbell. He says he doesn’t even know which branch of the family he comes from.”
“Another reason why yer dear ma should nae be tryin’ to make ye marry him,” Angus replied, somewhat illogically. “And why ye need our help.”
“Miss Charlotte is doing just fine without us,” Kade sternly said. “Best to leave it alone.”
His grandfather ignored him. “The best thing would be for our Kade here to pretend that he’s courtin’ ye.”
Charlie’s brain all but froze, whether from shock or embarrassment or both.
Kade breathed out a long-suffering sigh.
Embarrassment.
“Really not necessary, sir,” she hastily said. “I’m sure I’ll be able to—”
Angus interrupted her. “Nae, it’s perfect. If booby Campbell thinks Kade is a-courtin’, he’ll back off and be on his way.”
“I’m fairly sure it would produce the opposite effect,” Kade said in a voice as dry as chalk.
He made a point of looking across the room at Richard. Charlie followed his gaze and winced. Her suitor had gone back to glaring daggers at Kade so obviously that her mother finally took notice.
Mamma frowned. “Charlotte, you’re getting quite wrinkled, squashed between the gentlemen. Do get up.”
“Yes, Mamma.”
Kade rose first and gave her a hand.
“Thank you,” she said, avoiding his eye.
“Pet,” her father called from across the room, “why don’t you give us a little tune on your fiddle? I’m sure Richard would love to hear you play.”
Richard flashed her a broad smile. “Indeed. I know that Miss Charlotte is quite accomplished on the violin. I’m not used to ladies playing that particular instrument, mind you, but I’m sure it will be a treat.”
Blood seemed to drain from Charlie’s head as panic set in. “I’d really rather not. Melissa, why don’t you play the pianoforte? Colin does love to hear you play, and you’re so good.”
“Richard has expressed an interest in hearing you play, my dear,” Mamma said in a firm tone. “I would hate for you to disappoint him.”
Richard gave an indulgent chuckle. “I would indeed be most disappointed, Miss Charlotte. You must know how much I love music.”
She knew for a fact that he cared not a fig for music but was just trying to toady up to her parents.
“That’s a good girl,” said her father. “Play a few of the old Highland ballads.”
“Ho, Kade,” Angus said. “Ye can play along with Miss Charlotte. There’s a dandy little pianoforte over there by the window.”
“Even better,” enthused Papa.
For a hideous moment, Charlie thought she would faint. Bad enough to have to play her fiddle in front of possibly the best violinist in the entire kingdom, but to actually playwithhim? She couldn’t imagine a more appalling scenario.
She tried to muster a coherent response. “Uh, I don’t think—”
Melissa clapped her hands. “Yes, please. I wouldloveto hear Mr. Kendrick play again, even if it’s only with Charlotte.”
Charlie closed her eyes and contemplated the most effective way to murder both her familyandRichard.
“I would be honored to play with Miss Charlotte,” Kade said.
