“I’m sure he finds ways to keep himself in your good graces.”
She waggled her eyebrows. “And does, on a regular basis, if you deduce my meaning.”
“I do, and to quote your daughter,ugh.”
She laughed. “For a man who generally drags a trail of eager women in his wake, you are decidedly unromantic.”
“I don’t have time to be romantic.”
Ainsley crossed her arms and leaned on the piano, obviously settling in for a discussion.
“Yet you seemed quite taken with Charlie last night,” she mused. “One might even say that the two of you seemed lost in each other.”
“Lost in the music, you mean. Now, did you come in here simply to pester me, or is there a reason for this visit?”
“Kade Kendrick, I never pester anyone. I am the soul of courtesy.”
“Yes, I’ve noticed that,” he sarcastically replied.
“Actually, there is one thing. I’m to teach Charlie how to waltz. She’ll be arriving shortly with Angus for her first lesson.”
“At her age, she doesn’t know how to waltz?”
“Apparently not.”
“Then what’s the rush now?”
“The wedding, dear boy. Her mamma is insistent that she be able to waltz properly. She cannot be allowed to embarrass the family, you know.”
“That’s ridiculous. Who cares if she can waltz or not?”
“Melissa, for one. And what Melissa wants, Melissa tends to get.”
“Poor Charlie.” He stood. “I’ll get out of your way so the lesson can commence.”
She waved him back down. “No, stay where you are. You’re going to help.”
“Are you sure?”
“Do not move.”
Charlie might not be thrilled at the prospect of his presence during her dancing lessons, but he’d do his best to make her feel comfortable. He felt protective of the sweet lass, despite the uncertainty of his own emotions.
“Fine. If you need me to play, I’m happy to do so.”
“Speaking of playing,” Ainsley said, “I was rather stunned by Charlie’s performance. She’s very accomplished, isn’t she?”
“Yes, she has clearly had an excellent instructor. But she also possesses a great deal of natural talent.”
“Melissa, of course, was over the moon about you. She made sheep’s eyes all evening, much to poor Colin’s dismay.”
Kade lifted his hands. “What can I say? The ladies do love me.”
“Perhaps it’s your swelled head they find so attractive. Richard Campbell certainly doesn’t love you, though. Best watch him or you’ll find another knife in your back.”
Kade snorted. “Campbell’s a complete thickhead. I was surprised Charlie didn’t whack him with her bow after that stupid comment he made to her.”
After he and Charlie had finished their performance to a hearty round of applause, Richard had come forward to escort Charlie back to her seat. He’d then made a jesting remark that she wouldn’t have to bother with music andsuch fripperiesonce she became a wife and mother.
