Charlie crinkled her adorable nose. Even dressed like a man—and a raffish one at that—she was an utter darling, from her gleaming gold hair to her polished boots.
“Drat,” she said. “He’s really becoming a nuisance, hasn’t he?”
Angus patted her shoulder. “Never fear. We’ll come up with something to scare booby Campbell off.”
“I hope so,” she said with a sigh.
“We will,” Ainsley said in reassuring tones. “Meanwhile, we had best get on with your dancing lesson.”
Charlie glanced at Kade. “My apologies, sir. We’re disturbing your work.”
“That’s all our lad does is work,” Angus said with a dismissive wave. “It’s good for him to have a break. Get up and move his pins, ye ken.”
Kade frowned at Ainsley. “I thought you needed me to play while you showed Charlie the steps?”
“I am entirely capable of playing a waltz on the piano,” Ainsley said as she came round to join him. “Besides, who did you think was going to dance with Charlie? Grandda?”
Doing his best to look feeble, Angus tottered over to a nearby armchair. “My caperin’ days are over. It’s ready to be put out to pasture, I am.”
Since his grandfather would be the first to rip up at any family member who would dare to suggest such a thing, Kade had to roll his eyes.
Charlie was now looking completely startled. “Oh, it’s all right, Mr. Kendrick. You needn’t put yourself out on my behalf.”
“Nonsense, Kade will be delighted to help us,” Ainsley replied.
“No, truly,” she protested, her cheeks pink with embarrassment. “I can’t possibly do this without stepping all over Mr. Kendrick’s toes. There are my boots, for one thing, but I’m also hopeless when it comes to dancing and such. It’s really quite sad.”
Kade relinquished his seat at the piano. He was unable to bear the idea that she would think less of herself or feel the slightest bit uncomfortable on his account.
“Since I’m wearing boots as well, that should not be a problem. Besides, my feet are the size of clodhoppers, so I’m the one who’d best take care not to trample on you.”
Charlie looked at Kade’s feet and then up at him, her expression clearly dubious. “Are you sure? It’s quite a lot to ask of you.”
“I could use the practice, quite frankly,” he replied. “It’s been ages since I waltzed, and I expect I’ll be required to do so at your sister’s wedding.”
“Well, as long as you don’t mind.”
He winked at her. “Absolutely. We can polish our capering skills together.”
She blushed even more deeply, but this time a shy smile accompanied the roses in her cheeks. God, she was enchanting.
“Thank you,” she said. “And I will do my best not to step on your toes.”
“You’ll be fine, dear,” Ainsley said. “Now, shall we begin with a proper bow and curtsy?”
When Kade bowed and held out his hand, Charlie gave him a lopsided grin. She placed her hand in his and then dropped into a respectable curtsy, kilt and all.
“Charlie, do you remember any of the steps?” Ainsley asked.
“I think I recall the basics.”
“Then let’s try them without music first.”
Kade smiled down on Charlie, as she barely came up to his chin. “Ready?”
She squared her shoulders, as if preparing for battle. “Ready.”
He took her into his arms and immediately realized itwouldbe something of a battle, at least for him. She was lovely and lithe, and the temptation to pull her close was almost overwhelming. Thank God she was wearing a kilt and a vest. If she were dressed in a typical evening gown, there would be naked shoulders and curves barely concealed by the silky flow of skirts.
