Startled, he couldn’t help a frown. “Did he say that to you, Tira?”
“No, I overheard him say it to someone when you were playing after the wedding. I thought about kicking him in the shins but decided Mamma probably wouldn’t like it. I did tell Grandda, though.”
“And what did Grandda do?”
“He accidentally spilled a glass of red wine down the front of Mr. Campbell’s shirt.”
Kade had to smile. “Good for Grandda, although I suppose I shouldn’t encourage you—or him—in such behavior. Your mamma wouldn’t approve.”
“What wouldn’t I approve?” Ainsley asked, leaning around Kade to speak to her daughter.
“Nothing,” Tira and Kade replied in unison.
Ainsley scoffed. “And you’re supposed to be the good one in the family, Kade Kendrick.”
“Don’t blame me,” he protested. “Blame Angus.”
“I’m beginning to think you’re as bad as he is.”
“That is literally impossible.”
Ainsley snapped open her napkin. “Recent events in Paris would suggest otherwise.”
Ouch.
Kade glanced across the table to again meet Charlie’s gaze. It seemed she’d been listening, though now she quickly focused her attention on the footman serving the first course.
Conversation around the table was subdued. Lord Kinloch was clearly distracted, and Melissa dolefully picked at her food while her husband fussed over her. Morgan and Richard competed for Charlie’s attention, but she barely uttered a word in response. Young Johnny also seemed out of sorts. While Lady Kinloch, Royal, and Ainsley did their best to keep the conversation going, it was an uphill climb.
Tira bumped her shoulder into Kade. “This isn’t a very fun party, is it?”
“Sorry, lass. Maybe after the dessert course you and I can make our escape.”
She giggled. “I’d like that.”
“I have something to say,” Lord Kinloch suddenly announced in a loud voice.
Lady Kinloch put down her wineglass. “Goodness, sir, must you shout down the table at us?”
Kinloch shoved back his chair and stood. “I’ve come to a decision, and you all need to hear it.”
“But we’re in the middle of dinner,” his wife protested. “Can’t it wait until we have tea in the drawing room?”
“No,” Kinloch rapped out. “It’s about the Clan Iain brooch and what we’re going to do about it.”
Charlie frowned. “Papa, I don’t think there’s anything to be done about it. I’ve looked everywhere, and it’s just gone.”
“I refuse to accept that. And although I don’t hold to any nonsense about curses and such, like your silly sister—”
“Papa!” Melissa plaintively exclaimed.
“The loss is still a stain on our family honor,” Kinloch firmly said. “Your mamma isverydisappointed in you, Charlotte, as am I.”
“I say, Papa,” Johnny nervously interjected. “Might it not be best if we discussed this with just family? Don’t want to embarrass the guests, airing our dirty linen.”
“Not to mention the servants,” Ainsley dryly put in.
Morgan smirked. “Air away, my lord. We’re almost like family, don’t you know? Anyway, who cares about the servants? Pay them no never mind.”
