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“She manages all of us, in case you haven’t noticed,” Royal said. “Which is a good thing, since we cause more trouble than we’re worth.”
“Speak for yourself,” Angus said in a lofty tone. “I’m a paragon compared to the lot of ye.”
“If you’re a paragon, then I’m Robert the Bruce,” Royal said. “And I do believe I left my crown in the drawing room. Will you fetch it for me, Grandda?”
Angus bristled with indignation. “Now, see here, laddie—”
Nick interrupted the impending Angus Eruption. “We’ve wandered some distance from the original topic of Royal’s future. He cannot spend his time moping around Kinglas. He needs to find something useful to do with his life.”
“Well, I’ll not be thankin’ ye to give him any more ofmywork,” the old man said. “Ye’ll not be puttin’ me out to pasture just yet.”
Their grandfather was understandably touchy, on the lookout for any hint that he wasn’t contributing to the family’s well-being or was in any way a burden. Royal knew exactly how he felt.
“It’s just that Royal seems at loose ends,” Victoria explained. “We’re trying to decide how best to address the situation.”
“And do I actually get a say?” Royal asked sardonically.
They ignored him.
“Running aboot after that stuck-up English miss is the last thing he should be doin’,” Angus said. “Besides, I doubt she’d even see him.”
Royal thought about Ainsley’s last letter to him a few weeks ago, the one where she’d sounded . . . sad. “Actually, I’m not sure she’d mind a visit.”
Nick put down his teacup and stood. “You’ll make your own decision, of course. But I would be grateful if you would at least consider working for Logan.”
“And ye’ll no be turnin’ the lad into a glorified clerk, either,” Angus objected. “He’ll be stayin’ right here at Kinglas, where he belongs.”
His grandfather meant where he could keep an eye on him, since he constantly feared Royal might suffer a relapse of some sort or the other.
“It’ll be fine, Grandda,” Royal said. “Don’t fash yourself.”
“Of course I get fashed,” Angus said gruffly. “After all, ye almost died fightin’ for the stupid English.”
“Ahem,” Victoria said loudly.
Nick clamped a hand on the old man’s shoulder. “Come along, Grandda. I want to take a look at the south wall of the stables. It might even need rebuilding, and I’d like your opinion.”
“Of course, lad,” Angus said, instantly diverted. “I’ve been thinkin’ the same myself.”
“Then let’s get to it.” Nick started to propel Angus toward the door.
“Laddie, don’t be makin’ any plans without talkin’ to me first,” the old man called to Royal before he disappeared.
“Thank God,” Victoria said with a sigh. “I do love the old fellow, but sometimes he can be such a trial.”
“But you manage him exceedingly well.”
“As much as Anguscanbe managed. I admit that sometimes I’m tempted to clobber him with his own bagpipes.”
When Royal laughed, Victoria gave him a relieved smile. “The discussion was getting rather fraught, wasn’t it? I’m sorry we made such a fuss. I know you hate it.”
“A fuss is entirely unnecessary, I assure you. I’m perfectly well.”
A moment later, his youngest brother came rushing into the library.
“Nick just told me Taffy made seedcakes,” Kade said as he plopped down next to Victoria on the settee. “Oh, good. You saved me some.” He promptly crammed one into his mouth.
“Dear, there’s no need to wolf it down,” Victoria said, handing the lad a plate and a serviette. “Remember your manners.”
