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“He’ll like me.”
Men always liked her. After all, she was such a jolly good sport, as her friend Denny used to say.
“My dear sir,” she said as Mr. Trim stormed up. “I sincerely apologize for breaking your window. I’ll be happy to—”
He cut her off. “Young woman—I do not call you lady, because you are clearly not one—”
“Now, hang on,” Kade indignantly interrupted.
“I have no wish to speak with you, either, Kendrick,” the man barked. “This entire spectacle is a disgrace, if not an outright violation of the regulations governing use of the square. My father will be making the appropriate complaints.”
Kathleen glanced at Kade. “Regulations?”
He shook his head. “There’s nothing formal. Children play games in the square all the time.”
“You are not a child,” Trim snapped. “Nor are these others, including that sorry excuse for a grandparent. His behavior, as always, is disgusting and outrageous.”
“My grandfather has every right to use the park,” Kade retorted. “And my brother, Lord Arnprior, will not be best pleased with your insults.”
“Believe me, I will be speaking with Lord Arnprior. That ball crashed right into my father’s study. It’s a miracle he was not physically injured, although I cannot vouch for an injury to his nerves. I have already sent my footman to fetch our physician.Afterhe fetches the constable.”
Angus stomped up, followed by Will, who was obviously playing guard—or keeper.
“Fetchin’ a constable?” Angus snapped. “Why the bloody hell would ye do that, ye ninny?”
“Not helping, Grandda,” Kade warned.
Kathleen glanced over her shoulder. Gillian, thankfully, was still hanging back. She had her arm around Jeannie and was directing the grooms in a cleanup of the incriminating evidence.
“Again, I am so sorry, Mr. Trim,” Kathleen said. “I’m sure we can clear this up without a constable. Please let me apologize directly to your poor father and try to make amends.”
Trim looked outraged, as if her very existence was an insult to the good order of the city.
“And Mr. Trim was not hurt, thankfully,” Kade added, while discreetly trying to wave Angus back. “So, really, no harm done but to the window.”
Trim’s cheeks puffed out like red balloons. “Do you take me for a fool, young man?”
When a sudden breeze wafted the man’s wispy, combed-over hair straight up like a billowing curtain, Kathleen had to swallow an exceedingly inconvenient laugh.
“Best check yer head, young Trim,” Angus said. “Yer about to lose what few sprouts ye have left.”
Kade sighed. “Good God.”
The other man froze for a moment before reaching up to smooth down his hair with offended dignity.
“Angus, perhaps you could take Jeannie and Gillian inside,” Kathleen hastily said. “I’m sure Kade and I can sort this out.”
“There is nothing to sort out,” barked Trim. “You are all to wait right here until the constable arrives.”
Kade ignored him. “Grandda, please take the ladies inside. We already have an audience.”
Kathleen glanced over and mentally cursed. Mrs. Buchanan had appeared in her doorway, and people in at least two other houses were now peering out their windows.
“Nae, lad,” Angus stubbornly said. “I’ll stay right here with ye and Kathleen, in case ye need a hand.”
Kathleen stepped in front of Angus, trying to keep him well away from Trim. “Sir, please let me speak with your father. I’m happy to explain what happened and offer restitution.”
Trim jabbed a finger in Jeannie’s direction. “Hooligans, all of you, especially that one over there.” Then he glared at Kathleen. “And you’re nothing but a hoyden. I’m amazed Lady Arnprior would put up with such nonsense.”
