Essentially the last paragraph, but I suppose specifically
[quote=rocketrobie2]From his squatting position, Nigel stood up slightly and [b]braced[/b] himself against the cabinet.[/quote]
Again, from the context I assumed that it meant that he was trying to push the cabinet, but "bracing" can mean a lot of different things... none of which on their own suggest an effort to [I]move[/I] something. On the contrary, actually.
[quote=Wiktionary]Verb

brace (third-person singular simple present braces, present participle bracing, simple past and past participle braced)

(transitive, intransitive) To prepare for something bad, such as an impact or blow. 

To place in a position for resisting pressure; to hold firmly.

(nautical) To swing round the yards of a square rigged ship, using braces, to present a more efficient sail surface to the direction of the wind.

To stop someone for questioning, usually said of police.

To confront with questions, demands or requests.

To furnish with braces; to support; to prop.

To draw tight; to tighten; to put in a state of tension; to strain; to strengthen.

To bind or tie closely; to fasten tightly. [/quote]

In short, if read literally it sounds as though Nigel is trying to [I]prevent[/I] the cabinet from moving.