He scowled. “Do ye intend to be helpful?”
“I am trying. It doesnae always look the same to everyone.”
Connor looked back at the garden. Violet had shifted the baby higher, careful with his head, natural with the weight of him.
“She doesnae want bairns,” Connor revealed.
“Maybe she has a reason.”
“She said she had none.”
Alex gave him a sideways look. “Women usually have reasons, and we men usually think they are entitled to them.”
Connor turned fully to him.
Alex lifted one hand. “Aye, that sounded wiser than I meant it to.”
“Take care how wise ye become.”
“I try daily to avoid it.”
Connor should have dismissed him. He should have returned to the letter, finished it, and sent a messenger to deliver it. Instead, he looked back out the window.
Violet was laughing softly at something the baby had done. It was a small sound, quick and unguarded. Connor had heard her angry, defiant, and sharp enough to cut. He had not heardthat.
Then she stopped.
The change was immediate. Her shoulders stiffened, and her head lifted. His gaze fell to her arms, and he noticed how they tightened around the baby until the blanket pressed close to her chest. She took one step back.
Connor’s hand went to the sword propped beside the desk before he decided to move.
Alex followed his gaze. “What is it?”
“She’s looking at someone.”
“A servant?”
“Nay.”
Connor was already across the room. The letter, the alliance, the argument in the garden, and the unfinished ink on the desk fell out of order behind him. Violet retreating with the baby was the only thing that mattered.
He shoved the study door open hard enough that the guard outside stumbled back.
“With me,” he snapped.
The guard moved at once, Alex already behind him.
Connor took the stairs two at a time, sword in hand. Men turned in the lower passage and flattened themselves against the wall as he passed. He did not slow down to give orders.
The open archway to the garden came into view, bright with late daylight beyond the stone. Violet was backing away with the baby clutched to her chest, and it was clearer than ever now that someone was standing in front of her.
Someone he had yet to see.
6
Violet felt her heart pound harder than usual as she backed away with the baby held tight against her chest.
“Henry?”
