A sheath of dark brown cloaked the land, and lightning flashed in the distance, followed by a low rumble of thunder. Storms had always soothed him, and he was content to sit and watch.
Yesterday, Malcolm had anticipated a visit by the little group at his office, but instead Kat took his children home. When he returned to the house after work, his eager little boy described in great detail their morning, and both James and Lizzy presented him with gifts—a silver clothing brush and brown slippers.
The joyous moments with his children felt like Christmas all over again. It softened Malcolm’s heart to know Kat had indeed treated them well, yet that worried him even more. He couldn’t trust her, no matter what.
Malcolm dressed for the day. Both Kennedy and Crowley would be back in the office, and Malcolm awaited the news of their new contract with the Royal Navy. He especially hoped to hear more about Colonel Burwell’s activities, since he still sought an invitation to the colonel’s weekend party.
Malcolm suspected there was something secretive going on between the colonel and Kennedy, especially regardingMalcolm’s partnership. Brandon had never really wanted Malcolm to become a partner, but Kat convinced Brandon to bring him on.
He left the bedroom and walked down the stairs to the dining room. The scent of scones and strong coffee filtered through the air, making his stomach grumble. He sat at the table, where his morning newspaper awaited him.
“Good morning, Horace,” he greeted the cook.
“It sure is a happy morning, Mr. Worthington.”
He flipped open the paper. “Did my children tell you about their eventful morning yesterday?”
“Aye, they did.” She laughed, and the extra flesh on her chin and neck shook in rhythm. “James is still talking about it this morning.”
Malcolm lowered the paper and stared at her. “This morning? James is already awake?”
“Why, yes. Him and Mrs. Worthington went outside to watch Levi and Hiram exercise the horses.”
“What?” Malcolm jumped out of his chair, hurried to the window, and looked toward the stables just down the hill.
His son stood beside Kat, his eyes wide as his head swung back and forth between her and the horse. Then his son laughed for the second time since his mother had died. Kat reached down and stroked James’s cheek, her face lit with merriment.
A throb in the base of Malcolm’s skull began, pounding harder the more his anger climbed. He fisted his hands before slamming them on the windowpane. What was her intent this time?
Putting aside his morning meal, he marched outside toward the stables, ready to verbally shred his wife. He neared, and the joyous peals of laughter from his son filled the quiet morning air, decreasing his anger. Crisp morning wind whipped around his son’s head and teased the baby curls dampened against hismoist forehead. James glanced Malcolm’s way, broke away from the fence, and ran toward him.
“Papa, do you know what? We’re watching the horses get exercised, and in a few minutes Milla will let me ride with her.”
Malcolm knelt in front of James and brushed his hand across his son’s red cheeks. Kat met his gaze over James’s head. She smiled, and tightness gripped his chest.
“Good morning, Malcolm,” she acknowledged him, her voice filled with sweetness.
He wished she wouldn’t say his name in such a soft tone. The sound compared to heavenly harps as they played in his lonely ears, making him long for a relationship that would never happen. More importantly, it made him wish for the wife she would never be.
“Good morning, Kat. What is this I hear about your going for a morning ride with my son?” He stood and stepped toward her.
“Yesterday James mentioned he had not been riding, and I thought—”
“You should not think without consulting with me first.” His voice boomed through the air.
Kat’s smile faded and the light in her green eyes dimmed. The urge to apologize hung strong on Malcolm’s tongue. He shouldn’t have spoken so roughly. But he remained stern in his decision. That woman couldnotbe trusted.
“As you wish. I will do so now.” She lifted her chin. “Will you allow James to go on a short ride with me this morning?”
Before he could answer, his son yanked on Malcolm’s sleeve. “Please, Papa? I really wanna go with Milla.”
Malcolm arched his brow at his wife. “Milla? When did he start addressing you by that name?”
“When I gave him permission to use my nickname.”
“I thought your nickname was Kat.”
“No. You are the only person who has ever called me that name, which I still don’t understand, since it’s not my name.”
