The young fellow turned in their direction. He ran and popped up into Ruth’s awaiting arms. “Mama, Mama. We saw a frog.”
“Yes,” Mrs. Bexeley said. Her tone was low. She did not share the fellow’s enthusiasm. “A big one by the birdbath.”
This was Christopher. Gold skin. Black, curly hair, dark eyes like Ruth. Could be his.
She swaddled him for a moment and set the lad down with a kiss to his forehead. “Chris, I want you to meet—”
The boy promptly wiped his forehead then hopped and bopped and started running.
“Don’t play in the pond.” She called after him. Chris was long gone.
“He’s quite energetic, Ruth.”
“Yes, he is. If you spend time with him, you will learn that.”
“Is that permission to spend time with Adam’s son?”
“Yes. You are his cousin.”
“As Adam’s son, he’s my heir.”
Her eyes darted. “Does that mean you’re laying claim to Chris?”
How did he get showing an interest in the boy wrong? Wycliff shoved a date into his mouth. “I want to know your son. I meant no offense.”
“Sorry, Lord Wycliff. My sister has me on edge about my son’s custody. She thinks you’re a crazed lord who can appoint yourself a guardian or something.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” He put his hand on hers. “But I’ll do nothing to hurt you. You have to know that.”
She rolled her palm and clasped his hand. “Good, because Christopher is all mine. Adam didn’t live to see him birthed, to wipe his bottom, or mop his fevered brow. He’s mine.”
“Well, there’s a way to fix all of this. I can get to know my heir. You can be secure learning to love me. Marry me, Ruth. Come to Blaren House and make it in your image, make it a secure and wonderful place for you and Christopher.”
Ruth choked a little and put down the date she’d bitten. Sugar granules powdered her lips. She looked like a dessert.
Delicious.
“Those are some bold intentions. I suppose you only go slowly or fast. Nothing in between.”
“There’s more I could say, but I’ll save that for when you’ve had a chance to think about my offer. You should know how I wish to be good to you.”
“No.”
He put his hand to his throat, making sure his jaw was in place. “Such a quick dismissal, ma’am?”
Ruth looked down. “You haven’t spent time with my son. I know the barrister will tolerate him. I don’t know what you will do.”
“I’ll be a father to him, a good one. Say you’ll marry me and let me take care of everything.”
“You say you want to marry me. Why? Today is the first time you’ve mentioned my son in your plans. I don’t know what to think.”
“I was trying to win you first, before I ingratiate myself upon the son. What heartache will the boy have if he were to become used to me and then you decided you don’t want me?”
“He’s your heir, regardless of what I do. He’s Adam’s son, isn’t he?”
Why does it seem as if she’s asking me who the boy’s father is?
He took her hand. “Are you ready to dismiss this barrister in favor of me?”
