The affectionate gesture caught him unawares. He had tried to hug his own father once, after William had died. The marquess had boxed his ears, claiming that he wanted to be left alone.

It angered him that his father could not grant him a kind word or an embrace. Awkwardly, Stephen patted the boy’s shoulder.

“You’re a good lad,” he said softly. “And a brave one.” He hated having to impart the news that the boy would be leaving, even temporarily. A direct approach was the best way.

“Royce, have you ever met your Great-Uncle Nigel?”

Royce shook his head. “He lives in India.”

“He used to live in India but not anymore,” he corrected. “You’ll be going to visit him tomorrow.”

“I don’t want to.” Royce made a neighing sound and placed one of the tin soldiers atop the horse.

Stephen stopped himself from saying, You have no choice. Instead, he said, “I wonder what sorts of adventures Nigel has had. Living in India, he must have seen many exciting things. He might even have one of those curved swords I’ve heard of.”

“Do you think he’s ever slit a man’s belly, like Anant?”

Stephen held back a smile. “You could ask him and find out. It would only be a short visit. A few weeks, perhaps. Would that be all right?”

Royce pondered the idea. “I want to stay here with you and Aunt Emily.”

“All of us can go together,” Stephen suggested. “Victoria wishes to go and hear his stories. She’s told me how eager she is.”

At that Royce shot him a suspicious look. “Babies can’t talk.”

“Oh, but she can. You simply have to learn their language.”

Royce wrinkled his nose. “I don’t believe you.” Then he suddenly waved at the door. Stephen turned and saw Emily holding Victoria in her arms. “Look at what Uncle Stephen brought me!” he cried. “He found Horse!”

His wife’s face softened, but Stephen detected the air of uncertainty and worry. “I’m so glad.”

“And I might go and visit Great-Uncle Nigel. He’s been to India, you know.”

At Royce’s revelation, Emily’s posture stiffened. She sent Stephen a pained look before turning her back.

“I will see you at supper this evening,” he told Royce.

“Thank you for Horse, Uncle Stephen,” Royce said again. His boyish face revealed pure happiness, and Stephen was glad he’d thought to bring the toy.

“You are most welcome.”

But although Royce was considering the possibility of visiting Nigel, Stephen sensed that his wife would be much harder to convince.

Emily barely spoke to him the rest of the day or during supper. all through dinner and when they were in their bedchamber.

“We’ve been invited to bring the children to meet your uncle,” he said. “I called on him, and I think he would provide the children with a fine home and a good education.”