“My father and I sailed to Italy years ago,” he explained. “We happened to be at court when we saw the instrument. My father was so taken with the invention, he commissioned its construction for our home.”

“What became of him?” Gwen asked.

“He died five years past, peacefully in his sleep.”

“I’m sorry,” Gwen said, taking his hand. She repeated the sentiment to his mother and Isabelle.

“We had a good life together, Gwendolyn,” his mother said quickly. “He loved his children more than anything and saw that they had all the world could offer.”

“Tell me more,” Gwen prompted softly.

“When the children were young, he doted on them constantly. Greylen could always be found beneath his desk in the study, the same that’s there today. Even when he was a babe just crawling, Greylen sought his father’s presence. And though Isabelle came much later, he showed her the same affection. She loved to be bounced on his lap and dance for him before supper.”

As Greylen recalled the memories, he took note of his wife’s look of longing. ’Twas the same look which Gavin wore, a look he’d not taken note of before. He did so now, realizing he must get to the bottom of the puzzle.

“As Greylen became older,” his mother continued, “Allister took him everywhere. They sailed the seas together and traveled to council meetings. He wanted his son to be aware of the world around him, human nature as well. And though it pained him to send Greylen abroad to continue his studies, Allister knew the importance of learning and expanding one’s mind.”

“He must have been a great father,” Gwen said wistfully.

“He was,” Greylen said, squeezing her hand. “What of your parents, Gwen?”

“My parents were nothing like yours,” she answered. “You were lucky to grow up in a loving home. It was all I ever wanted. My world is so different, people are so different.”

“Circumstance may change, Gwen, but people and their motivations remain.”

“Do you always have to be right? It’s sooo annoying.”

“Annoying you happens to be my favorite pastime.”

“Really, I could have sworn it was something else.” She let the innuendo hang and turned to Gavin. “Gavin, what of your family?” she asked.

Greylen knew if Gavin could take Gwen outside and beat her, the time would be now. She’d voiced the question no one had the nerve to ask. Greylen was shocked to hear Gavin answering. “I, too, dream of family, Gwen, but only in the years since I’ve held your husband’s guard. I was lucky to know a mother’s love, and, at one time, mayhap a father’s.”

“What became of them?” Gwen prodded.

Greylen knew that he wasn’t alone in holding his breath. His sister and mother had to be as well, for they’d never heard Gavin speak so freely.