Gwen smiled as she began her run. It was a perfect morning. The air was cool and crisp, and the sun was just high enough now that it warmed her face. She started thinking of what she and Isabelle might have for dinner, trying to recall what she’d seen in the pantry and cellar. She’d spent the last two days in the kitchen with Cook going over lists of appropriate foods and recipes for Tristan. It was the first time that Cook gave her “the look.” The one that claimed her daft. Feeling like a typical first-time mother, Gwen respectfully withdrew.

She had finally come up with the perfect menu when she realized she passed the lake—way passed the lake. She couldn’t bring herself to turn around, and for the next hour hoped that no one realized she didn’t have a shadow. As long as Tristan didn’t get fussy, and Kevin stayed clear of Alex, they’d never know. And if they did—God help her—she was in deep trouble. And not just from Greylen. They would all kill her.

She stayed close to the forest, seeking the stream, which was a few yards within, every so often. When she finished, she headed for water one last time. She felt beyond good. There was nothing better than a runner’s high. Her cheeks were hot, her legs felt like rubber, and she had to put her hands on her head to catch her breath. She was still kneeling over the stream when riders approached.

She continued to drink, all the while breathlessly explaining that she’d come clean to Greylen.

Then she heard a laugh that chilled her to the very bone.

Alex was atop the steps when Lady Madelyn came outside with Tristan on her hip. The poor lad was in a deep fit, and Alex reached out instantly to pat his back. “Good afternoon, Lady Madelyn,” he called out, trying to be heard over Tristan’s screams. He winced at the boy’s cry before he could continue. “What seems to be the problem with our boy?” he asked in concern.

“Alex, has Lady Gwendolyn returned?”

“Returned?” His hand stilled on the babe’s back. “She’s not come back with Kevin?”

“Nay, Kevin’s in—”

Alex was gone.

“Sir,” Alex bellowed as he came into the study.

“Aye, Alex,” Kevin said, looking up. “What troubles you?”

“I had the morning guard outside the doors. I was replaced for an hour to oversee the training with Hugh and returned just now.”

“Your point?” Kevin asked.

“Lady Gwendolyn left early this morn. She was given my instruction to inform you of her desire to run the distance before leaving the area of the lake.”

“I never spoke to her,” Kevin yelled, coming out of his chair. “Are you sure she’s not returned?”

“Tristan should’ve been fed an hour ago, Kevin,” Lady Madelyn explained, having come in behind Alex.