She looked to him now for every decision. “Nay, Gwen, leave him with me.”

Gwen walked to the settee and grabbed the plaid that was thrown over the side. She placed it beneath Greylen’s desk and laid Tristan atop it. ’Twas one of their son’s favorite places, and Greylen kept a basket of small toys that he could hold or chew on beside the desk. She placed a few around their son and then walked quietly from the room.

Greylen swept his arm across the desk, and each of the new items crashed to the floor. Tristan laughed, loving the loud noises that his father always made, but Gwen came back into the room, staring. “Greylen?”

“’Tis only a bug, sweet,” Greylen said, shaking his head. “Everything will be put to rights, love. I promise you—I will put everything to rights.”

When he was sure she was gone again, Greylen picked up his son. He looked to Gavin and his mother for help.

Lady Madelyn was quick with an explanation. “She’s lost her spirit, son,” she stated plainly.

Greylen’s eyes fixed on her instantly. How had he not thought of it sooner? ’Twas indeed her spirit, the very same he had vowed to safeguard. And now remembering his wife’s words of what had always made her feel alive again, he looked to Gavin. “The race is back on, Gavin. Raise the flags immediately. One week from today, we run.”

“You think she’ll go?” Gavin asked. “She’s not had a desire since she returned, Greylen. ’Twas her run that left her vulnerable.”

“I’ll begin to needle her this eve. Let us pray she takes the bait.”

’Twas going better than he imagined. He sat with Gwen atop the steps that night, watching as the flags were put into place again. For the first time, she addressed him without being spoken to first.

“I thought you called off the race.”

“Aye,” he replied. “I did. But Alex has healed enough, and as you seem to no longer have the strength or endurance, I find no reason for the delay. The men were disappointed to have it put off. And to be honest, I’d rather you watch and cheer my win as I cross the line. Just as my wife should.” He squeezed her knee with his explanation, and though she seemed to easily agree, he didn’t miss the flicker in her eye. ’Twas but a second, but ’twas there as he boasted his win and insulted her lack of skill.

He spied her that very same night looking at the clothes Anna had yet to remove per his orders. She took a halter and pair of trews from the pile and hid them among her dresses. He turned so she wouldn’t see his smile.