It occurred to Maria then that it brought her so much joy to interact with this little human being. A small part of her began to wonder what it would be like to have one of her own.
A mix of her and Stephen, running around the estate, causing havoc just like this.
Her heart strained, and she steadied herself immediately.
It would be foolish to hope. All too foolish.
Bootsteps sounded, and Nicholas appeared. He took in the scene and smiled, something unguarded moving across his features when he looked at his wife and child together.
“So this is where the cavalry made its stand.”
“Your son has invented flight,” Violet said. “I recommend you immediately fund an aviary of oats.”
Nicholas stepped close to kiss Violet’s temple before addressing the boy. “Is your mother telling the truth?”
Henry nodded eagerly and showed him his creation. Maria’s heart tightened yet again at the heartfelt moment between the two.
Hope.
Nicholas turned to Maria. “You are well?”
“Yes,” Maria said, a little shy still but warmed by his concern. “You seem… busy.”
“Stay for dinner, if you like,” Nicholas replied. “It is always lovely to see you, of course.”
“Tempting,” Maria said, and meant it.
Henry, having conquered an Ottoman, galloped back and presented the wooden horse to Nicholas. “Again.”
“General,” Nicholas said, scooping him up, “your troops need sustenance.” He glanced at Violet. “Permission to requisition a biscuit?”
“Granted,” Violet said. “One.”
“Two?” Nicholas raised a brow.
“One,” Violet repeated.
Nicholas winked at Maria and carried the boy away in search of negotiated biscuits. Their laughter faded down the corridor, leaving a bell-like echo. Maria’s fingers loosened around her cup without her noticing.
Violet watched her.
“You see it,” she said softly.
“Yes,” Maria breathed. She could not lift her eyes for a moment; the ache was too tender. “It looks… easy.”
“We have gotten here after a lot of trying,” Violet reminded Maria, though she still found it difficult to accept.
“I can only try to imagine that. The… trying again.” She swallowed. “I want it. That isn’t foolish?”
“It is brave,” Violet said. She hesitated. “Stephen is a complicated man. But I have seen the way he watches you when you do not know he is looking.”
“You have?” Maria startled.
“Even Nicholas has noticed,” Violet said dryly.
“He is attentive. And then very far away,” Maria said. “It is confusing to me.”
Violet’s eyes were kind.