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monstrous to contemplate. Clearly, he’s devoid of emotion and that’s why he has no interest in a real marriage. Was some pang of remorse responsible for the man finally bringing Myles into his home?
    Her head spun as she realized she might never know the answers to what had transpired so many years previous. Furthermore, the true character of the man she’d married would always be obscure. Thank heavens she and her husband were to live separate lives and she’d never grow to care for him. Any woman unfortunate enough to fall in love with Mr. King was destined for heartbreak.

    From atop his horse, Brandon smiled at the boy and pony trotting alongside. Two weeks had gone by since he’d returned from America with Myles, and the child was settling into a routine. Although he hadn’t originally intended to involve himself in the boy’s life, he’d decided to teach him to ride at least. To Brandon’s surprise, he’d begun to look forward to their morning rides. Many years had passed during which he’d not taken pleasure in much of anything. Perhaps he wasn’t as comfortable with habitual solitude as he once was.
    Myles had a look of concentration atop his mount, and Brandon decided a little praise was in order. “You’re doing well.”
    He was rewarded with a grin. “Mama always said I should learn to ride.”
    “As a gentleman, you’ll learn much more than riding. You’ll have a tutor before long, and then you’ll go off to school for a classical education that includes fencing with swords.”
    “Swords! Do you know how to use a sword?”
    “I was a champion fencer in college. When you’re old enough, I’ll be able to begin your instruction.”
    “I’d like that.” He paused. “I’m learning my letters. Larken reads to me every night.”
    “That’s good. Do you enjoy her company?”
    “Oh, yes! She’s an orphan, like me. Her parents were killed in a train accident where everybody else died except her. She said the newspaper called her the Miracle Orphan.”
    “The Miracle Orphan?” A vague recollection surfaced. “I-I didn’t know that was Larken.”
    “She has nightmares about it, I think. I can hear her cry out in the middle of the night.”
    Brandon frowned. He’d vowed not to think about Larken at all, and knowing as little as possible about her background was helpful in that regard. Unwittingly, Myles had just transformed her from a distant stranger into a human being with sentiments and emotions. He’d done his best to eradicate his own feelings, and didn’t need anyone making him feel anything again. He shook off the sudden burst of empathy and turned his attention back to the lad. Myles’ expression had turned cloudy.
    “Are you tired? We can turn around if you wish,” Brandon asked.
    “No, I’m not tired. It’s just…I said something mean to Larken when I first met her, and I wish I could take it back. Have you ever done anything like that?”
    “Yes, unfortunately. I spoke in anger to someone I cared about very much once, and that person went away forever. Sometimes you can never take it back.” He glanced at Myles. “I’m sure in your case, however, it’s not that serious. What did you say?”
    “I told Larken she wasn’t as pretty as Mama, but I was just angry. I think she looks like a fairy-tale princess.”
    “Does she? I hadn’t noticed.”
    “May I buy her some splendid new dresses? All her gowns are quite worn and don’t suit her at all.”
    “You’re very kind-hearted, Myles, but there’s no need. I’ll make sure she has a few new things.”
    After their ride, Brandon sent Myles up to his playroom while he went for a walk in the garden. He happened upon one of the maids singing as she filled a trug basket on the ground with roses. Her clear, lovely soprano rang out like a crystal bell, and he paused to listen. Moments later, however, she noticed his presence and broke off as if she’d been caught doing something naughty. Her gold braid fell forward