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Julius, one that had changed his life forever.
    “He’s napping after his feeding,” Alex said, and by the way he glanced at his wife and avoided Julius’s gaze indicated she was taking a hand, or rather, a breast, in their son’s nourishment. From the way she smiled at her husband, he was still her world. “You can see him later.” Alex swept Julius with a comprehensive study, head to foot and back again. “Why on earth are you dressed that way, Julius?”
    Julius raised a brow. “Guess.”
    Although Alex and Connie were dressed in a casual way, they easily outdid Julius for stylishness and costliness of dress. Connie’s flowered silk might be a comfortable gown meant to accommodate her body after the birth, but it was exquisite fabric fashionably made. Julius’s brown coat and plain breeches were none of those things.
    Alex’s smile faded. “More Stuart children?”
    “One more. Very close,” he said shortly.
    He glanced around as a footman approached, an expression of determination on his features. “Is this man bothering you, my lord?”
    Alex laughed. “No. Leave us alone, if you please.” He glanced at Julius. “Unless you require anything?”
    Julius shook his head and indicated the pot on the table. “If the tea is drinkable, I’ll take some of that. Nothing else, thank you.”
    “Bring a fresh pot, if you please,” Connie said to the man, who bowed and moved away.
    Alex waved to the garden chairs, and Julius took his place close to the couple. “Did my man Lamaire arrive?” Julius asked then.
    “He did. He was deeply confused, but I have retained him for you.”
    “Did you say retained or detained?” Julius asked, grinning.
    Connie laughed. “We nearly had to do the latter. However, we soothed him. He thought he was in dereliction of his duty to let you go off alone. He’s set about refurbishing everything you sent with him. You won’t find a speck of dirt on anything.”
    “It relieves me immensely to hear it. I do require more clothes.”
    “Why the sudden change of plan, Julius? Why not come here as yourself?”
    Julius sighed. “It occurred to me that if I arrived in full glory, so to speak, I would draw attention to the fact that I am here. The Dankworths watch me, and so, I’m sure, do the Stuarts. I could be drawing them to the child. If the woman I have discovered were unsuspected, I would have left her be, but I wanted to check for myself. I only received the information from Augustus last week.”
    “Why did you not tell me?” Alex demanded. “I could have dealt with the matter.”
    They paused when the footman returned with not only a fresh pot of tea but a plate of delicate pastries for them to enjoy. Connie thanked her and waved the man away, saying she would serve their guest.
    “I would not dream of discommoding you at a time like this,” Julius said. “I meant to visit you anyway, but on my way to the Abbey. When I received Augustus’s letter, I decided to pause at the village and ensure all was well. Matters have turned out differently. There is a man I suspect may be a spy.” He took a grateful sip of tea before he spoke again. “Do you know the village?”
    “I made enquiries, and I’ve attended the village church, so I know a few people by sight, but not much more,” Alex said. “Who are you interested in?”
    “Sir Henry, for a start,” Julius said, watching his cousin. Alex might have an air of lazy lassitude, but he missed nothing.
    “A country squire. Assiduous and locally influential. Has a good income, and is very content with his lot. He’s hanging out for a wife, if only to stop his mother’s perpetual nagging.”
    Julius nodded. “Mr. King.”
    Alex’s gaze sharpened. “A newcomer. Very observant, but speaks only when he needs to. He says he’s travelled extensively, but now he wants to settle down. Also hanging out for a wife. I believe his income to be sufficient.”
    “He says he’s visited Rome.”
    “The devil!” Alex said