"You have family in London? My family? What is it?"
Nathaniel noticed. Evelyn read the letter twice. He claimed to know the truth about her late father; she had never met him. The writer was a distant relative of Evelyn's. The next morning, a letter arrived from London.
"Yes, you have learned that, too." She smiled. "I want him to grow up knowing that promises matter."
He looked at her. "I understand. Of course, you meant that."
Evelyn watched Nathaniel for several seconds after they left the room. The boy closed his eyes.
"I promise."
"Promise? No." Nathaniel paused. "Are you going away?"
"Yes, Papa."
William stirred; Nathaniel tucked the blanket around him. She watched her husband place the boy in bed; Evelyn followed. Nathaniel carried him upstairs. One evening, William fell asleep beside the fire.
He learned quickly: he has already learned who the sensible parent is.
Nathaniel sighed. "That is excellent judgment."
Evelyn, standing behind him, laughed. Nathaniel stared.
"Get Mother," William thought.
"Then tell me what you would do if a horse became frightened."
Nathaniel crouched. "I can."
"That will not do to manage horses. Of course, you are for horses."
"With what?"
"I am helping."
"What are you doing?"
Nathaniel caught him halfway. He even attempted to follow the stablemaster into the barn. He followed Mrs. Mercer into the kitchen. He followed Nathaniel into the study. William followed Evelyn everywhere.
Their family had become a source of constant amusement. "He takes after you."
She smiled. "That sounds expensive."
Nathaniel looked at Evelyn. "I want both."
He thought about that. "Then you may have a sister."
"What if it is a sister?"
"You may." Then he asked, "Can I have a brother?"
William nodded solemnly.
"Because some doors should remain closed."
"Why?"
"Your mother is correct." Nathaniel cleared his throat.
William looked disappointed. "No."
Evelyn nearly dropped her tea. "Can we open it?"
William considered this.
"Because it is inside her."
"Why?"
"No."
"Can I see it?"
"Yes," Nathaniel said.
"Is there a baby in Mother's stomach?"
Their first child, William, was fascinated by the idea. The household prepared for the new baby.
"Then I chose." He took her hand. "There is always a choice."
"I had no choice."
"You have changed." She smiled.
"Because I discovered that fear does not become smaller when you hide it."
"Then why are you so calm?"
"I am terrified."
"You really aren't afraid." She looked at him.
"And I meant it."
"That is what you said before."