Michael had worked right along beside him as Mary fetched materials for them. The children were enjoying his visit immensely...which was more than he could say about Meghan. She tolerated his presence but kept her distance. He needed to work on that. Connor had already made up his mind that he would wed her but he wanted a willing bride...not a king's edict. King William, the Lion, knew that Connor was on a bride search but had found none to his liking after more than a year. Most were too young for his taste. The older ladies of the nobility were too false. He wished for a woman of good character who would not fear him...but stand as equal by his side. He cared nothing about her ancestry. It made no difference in who he chose. He was powerful enough to pick whomever he wished. This lass pleased him. He would speak with her after the bairns retired for the eve. She needed to assess his character, as well, if he was to get in her good graces. Meg felt her heart softening toward this stranger as she observed his interactions with her children that eve.
