A sad smile creased his face. “I presume that Daniel never told you where he’d hidden the money for Royce’s inheritance.”
Emily shook her head. “I knew nothing of it.”
He drained the cup and offered a slight smile. “Well, I am certain the funds will turn up. In the meantime, I’ve been wanting to congratulate you on your recent marriage.”
Emily would not let him distract her from the subject of the children. “Why did you want guardianship of the children?” she asked. “You have nothing to gain by it.”
His eyes softened, the lines growing deeper as he smiled. “I feel as though your brother has given me the chance to be a father. I want to experience that joy. Is there no greater gain than to watch a child grow up?”
His countenance transformed into a wistful smile. “I can understand your reluctance to let them go. Royce is such a mischievous young imp and Victoria a pure delight.”
If Nigel were lying, it did not seem so. His interest in the children appeared sincere, and there could be no doubt that he had offered them the greatest of comforts.
“If you wish to stay with us while your husband travels to London, it may ease your mind,” Nigel suggested. “Whitmore mentioned that he has business to attend there.”
Emily thought of the bitter argument between herself and Stephen. Perhaps it would not be so bad if she stayed with the children. At least then, she would know they were safe from harm.
“I have only a few of my belongings with me,” she admitted. “I came with all haste.”
“Would you allow me to gift you with some new clothes?” Nigel asked.
“No, really, I—”
“Allow me to put it this way,” Nigel said. “You were meant to grow up with lovely dresses and the best foods to eat. It was not your fault that your brother made other choices. This would be my way of making up for that.”
“I still—”
“No, I shall see the matter done. No arguments.” He rang a bell and when the servant appeared, Nigel made all the necessary arrangements. It was rather like being battered by a jovial thunderstorm.
He leaned forward and smiled at her. There was no trace of guile, no falsehood in his eagerness. “Now, I would love to hear the story of your marriage. Tell me everything.”
Nigel poured her another cup of tea, and Emily held it in her palms. She couldn’t believe she was drinking tea with the man who wanted to take the children from her. But she explained the story of their elopement, and Nigel beamed to hear it.
“Excellent. I am delighted to hear that you’ve made such a splendid match with a powerful man,” Nigel said. “And the earl is very organized and business-minded, from what I’ve heard.”
Emily thought of Stephen’s immaculate library, his neat handwriting documenting every estate expense in a numbered log, in ordered columns. Then, too, he had been detail-oriented when he’d made love to her, kissing every inch of her body. She ordered herself not to think of it.
“I am certain you’ll want to go and speak with him,” Nigel remarked. “It warms my heart to see your tender feelings.”
Missing him was not exactly what she felt at the moment. Confusion mingled with anger, perhaps. “We are married, nothing more.”
“But you must enjoy your new position as a countess. Surely it is far better than you dreamed.”
She expelled a harsh laugh. “I am no countess at all.”
“Do you feel unworthy of the status?” Nigel suggested.
“What do you mean?”
He shrugged. “It is not surprising. You never received the upbringing of a lady. Why would you feel comfortable married to an earl? The responsibilities of a countess are many.”
“Are you trying to insult me?”
He shook his head, his features suddenly piercing. “I was offering to help you. I think our visit could be put to good use. With new gowns and the appropriate training, I believe you would do quite well.”
Emily thought of the last ball and shuddered. “No, thank you.”
“Still afraid, are you? I thought you had more courage than that.”
