“I have more sense than that. They are cruel to outsiders.” She had no desire to be on display where others would see her faults.
“And who has been cruel to you? The Marquess of Rothburne?”
The mention of her father-in-law made her wince. “How do you know about the marquess?”
Nigel only smiled. “He is rather intimidating, isn’t he? But you needn’t worry about him. You have my full support.”
She pondered his offer. But wearing beautiful gowns or pretending to be a countess would make no difference with Rothburne. The man had already made up his mind about her. “No, I don’t want to face him again.”
Nigel’s face turned compassionate. “Have you thought of what Victoria will think?”
“Victoria?” She gaped at him. “She is still a baby.”
“And when she grows older, do you want her to remember you as the countess who stood up to the marquess and gained a position of respect? Or do you want her to see you as a coward who remained in hiding?”
Emily stiffened. She was tired of people telling her what to do, how to behave. “What right have you to counsel me?”
“I’ve upset you. Forgive me,” Nigel said. “I truly have only your best interests at heart.” He stood and moved toward the door. “I shall leave you alone to do as you see fit. In the meantime, my servants will prepare a room for you. You may stay as long as you desire.”
After he had left, Emily paced across the parlor. His words bothered her more than she wanted to admit.
She crossed the room and watched the children, who had gone to play outside. She was envious of their freedom and their innocence. They would have all the opportunities she had not received. She would stay and guard them herself. And she would try not to think of her husband.
A soft knocking interrupted her thoughts. Emily turned and saw Stephen standing there. He wore riding clothes, impeccably shaped to his body. His dark hair looked as though the wind had mussed it, and she gripped her hands together to keep from straightening a wayward strand.
“I was hoping you would arrive yesterday,” he said by way of greeting, removing his hat.
“Why did you bring the children here?” she demanded. “I told you before, I’m not giving them up.”
“I don’t expect you to. But we can pretend to be upholding the will while I speak to my solicitor in London. I want you to stay here, with Nigel, so you’re protected.”
“How do I know it’s safe?”
“It’s the best I can do. I can’t leave you alone at Falkirk.” He glanced at the door and lowered his voice. “And I know that you or Anna will send word to me, if anything appears wrong.”
“I don’t know what to think of Nigel,” she admitted.
Stephen lifted his shoulders. “He’s bought the children everything they desire and seems eager to play the doting uncle.”
That much, she’d seen for herself. “I still don’t like this. You’re risking too much by going to London alone.”
“I’d rather go alone than risk anything happening to you.” He moved forward, taking her into his arms. Emily lowered her forehead to his shoulder.
“You’re not invincible, Stephen.” There had been two attempts upon his life already, and there was bound to be another. Her worry magnified at the thought.
“I need to end this. I won’t live my life always looking over my shoulder. Someone wants me dead, and I need to know why.” He kissed her lightly. “I believe you’ll be safe here. And if anything happens to make you distrust Nigel, I know you’ll notify me immediately.”
“Don’t get yourself killed,” she warned. If any man laid a finger upon her husband, he would live to regret it.
Chapter Eighteen
“Whyishestillalive?”
The hired assassin lowered his gaze. He chose his words carefully, fearing the consequences of his failure. “It has been more difficult to kill Lord Whitmore than I anticipated.”
“The man gave a ball in full view of everyone in London. He has not hidden from us. You could have taken care of him at any moment.”
“He was in public, not alone. And the woman and children were with him on other occasions. You did not wish for them to be harmed, I believe?” The assassin enjoyed seeing the look of irritation.
