“Not yet. He says he’ll send a copy to us.” She gripped his hands in hers. “My uncle also invited us to visit and bring the children.”

“You’re troubled about it. Why?”

“It seems too sudden. Why now? Why wouldn’t Nigel have contacted me after Daniel’s death?” She simply couldn’t imagine any reason why Daniel would give his own children into the care of their uncle instead of her.

“It takes time for a letter to reach India, Emily.” Her husband pulled her into an embrace as a means of soothing her. He nipped at her lips, and Emily found it difficult to think clearly while he was touching her. Then, he lowered his mouth to her neck, sending fierce shivers through her skin.

“Don’t, please.” She needed him to understand how serious this was. “This is important to me.”

“Why are you afraid? Is there something the matter with your uncle?”

“No, there’s nothing wrong with Nigel. But I can’t understand why he would want custody of small children, at his age. Something feels wrong about this.”

“Royce and Victoria are under my protection. You needn’t fear.” Stephen took her hand, his thumb caressing her knuckles. “I’ll look into the matter. I’ll go and talk to your uncle myself, if you wish.”

She forced herself to calm down. He’d given her his promise. It would have to be enough for now. “Thank you.”

Stephen sat down and poured himself a cup of tea. “Earlier today, Royce told me about your former butler Anant.”

“Anant Paltu. He worked for us a few years ago.”

“If Mr. Paltu still lives in the village, I want to pay him a call tomorrow morning,” Stephen said.

“Why?”

“He may know something about the tattoo on my neck.” He loosened his collar, revealing it to her. “Royce claimed that Mr. Paltu accompanied your brother on his trip to India.”

She knew Daniel had got the marking in India but had never questioned why or what it meant.

“It’s not a coincidence that both of us have the tattoos,” Stephen said. “It makes me wonder about the connection.”

“What do you think the mark means?”

“I don’t know. But I intend to find out.” He stifled a yawn, and then took her hand, pulling her forward. “Come to bed.”

Her face turned scarlet. How could he think of such a thing now? She kept her feet anchored in place, refusing to move. “We discussed this. It’s far too soon for me.”

A smug look overcame his face. “That wasn’t what I had in mind, dear wife.”

“Then what did you have in mind?”