“I am afraid Anant is not here at the moment,” Mr. Barmouth apologized. With a quick glance toward the back room of the shop, he shrugged. “I shall give him your message, however. Is there a place where he can find you?”

“I will be at Baron Hollingford’s estate in the next hour,” Stephen offered. “Or if he cannot meet me there, he may come to Falkirk.”

Emily’s expression sharpened when he mentioned Daniel’s house, but she thankfully said nothing. He hadn’t told her of his intent to search the property.

Mr. Barmouth promised to send the message on their behalf, and they departed. Once they were back outside, Emily accepted his assistance onto her horse. “Why do you want to visit Daniel’s estate? There is hardly anything left.”

“If your brother had any records relating to The Lady Valiant, they would be at his house.”

“Unless someone found them first.”

“Which is what I intend to find out.” He handed her the reins.

Emily took them and sighed. “You’re right. We’ll go and see what we can find.”

“It could be dangerous,” he pointed out. “I think it’s better if I escort you back to Falkirk first.”

“You’re not leaving me behind, Whitmore. If there is someone dangerous there, one of us can ride for help.” She spurred her horse into a gallop, wincing at the jostling horse.

With no other choice, Stephen followed her. They passed the village and rode into the open countryside. Amidst the profusion of wildflowers, a modest manor house stood atop a hillside. Abandoned and broken, Stephen doubted if there was much left to it.

They rode uphill until they reached the gates. He didn’t like the look of the place. Once, Hollingford had possessed an estate known for breeding the finest horses. Now, all that remained was a crumbling manor. Emily dismounted without waiting for Stephen and led the animal to the stables.

Within the empty stalls, the malodorous scent provoked a sudden memory. Visions poured through his mind, filling in the rifts of the past. He remembered traveling by coach to Scotland and Emily’s face radiant with happiness.

He’d brought her back to Falkirk three days after the wedding. She had worn a simple blue dress, and it had snowed that morning. A thin layer of ice had caused him to stumble upon the threshold.

Vivid memories crashed into him, and bitterness filled his throat when he recalled her smile. “You were in love with me, weren’t you?”

Emily tethered her horse to one of the stalls and stopped to stare at him. “What do you mean?”

“You married me because you loved me. You said it on the day we wed.”

Her face flushed, and she looked away. “I don’t know what I said.”