The journey lasted a day and a half. To his surprise, Nigel’s estate was magnificent, far surpassing his expectations. Stephen’s coach circled around the gravel entrance, and he noted the impeccable gardens and manicured lawns.

Although Emily’s uncle did not possess a title, his wealth rivaled any viscount or baron. Falkirk would have fit into a single wing. It led Stephen to question how Nigel Barrow could have led such a life of luxury while allowing his other family members to suffer in poverty. Unless Barrow had sent money and Hollingford had squandered it, which was possible.

After Stephen disembarked from his carriage, a footman opened the front door and accepted his card. He was led into a drawing room decorated with rose-and-blue wallpaper. Mahogany tables and French gilded chairs adorned the space, while a piano was set against one wall.

Before long, a plump gentleman with snowy white whiskers entered, smiling brightly. He leaned heavily upon a walking stick. “You must be the Earl of Whitmore.”

Stephen inclined his head, and the gentleman gestured for him to sit down. “I am Nigel Barrow. Delighted to meet you, I must say. When I heard that you’d come, I had hoped my niece and the children would be with you.”

“On another visit, perhaps.” Stephen accepted a cup of tea, declining cream or sugar. Nigel seemed to be overly fond of sweet tea, for he added several large pinches of sugar with tongs.

“Well, then, what brings you here? I assume this is about the will.” Before Stephen could reply, Nigel continued. “Terribly sorry to hear about my nephew. He always seemed to be pouring money into unfortunate investments. I regret that I could not be there to help him.”

“He was in India a year ago, I understand. Did you see him?”

Nigel nodded. “Of course, of course. He told me about some of his losses, and I loaned him funds.” Shaking his head, he added, “I should have sent them directly to Emily, it seems.”

Nigel sipped his tea, then added another spoonful of sugar. “I sent Daniel hundreds of pounds over the years, but I fear Emily saw none of the benefit. I was gratified to hear that she married you, by the by. She’s had too much hardship in her life.”

Though the man’s regret appeared genuine, Stephen wasn’t entirely convinced that all was what it seemed to be. “How did you hear about our marriage?”

“Daniel wrote to me about it several months ago. He seemed to think his fortunes would change, now that Emily was settled.” With a light shrug, Nigel set his teacup down.

“About the children,” Stephen began. “Emily was quite upset to hear that her brother named you their guardian. She has been like a mother to them, all this time.”