Nigel smiled warmly. “I am sure she has given them the best of care. But you see, at the time Daniel made out his will, she was unmarried with no prospects. We thought it best that I oversee Royce’s inheritance, should anything happen to Daniel. And, unfortunately, his life was cut far too short.” He shook his head sadly.

“Why did it take you so long to return to England?” Stephen asked. “And, for that matter, Emily says you never once visited her or the children.”

Nigel rested his wrists upon his knees. “There has been unrest because of the Sikh war, I’m afraid. My own estates in India were threatened, and I’ve been preoccupied with them.” He brightened. “But now that everything has been put to rights, I can atone for my mistakes.

“I’ll confess,” he continued, “I have the selfish desire to spoil Daniel’s children, since my wife and I were never blessed with our own.”

Rising to his feet, he leaned heavily on the cane. “Come, now. I should like you to see their rooms. I fear, I went a bit mad with shopping. I couldn’t decide what toys they would like, so I bought them all.”

As he led Stephen upstairs, the man had to stop at the landing to catch his breath. His wrinkled face gave an apologetic smile. “Forgive me, Whitmore. The effects of being old, I’m afraid.” He leaned upon his cane and the banister, pausing a moment. His eyes glistened with intensity. “I’ll always regret that I couldn’t help my nephew Daniel. I blame myself for it.”

With a heavy sigh, he added, “But I look forward to seeing his children. And, as you can see, I have the funds to ensure their comforts.” He continued up the stairs, leading Stephen to a nursery that was brimming with toys and dolls of every kind. It contained everything a child could want.

And yet, Stephen hesitated about bringing them here. Perhaps it was because he’d grown to care about Royce and Victoria. He, too, was reluctant to see them go.

But he also knew they had to obey the law. There was no alternative.

“Will you bring Royce and Victoria here?” Nigel asked. “I fear traveling does not agree with me. And have Emily come along, as well. I should welcome the chance to see her again.”

“She has her doubts about you,” Stephen admitted. As did he, though he couldn’t see anything wrong with the older man.

“Then allow me to set her mind at ease. All of you may stay for as long as you wish.”

He supposed he would have to accept the invitation. And he had no doubt that if anything were wrong, Emily would discover it.

“I will let them know.”

Upon his return to Falkirk, Stephen decided to speak to Royce first. Of the two children, the boy would be the angriest at having to leave.