“I am relying on you to remain with the children and alert me if there is anything suspicious about Mr. Nigel Barrow,” Stephen said to the nursemaid, while the coach continued the journey toward Nigel’s estate. Though nothing had struck him as unusual or wrong, he wanted to be certain that all was well. Servants were notorious for gossiping, and likely, if anything was amiss, Anna would hear about it.

He handed her a sovereign. “I will stay here until Lady Whitmore arrives. Send word to me if anything goes wrong.” Only then could he assess the true character of Emily’s uncle.

The nursemaid cradled the baby in her arms, her eyes wide. “Of course, my lord.”

“After that, I will be in London. I trust that you can get word to me if I am needed.”

She nodded but looked worried.

“I will see to it that you are rewarded for your service,” he reassured her. “An extra year’s wages will be added to your pay.”

Anna’s mouth opened in surprise. “I promise I will take good care of them, my lord. But—” she patted Victoria on the back, her worry deepening “—are you certain Lady Whitmore will come?”

“She will be arriving shortly,” he told the her. He had no doubt that Emily was already on her way to Nigel’s residence. And though she would hate him for this, he had to keep them safe. Nigel, if he was truly the man he seemed, could provide a haven.

The problem was convincing his wife to stay. Never had he met a woman like Emily, so determined and stubborn. He couldn’t drive her from his mind. The way she threatened him, and the way she welcomed him into her arms…Like a seductress, she captivated him. Leaving her soft warmth was harder than he’d thought it would be.

He glanced down at the pair of cracked leather shoes he’d borrowed from a footman. Such foolishness.

By the next afternoon, they arrived at Nigel Barrow’s estate. Robust and jolly, with a set of snowy whiskers, the man greeted them with enthusiasm.

“So glad you’ve come, Whitmore. And the children. Ah, you must be Royce.” Nigel bent down and smiled. “The new Baron Hollingford. You’re the image of your father, I must say.”

Royce drew back, but Stephen put his hand on the boy’s shoulder for reassurance. “It’s all right,” he said beneath his breath.

“I don’t believe you were really in India.” Royce kicked at the carpet, his face sullen.

“That I was, my boy. I even rode an elephant while I was there.”

Royce reached out for Stephen’s hand, not at all convinced.

Nigel sent Stephen a wink. “And this must be young Victoria. Why, you are a pretty little thing.”