Nigel smiled. “I can tell what you are thinking, but in all honesty, my dear, I never had any interest in your brother’s title. As you can see, money has never been a problem for me. I make my living buying and selling property.” He leaned forward. “But I am concerned for Royce. And for the family, now that I can see what has happened to you.”

A sad smile creased his face. “I presume that Daniel never told you where he’d hidden the money for Royce’s inheritance.”

Emily shook her head. “I knew nothing of it.”

He drained the cup and offered a slight smile. “Well, I am certain the funds will turn up. In the meantime, I’ve been wanting to congratulate you on your recent marriage.”

Emily would not let him distract her from the subject of the children. “Why did you want guardianship of the children?” she asked. “You have nothing to gain by it.”

His eyes softened, the lines growing deeper as he smiled. “I feel as though your brother has given me the chance to be a father. I want to experience that joy. Is there no greater gain than to watch a child grow up?”

His countenance transformed into a wistful smile. “I can understand your reluctance to let them go. Royce is such a mischievous young imp and Victoria a pure delight.”

If Nigel were lying, it did not seem so. His interest in the children appeared sincere, and there could be no doubt that he had offered them the greatest of comforts.

“If you wish to stay with us while your husband travels to London, it may ease your mind,” Nigel suggested. “Whitmore mentioned that he has business to attend there.”

Emily thought of the bitter argument between herself and Stephen. Perhaps it would not be so bad if she stayed with the children. At least then, she would know they were safe from harm.

“I have only a few of my belongings with me,” she admitted. “I came with all haste.”

“Would you allow me to gift you with some new clothes?” Nigel asked.

“No, really, I—”

“Allow me to put it this way,” Nigel said. “You were meant to grow up with lovely dresses and the best foods to eat. It was not your fault that your brother made other choices. This would be my way of making up for that.”

“I still—”

“No, I shall see the matter done. No arguments.” He rang a bell and when the servant appeared, Nigel made all the necessary arrangements. It was rather like being battered by a jovial thunderstorm.

He leaned forward and smiled at her. There was no trace of guile, no falsehood in his eagerness. “Now, I would love to hear the story of your marriage. Tell me everything.”