Nigel poured her another cup of tea, and Emily held it in her palms. She couldn’t believe she was drinking tea with the man who wanted to take the children from her. But she explained the story of their elopement, and Nigel beamed to hear it.

“Excellent. I am delighted to hear that you’ve made such a splendid match with a powerful man,” Nigel said. “And the earl is very organized and business-minded, from what I’ve heard.”

Emily thought of Stephen’s immaculate library, his neat handwriting documenting every estate expense in a numbered log, in ordered columns. Then, too, he had been detail-oriented when he’d made love to her, kissing every inch of her body. She ordered herself not to think of it.

“I am certain you’ll want to go and speak with him,” Nigel remarked. “It warms my heart to see your tender feelings.”

Missing him was not exactly what she felt at the moment. Confusion mingled with anger, perhaps. “We are married, nothing more.”

“But you must enjoy your new position as a countess. Surely it is far better than you dreamed.”

She expelled a harsh laugh. “I am no countess at all.”

“Do you feel unworthy of the status?” Nigel suggested.

“What do you mean?”

He shrugged. “It is not surprising. You never received the upbringing of a lady. Why would you feel comfortable married to an earl? The responsibilities of a countess are many.”

“Are you trying to insult me?”

He shook his head, his features suddenly piercing. “I was offering to help you. I think our visit could be put to good use. With new gowns and the appropriate training, I believe you would do quite well.”

Emily thought of the last ball and shuddered. “No, thank you.”

“Still afraid, are you? I thought you had more courage than that.”

“I have more sense than that. They are cruel to outsiders.” She had no desire to be on display where others would see her faults.

“And who has been cruel to you? The Marquess of Rothburne?”

The mention of her father-in-law made her wince. “How do you know about the marquess?”

Nigel only smiled. “He is rather intimidating, isn’t he? But you needn’t worry about him. You have my full support.”

She pondered his offer. But wearing beautiful gowns or pretending to be a countess would make no difference with Rothburne. The man had already made up his mind about her. “No, I don’t want to face him again.”

Nigel’s face turned compassionate. “Have you thought of what Victoria will think?”

“Victoria?” She gaped at him. “She is still a baby.”

“And when she grows older, do you want her to remember you as the countess who stood up to the marquess and gained a position of respect? Or do you want her to see you as a coward who remained in hiding?”