Like a door opening, the memories returned. “I noticed that several shipments appeared to have less cargo than they should. And when The Lady Valiant’s cargo was sold, all of the funds disappeared. I thought your brother was responsible, at first.”

Stephen folded up the paper. “He swore he had nothing to do with the loss. Then he confided in me what had happened to him in India, when he was branded with the tattoo. He suspected the real thief was trying to frighten him. Or set him up to take the blame.” Stephen reached out and took her hands. “He was more afraid for you and the children than he was for himself. He begged me to go after you, to ensure your safety. I promised him I would, and that’s when I gave him the records for safekeeping.”

He kissed her fingers. “I didn’t intend to marry you, at first. And perhaps it was wrong of me to lead you on. But I wanted to rescue you, as well as escape my parents' scheming.”

Emily gripped his hand, sadness creasing her face. “Do you remember what happened to my brother on the night he died? Why did you leave him behind?”

“I tried to save him, but I arrived too late. And there were more of them that night. If I had stayed, they would have killed me, too.”

“Did Nigel kill Daniel?”

Stephen relived the events but did not recall Nigel among the attackers. Most of the men had worn hoods to obscure their faces and were not Nigel’s size. “No. These were hired men, but that was the night I got this scar.” He touched the healed wound upon his rib. “I have no doubt the stolen money went into Nigel’s pockets.”

“Where were you those three months?” Emily asked. “Do you remember?”

He thought back and answered, “I stumbled aboard a steamship. The crew tended me after that, I suppose.” He thought back and remembered the ship had been bound for India. He’d endured weeks of endless rocking with the waves and the taint of a sickly-sweet aroma. Opium, he now realized.

“When we arrived in India, the Chinese officials were waiting. They recognized the ship and confiscated it. They tattooed me, sending me back to England on another vessel that docked at Portsmouth. I was beaten upon arrival, as further punishment. Afterwards, I managed to drag myself to a hired coach. Falkirk was the closest estate.”

She looked stricken. “I’m so sorry about the way I treated you. I was angry and hurt that you'd abandoned me.” She stared outside at the night sky. “And worst of all, you didn’t remember me.”

He could say nothing to take away her pain and fear. But he would atone for them, somehow. “I remember now.”