She gave her full attention to the eggs, behaving as though she hadn’t heard him. Stephen reached out and took her left hand. Upon her third finger rested the family heirloom ring. A large ruby glinted from the gold band. He rubbed his finger across the stone, her fingers cool within his palm.

“I don’t remember the marriage ceremony at all. I don’t even remember giving you this ring. For all I know, you stole it.”

She glared at him. “Do you want it back?”

“Possibly.” He stared at the ring, trying to piece the memory together. Emily struggled to pull her hand away, but he held it fast.

“Tell me about our wedding.”

“It snowed that day,” she whispered. The look upon her face was of a woman lost.

“Did we have feelings for one another?” he asked quietly.

At that, Emily choked. She covered it with a laugh, but he could see the shadow of hurt behind her eyes. “You adored me. We married on impulse.”

“I mean the real reason, Emily.”

She studied her breakfast again. “I don’t suppose I truly know the answer. I thought you cared for me.” Pain silhouetted her words. “I suppose I was wrong.”

“Did I compromise you?” he asked, running his thumb over the edge of her hand. Her palms were rough, like a servant’s. He couldn’t imagine dishonoring her, but it was a possibility he couldn’t ignore.

Emily’s cheeks turned crimson, and she pulled her hand away. “I’d rather not talk about it, if you don’t mind.”

“Then why did you marry me?” What was this sadness in her eyes? She kept up such strong defenses, he couldn’t see past the anger to understand it.

Emily set her plate aside, ignoring the remainder of the food. “I had my reasons.”

Earlier, she had spoken of feelings between them. Had he ever claimed to love her? Emily was pretty, as she’d always been. Outspoken, with a tongue like a razor. And if she’d married him on such a sudden whim, her impulsive behavior hadn’t changed.

“I must return to London,” he said, changing the subject. He kept detailed ledgers in his study. If there were answers to be had, he would find them there. “As soon as I am healed, you will journey with me.”

“No!” She caught herself and amended, “That is, I’d rather not.”

The alarm in her voice alerted his suspicions. “Why are you so afraid of London?”

“Your father won’t want to see us. And the children need me here.” She fumbled with her hands as though searching for a stronger excuse.

“I will hire a nursemaid. In fact, I have already ordered Farnsworth to procure several for you to interview. I cannot believe the man has not already done so.”

“I hired a wet nurse for the baby. Anna takes care of both Victoria and Royce.”