“Phillips, we have been traveling a long time. Please have our rooms prepared and ask the kitchen staff to arrange a meal for the children and myself. We should like to be served in the dining room.” Emily completed her request by crossing her arms, deliberately giving him a view of the ruby heirloom wedding ring on her left hand.

At the sight of the ring, Phillips’s demeanor changed instantly. “If you would be so kind as to wait here, I shall inform Lord Whitmore of your arrival.”

Emily set her cloak down and held the bonnet, pacing as she held back her nerves. Minutes passed by, and at last she heard the sound of footsteps. The footman returned, followed by the Marquess of Rothburne. Emily clenched her bonnet so hard, her knuckles turned white.

Tall, with grey-tipped dark hair, the marquess regarded Emily with an irritated air. His hawkish nose looked down upon her.

“What is going on, Phillips?” Lord Rothburne demanded.

“I am here to see my husband.” Emily gripped her wedding ring so hard, the metal bit into her skin.

Lord Rothburne nodded to the footman. “Leave us.”

Her defenses rose up immediately. She could tell the marquess planned to get rid of her. Did Stephen even know she was here? Not likely, given the smug expression of Phillips as he’d left. Panic set in, replaced by desperation. After her family’s scandal, she had no friends in London, no one to turn to. She couldn’t possibly let Lord Rothburne send them away.

“You are not welcome here,” he said without preamble. “Furthermore, you are not going to touch a penny of my son’s fortune.”

“I don’t want his money. I don’t need it.”

The marquess glanced at Emily’s faded dress with unconcealed disdain. At his attempt to intimidate her, she stiffened. She had no choice but to fight for the children. If they went home, Daniel’s enemies would find them.

“I want to see the earl,” she repeated.

Lord Rothburne folded his arms, annoyed at her defiance. “I do not care what you want. My son does not wish to see you again. And if you do not leave of your own accord, I shall have Phillips remove you.”

Emily was strongly tempted to call out to Whitmore, in the vain hope that her husband would somehow appear and rescue them.

With a nod from the marquess, the footman scurried from beside the staircase and opened the front door. Outside, the rain slapped against the cobblestones. Emily had no choice but to beg. She couldn’t leave, not with the children’s future at stake.

“Please. Just let me see him for a moment. I won’t cause any trouble.” Outside, she could hear Victoria crying again, amid the noise of the London streets.