“Stephen, please don’t,” she whispered. But he kept her trapped, using his mouth to trail a path of heat across her collarbone.

“Why did you stay behind?” he asked again.

“I told you. I’m in mourning for my brother.”

“I don’t believe you.” He removed the corset until only a thin layer of fabric covered her body. His groin tightened, and he pulled her against him, caressing her with the cloth between them. He spanned her waist with his hands, tantalizingly close to her breasts. “What are you afraid of?”

“I cannot be your wife in front of everyone else.”

“Why?”

“Your father won’t allow it. Did you forget that he tossed us into the streets? What do you think he would have done tonight? Embarrassed both of us in front of everyone, that’s what. I would never humiliate you like that.”

He didn’t want to admit that she was most likely correct. But he would have defended her if anyone had dared insult her. It was a matter of pride. “You should have had more faith in me.”

“There’s nothing you could have done.” She turned to face him. “It’s better for everyone if I just stay out of society.”

“Then you’ve already given up, haven’t you?” There wasn’t any hope of starting over again if she wasn’t going to try. He wouldn’t force her to stay here against her will. “I’ll send you back to your brother’s home with the children. We’ll end the marriage and go our separate ways.”

“There’s nothing for me to go back to. I can’t take them home again. There’s hardly any furniture, and I need money for food. Royce has outgrown his shoes, and he needs a new coat. Victoria will need dresses, soon enough.”

“I’ll give you the funds you need.” When she remained silent, he prompted, “Isn’t that what you want? Your freedom and a means of caring for them?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know.” She hugged her waist, fighting back tears.

“Which is it, Emily?”

She shook her head and crossed the room to the door. With her hand resting on the knob, she said, “I…I think you should go.”

Her indecision made him question what it was she truly meant. He needed to break through her shield of indifference, to find the Emily he’d known before.

He pulled her mouth to his, kissing her with all the pent-up frustration he felt. Her lips were slightly open, and he stole her mouth, tasting the warm sweetness of her.