“We apologize for that,” Robert said, before Constance could raise a battle standard about the peace of a mother who had searched for years to find her daughter. “We want only what is best for the child.”

“Pleased to hear it.” Shaw settled his bulk into a reading chair near the hearth. That left a small, lumpy sofa opposite his chair, into which Robert assisted Constance. He took the place beside her, honestly grateful to get off his feet.

The night had been long, the day thus far fraught, and worry for Constance gave Robert’s fatigue an edge of tension.

“You mustn’t think that I don’t love the girl,” Shaw said, putting his prayer book on the low table beside his chair. “She is not to blame for the circumstances of her birth, and poor Etta was overjoyed when she and James took Ivy in. The girl has had a loving, Christian upbringing, and my sisters dote on her.”

“I would like to dote on her too,” Constance said, sitting forward. “Not spoil her, of course, but provide her some of the benefits I wish I could have provided in years past.”

“Wealth,” Shaw snapped. “Trappings of vanity, and sops to your conscience. You conceived her, my lady, but you didn’t want the shame of raising her. You turned your back on her, and for that I do indeed judge you.”

“I was fifteen,” Constance began, in low, hard tones. “Not even out of the—”

“Well past the age of reason,” Shaw retorted. “Old enough to grasp the consequences of your actions.”

Well, damn. Robert cast around for a means of sending the combatants to neutral corners before Shaw ordered his guests off the property.

“Old enough to know right from wrong,” Robert said, “but not old or wise enough to know a lying scoundrel when he made empty promises, and certainly not old enough to care adequately for a child, not without the support of family. Lady Constance’s older brother, as head of her household, made the best provision for Ivy he could at the time, and placed the child with the Wilsons. He meant well, but I understand why his decision troubles you, Reverend.”

“Troubles me? Sir, you refer to the fate of a child as if it’s some…some mere trifle. Lady Constance’s family has always had the means to provide for Ivy. The lady’s elder brother acquired one of the highest titles in the land five years ago, and yet, her ladyship shows up only now, when Ivy must turn her sights to faraway lands and new opportunities. I will not have it.”

Constance’s hands were fisted in her lap. “I started searching for Ivy as soon as I had the pin money to undertake that effort.”