“Valid point. Nonetheless, Lynley Vale marches with Rothhaven Hall, and thus I am not disinterested in Rothhaven’s estate. I could divert his water for my benefit, allow my flocks onto his fields, and so forth. I want your money protected, in part because it might be the only money you and His Grace can claim.”

“I see your point.” Quinn had a gift for strategy, and he was right: Rothhaven would understand this measure and agree to it. “What else?”

Quinn rose. “You must tell him about the situation that sent you fleeing to the moors, Constance. He deserves to know the whole tale, and before he takes the public step of courting you.”

Constance remained in her seat because she did not trust her legs to hold her up. “Of all people, I thought you would understand why discretion is in order. It was nearly half my life ago, Quinn. In all the years since, we’ve heard nothing. No breath of scandal, no hint of repercussions.”

Quinn prowled over to the bassinette again and peered down at his youngest daughter, his expression unreadable.

“Jane and I did not have an auspicious beginning as husband and wife. I was condemned to die, she hadn’t a groat to her name, and her father was more of a worry than a comfort. We were not at our best, but we agreed to be honest with each other. We agreed to show each other that much trust and respect. I did not keep my side of the bargain very well at first. My motives were above reproach, but I disappointed the woman who’d trusted me with the rest of her life.”

He left the infant dreaming her baby-dreams and headed for the door. “If you value Rothhaven’s esteem, if you truly mean to have a marriage with him and not simply a union of convenience and appearances, then you must put your situation before him in all its details. Whatever else is true about Rothhaven, he’s honest. You say he’s no coward, and I believe you, but neither are you a coward, Constance. Far from it.”

He waited, hand on the door latch, as if Constance was supposed to say something to such an odd, touching, backhanded compliment.

“It’s old news, Quinn. Years old.”

“If it’s of so little import, then telling your prospective husband should make no difference. The hardest lesson I had to learn when I married Jane was to match her for honesty and courage. My duchess is awake, and I must convey this development to her, if that’s allowed?”

“Yes, you may tell Jane, but please don’t mention this to Stephen yet. I’ll tell Althea, though I suspect Nathaniel is already aware of the situation.”

Quinn aimed a look at Constance, half over his shoulder. “Do you like him, Con?”

“Very much. We argue, we discuss, we plan.…I like him very much, Quinn.”