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“You abandoned your family,” Ambrose replied. “And you attempted to sell your daughter’s future for my fortune.”

Douglas lunged forward, but the constables restrained him.

“I am her father!” he shouted. “I have rights!”

“Those matters will be dealt with by the proper authorities,” the constable said.

Douglas continued protesting as they led him away.

His voice echoed along the corridor and finally faded. Marina stood perfectly still. The house seemed impossibly quiet.

“Ambrose,” she whispered. “What have you done?”

He turned to her, and the sternness left his face.

“Something I ought to have done much sooner.”

“Is Emma safe?”

“For now, yes. Douglas cannot simply remove her while he is in custody, and my solicitor is pursuing the necessary arrangements for her continued care. I will not pretend every legal question is settled this afternoon.”

Marina let out a breath that was almost a sob.

“Then how⁠—?”

“Because of you,” he said.

She frowned.

“I do not understand.”

“I know. I owe you an explanation. More than one. But will you come with me first?”

Marina looked into his eyes, then placed her hand in his.

“Very well. But I assure you, I have not finished being angry.”

To her astonishment, the corner of his mouth lifted.

“I should be disappointed if you had.”

Thirty-Four

Ambrose did not take her to his study, as she had expected. Instead, he led her toward the drawing room.

“Who is waiting?” Marina asked.

“People who have come to wish you a happy Christmas.”

“Christmas was yesterday.”

“Then they have come to wish you a happy Boxing Day.”

“That sounds even more ominous.”

“It is not intended to.”

“Ambrose, yesterday you told me to leave you, and today you have had your brother-in-law arrested. You must forgive me if I am not inclined to trust your definition of an ordinary holiday visit.”