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“Simon?”

“He has been invaluable.”

Marina’s throat tightened at the thought of her family helping Ambrose when she had believed him lost to her.

“And the solicitor?” she asked.

“He came to the vicarage this morning. We told him what Douglas had demanded, and presented the evidence collected.”

“Then what?”

“He advised us to lay the matter before the magistrate. Douglas had threatened to take Emma unless I surrendered control of my holdings. He was using his claim over the child to extort property from me.”

Marina remembered Douglas standing in the room, demanding what he believed belonged to him.

“And the magistrate believed you?”

“He found sufficient grounds for the constables to intervene and take Douglas into custody while the mine related claims are examined.”

Mr. Harris cleared his throat.

“And we brought the mining papers to the solicitor as well. They will be examined separately. The earl may have more to answer for than what he attempted here. The truth is, we have held on to the papers for a long time, but commoners charging a noble for crimes rarely is taken seriously. Now that the blackmail is involved, we might see traction.”

Marina pressed a hand to her chest.

It was almost too much to comprehend. All those people. All those years of resentment, whispered rumors, and quiet suffering. And now they had come together to protect Emma.

“But what happens to Emma?” she asked.

Ambrose turned fully toward her.

“She remains with us for now. Douglas’s arrest does not settle her guardianship, and I will not pretend otherwise. My solicitor is preparing the necessary application so that her future can be secured properly.”

Marina swallowed.

“So he cannot simply return tomorrow and demand her?”

“Not while he is in custody. And if he attempts to renew his threats, we shall have witnesses and legal advice. We are no longer facing him alone.”

Mr. Harris stepped forward.

“Nor shall you, Your Grace.”

Marina looked at him.

“Why?”

He seemed almost startled by the question.

“Because you helped us.”

She shook her head.

“I arranged a ball.”

“You gave people a reason to gather,” the vicar said. “You brought families together who had not spoken properly in years. You reminded them that they were neighbors.”

“And you cared about the children,” Mr. Harris added. “Not because anyone asked you to, and not because you expected anything in return.”