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Her fingers sank into her silk skirts, tightening. “My impending marriage isn’t any concern of yours.”

“The devil it isn’t,” he snapped. “I am the guardian of your children. Everything you do concerns them and, in turn, me.”

He was not wrong about that, though she was loath to admit it. Her decisions, such as marriage to Apollo, would impact the children, and it was Lord Timothy’s duty as their guardian to look after their interests. Still, her fragile happiness was so new, and she feared losing it because of the man before her.

She had to proceed with caution.

“Forgive me,” she tried again. “I suppose I wasn’t considering the implications for the children and you, given that I am marrying a wealthy duke. I would think my choice of future husband would grant you a measure of peace.”

His lip curled. “Prestwick’s reputation as a rakehell is well-known. I cannot say knowing that my nephew and niece will be exposed to a sybarite grants me peace. But then, I ought not to be surprised. You are an indecent, scandalous, immoral jade, and I should expect nothing less. I warned my brother about you. Pity he didn’t believe me until it was too late and you were already wed and bound to each other for life.”

She reeled at his vehemence and anger.

“The duke is a respectable and honorable man,” she defended, outraged on Apollo’s behalf. “I have no doubt that he will make an excellent father for the children. And as for me, I would hardly describe myself as immoral. Nor have I caused scandals.”

“I am afraid your judgment won’t suffice,” he snapped. “My judgment alone is what matters. My brother’s will stipulates that it is so, and thank heaven he provided that safeguard.”

“I am more than aware of what Corbett’s will allowed for, but it did not stipulate that I could never marry again.”

“Only a year after your husband is dead, and already you are engaged to another man,” he said with disgust. “Have you even mourned my brother? You are good friends with Prestwick’s sister, Lady Aphrodite, are you not? For all I know, you have been cavorting with him all this time and have only just waited for your period of mourning to end.”

“We did nothing of the sort,” she denied. “Prestwick has been courting me. Lady Aphrodite has always acted as chaperone. We have been proper in all ways.”

Heat climbed up her throat as she thought of their walk in the gardens when they had been most improper. But no one knew about that. She did her best to maintain her composure and not allow him to see even a hint of doubt or guilt on her face.

“Why should I believe you?” he demanded coldly.

“Because I would never jeopardize the welfare of my children,” she burst out, tears threatening her vision. “I would never do anything that would hurt them. My courtship with His Grace has been entirely innocent.”

“I begin to think that it may be in the best interest of the children that they come to live with my wife and me,” he said.

Her heart fell. “No. They are my children, and they belong with me. This is their home, the only one they’ve ever known. You cannot take them away from me.”

For the first time, he smiled. And it was a cold smile, an evil smile, one that chilled her to her core.

“I can do whatever I want with the children, Lady Corbett. I’m their guardian. Not you. I will be examining what is best for them over the coming days before your wedding.”

“Living with their mother is what is best for them,” she choked out against a rush of fear.

“We shall see, madam. Until then, I bid you good day.” With a bow, Lord Timothy disappeared from her sitting room.

When he was gone, she collapsed into the nearest chair and sobbed.

CHAPTER 23

Apollo was breathing hard by the time he reached Phee’s sitting room, his heart pounding, a ball of dread lodged in his stomach. Seeing her, face stained with tears, slumped in her favorite chair, weeping, didn’t assuage his fears one whit.

“Phee,” he said, crossing the room to her, heart in his throat. “What’s happened?”

She rose and threw herself into his chest. “It’s Lord Timothy.”

Clenching his jaw at the name, he wrapped her in his arms, holding her tightly. “What about him?”

“H-he found out we are engaged and he said…” Her words dissipated into sobs.

He’d never seen her so inconsolable.

Apollo kissed her crown. “I’m here now, love. Tell me what he said.”