The Hidden Blade by Sherry Thomas

were not at home? Did you think I did not find out that one week out of every month you took that other child of yours and left on some supposed trip to visit elderly relations? And from then on, did you think it was all that difficult to find out about the tall, blond Californian?”
    Mother spoke, her voice almost choked, but defiant. “It doesn’t matter. There is nothing you can do.”
    “To the contrary, there is a great deal that I can do. No doubt my brother believed your cousin Mr. Knightly to possess not only robust health, but a sterling character. I suppose you neglected to inform him that Mr. Knightly had been sent down from university for forging cheques?”
    “That was more than twenty years ago, and for all of five pounds!” cried Mother. “It was only a youthful prank—Henry just wanted to see whether it could be done.”
    “But how can we be sure such deceit has been eradicated from his character? Not to mention that Mr. Knightly is wretchedly poor for a man with a demanding wife and four daughters who will need London seasons very soon. Would the Court of Chancery look kindly upon his fraudulent past? I do not think so. Not when there are substantial rents that come in every month from lands that belong to my nephew, and every opportunity for embezzlement.
    “And when I have removed him from this guardianship, I will, of course, ask that I myself be made a coguardian of the boys. You blanch, Mrs. Atwood. Does the thought not please you? You are afraid I will take them from you, are you not? You are wise to fear, for that is exactly what I will do. Nigel did not see fit to punish you for your adultery, but I will.”
    Mother emitted a strangled sound.
    “You cannot do this!” Herb said heatedly. “No one wants your interference. Nigel has seen to the protection and welfare of his widow and children. He intentionally left you out of his will. Why can’t you respect that?”
    Sir Curtis turned to Herb. “Tell me this. Did Nigel beg you not to lead him into temptation? Did he plead for his soul? Did he resist, with what little courage and fortitude he had, the lures of the flesh that you dangled before him?”
    Herb fell silent.
    “He did, didn’t he? And you overrode his good sense. You overrode his love of God. You brought him to his doom and now you want a say in the welfare of his children?”
    “That is not—”
    “Shut up, you sodomite wretch. I will deal with you later. Now, where were we, Mrs. Atwood? Ah, yes, your unfitness as wife and mother.”
    They had all three been standing. But now Sir Curtis sat down on Father’s favorite padded chair, his hands on the armrests, one ankle over the other knee—completely at ease, every inch the master of the manor.
    “I am not inclined to be lenient—leniency serves no purpose except to encourage the delinquent. But I must consider my wife-to-be, who will not wish for a scandal to mar her wedding. So I will offer you a choice, Mrs. Atwood. We can publicly reveal your adulterous conduct and strip you of your guardianship via sworn statements in the Court of Chancery, or we can resolve this privately. You take your bastard child and leave the country altogether. Invent some excuses. Say that his health is frail and must need the sunshine and mildness of California. Once you are far away, you may marry your paramour or continue to consort with him in sin. It will no longer be my concern.”
    “But Leighton—”
    “My nephew, who is very much my concern, will come under my guidance.”
    “No!”
    “Think carefully. You have acted foolishly and arrogantly and you are about to pay the price. Now the question is only, Will you pay with one of your children, or both? Remember, the other boy is not my flesh and blood. Now leave us and consider your choices. Go.”

    The door closed behind Mother.
    Leighton shook.
    He had met Cousin Knightly a few times, a short, bald fellow full of glee and laughter. His daughters adored him, though he could not