"Why is a letter addressed to Eleanor among your papers?"
Margaret's gaze fell upon the envelope. "Because Mr. Grant sent it here."
"He addressed it to my wife."
"I intended to give it to her."
"When?"
Margaret removed one glove, finger by finger. "When she was in a more reasonable frame of mind."
Julian placed the envelope between them. "You had no right."
"I was protecting this family."
"From what?"
She gave a short, humorless laugh. "From a woman who refuses to understand her position."
Julian's expression hardened. "Her position is that of my wife, and mine is that of the woman who has spent thirty-six years preserving everything you inherited."
The fire snapped sharply. Margaret approached the desk. "Grant's development will increase the value of the adjoining estate land. He was prepared to pay handsomely for the workshop because he needs that road. You were occupied with other matters, and I believed Eleanor would be sensible once you explained the advantages."
"You told him her consent was assured."
"I believed you could obtain it."
"And accepted five thousand pounds before asking her."
Margaret looked away. "The money was paid into the estate account through your agent. It has not vanished."
"That is not the point."
"Then what is?"
Julian looked at the letter addressed to Eleanor. "You asked me to persuade my wife without telling me what you had promised. You allowed me to believe she was obstructing an ordinary sale."
Margaret's mouth tightened. "She has obstructed it because the road passes beside a building that may be damaged by heavy wagons. That is a tradesman's objection."
"It is the objection of the person who owns the property."
For the first time, Margaret seemed uncertain how to answer him.