"Mistake is a harsh word." She did not think he would prove a terrible husband to Tatiana; he seemed unlikely to drive the family into ruin nor did he seem terribly cruel. Not that he would have any reason to anyway: Tatiana provided a desirable connection where Macmillan's political pursuits lied, and by mistreating Tatiana and earning the scorn of her relatives he might ruin any chance of a prosperous future.

But that wasn't the concern, was it? "I cannot say that I have names for alternatives, but even on paper he isn't ideal. I know it is uncouth to discuss, but mother—a second-born with a daughter old enough to harbor resentment... You cannot blame the child, of course, but I cannot see Tatiana mothering another's child. Can you?" Tatiana carried herself with grace and perfect femininity, but in living with her for so many years he was aware of her faults. She was the type of woman who enjoyed control where she could get it, and a woman should have absolute domain over her household.

"But, of course," he said, cocking a brow, "if you think he is best for her, I will say no more."

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