Truthfully, Winnie had thought about thrusting her company upon Emelia tonight, her sister-in-law would ask no questions, would not even bat an eyelash at the hour or the current condition of her face, but that would mean sleeping somewhere other than her own bed, and still alone.

"Would you stay?" For the first time since his arrival, she turned her eyes toward his, afraid of his reaction to the bruising that darkened her pale skin. Their estrangement left her unsure of how to act around him, which she hated almost as much as the mistakes she'd made last night. Nevertheless, she needed his company, his steadiness and someone she trusted to be near her for what was undoubtedly going to be a long night.