Max absorbed the information, keeping his expression impassive. What Pauline Mountford said rang all too true. That open bristling that he had seen from Ellen Mountford in her stepmother’s company—

He got to his feet. There was nothing more to be achieved here right now. ‘Well, I will leave it with you. See what you can do to change Ellen’s mind and attitude.’

He smiled down at them—the courteous, impersonal smile he used to keep others well-disposed towards him for his own benefit.

Ten minutes later he was heading off down the drive, his glance going to either side, taking in one last sweep of the place. For now. His...