He hoped not.
For a moment, he considered ordering the men away immediately.
But Clara had spent months frightened of what Edmund might do.
If Gabriel refused every conversation, the threats might simply continue through letters and legal maneuvering.
He wanted the matter addressed properly.
He looked toward Edmund.
"Have you brought a court order?"
The man's smile faltered.
"Excuse me?"
"Something that gives you authority to demand entry or take anyone from this property."
Edmund frowned.
"That's not necessary."
Gabriel nodded.
"Then you can wait here while I speak with my wife."
Edmund's expression hardened.
"I came to see Clara."
Gabriel held his gaze.
"That decision belongs to her."
For several seconds, the two men stared at each other.
Then Gabriel turned toward the house.
He walked slowly, aware that Edmund was watching every step.
Clara stood just inside the kitchen when he entered.
Her face had gone pale.
She had heard the name.
Gabriel closed the door.
For a moment, he didn't speak.
Then he approached carefully.
"He's here."
Clara's hands trembled.
She looked toward the window.
"I know."
Gabriel swallowed.
"He's brought an attorney."
Her face crumpled.
For a moment, she seemed unable to breathe.
Gabriel took her hand.
"Clara."
She looked toward him.
"You don't have to speak with him alone."
Her eyes filled.
He continued.
"And you don't have to let him into the house."
She swallowed.
"What if he goes to court?"
"Then we'll answer through Finch."
She looked frightened.
Gabriel gently squeezed her hand.
"Whatever you decide, I'll stand beside you."
For a moment, she stared at him.
Then she straightened.
Her other hand rested over her stomach.
She took a slow breath.
"I want to speak to him."
Gabriel nodded.
"All right."
She looked toward the door.
"But not inside."
He understood.
The house had become her refuge.
She didn't want Edmund's presence inside it.
Gabriel reached for her heavy cloak.
Helped settle it around her shoulders.
Then opened the door.
Together, they stepped onto the sheltered porch.
Edmund stood near the gate.
When he saw Clara, his expression changed.
For a moment, genuine surprise crossed his face.
She was visibly pregnant now.
Her body had changed.
Her face was fuller.
And the small curve he'd known about only through letters had become impossible to ignore.
He stared.
Then spoke.
"Clara."
Her fingers tightened around Gabriel's arm.
"Edmund."