She gritted her teeth. “Mr. Blackwell. What are you doing here?”
Cody reached across the table, gripping her hand in his.
Mr. Blackwell held up a folder. “I’m here on behalf of your father. He’s asked me to find a reason to dissolve this marriage.”
CHAPTER 14
Cody eyed the lawyer sitting in their parlor. He didn’t feel comfortable with the man in their home, but it was better than creating a scene at the café. Had it only been an hour since they first saw Blackwell? Thankfully, Hattie had taken the boys out for a picnic when Cody and Ella returned home and said a lawyer was on his way. Addie was upstairs napping. The children shouldn’t have to witness…whatever was about to happen.
Mountbatten’s hireling reminded him of a snake—smooth, sneaky, and poised to strike. Ella sat beside Cody, holding fast to his hand. Hers was slick with moisture. He slipped his other hand over their joined ones, running his thumb over her wrist to bring her comfort.
Blackwell sniffed and pointed at their hands. “You don’t need to pretend for my sake.”
Glaring at the man, Cody stiffened. “There is no pretending here.”
His tone must have conveyed his emotion. Blackwell blinked, looking taken aback. He recovered quickly. “Miss Mountbatten, I’ve been hired by your parents and Mr. Archambeau…”
“It’s Mrs. Brooks.” Ella’s voice sounded small, but it didn’t waver.
Blackwell frowned. “I beg your pardon?”
“My name is Mrs. Brooks, not Miss Mountbatten.”
The lawyer’s lips thinned. “Your family and Mr. Archambeau are convinced the marriage can be annulled. You aren’t cut out for a life of menial labor in this backwoods town. Don’t you miss being a wealthy heiress to the Mountbatten fortune?”
Her grip on Cody’s hand tightened. “No.”
“Are you sure? Living in this podunk town can’t be easy.” Blackwell’s brow rose in a condescending manner.
Cody bristled at the insult. Ella remained calm. “I love Harmony Springs. It’s the first place I’ve been truly happy.”
The man sneered. “You’d rather live in this ranching town than Boston?”
“Yes.”
She hadn’t hesitated at all. Gratification washed over Cody. He slid one hand from hers and slipped it around her waist. Ella leaned into him in response.
“Mr. Archambeau asked me to convey that he misses you and wishes you’d return home. He still wants to marry you, Miss Mountbatten.”
Ella went still. “I’m already married. Cody and I joined ourselves together until death do us part. I’m not about to break those vows.”
Blackwell turned to Cody. “And what about you? What price would make you dissolve this marriage?”
Cody bit his tongue to keep from retorting in anger. He drew in a long breath before speaking. “Like my wife, I believe marriage is forever. When I make a vow, I keep it. End of discussion.”
“Maybe you misunderstood, Mr. Brooks. The Mountbatten family is prepared to reimburse you handsomely to end your marriage and return their beloved daughter home.” Blackwell held up an envelope. “You’d never want for money again.”
Did the man know about his financial troubles? And did he really think that was enough to tear Cody from Ella? He snorted, not bothering to look at the envelope. “Beloved daughter? They don’t care about Ella, and you know it. She’s staying here.”
The lawyer sighed. “I wish you’d take the easy way. It’s a substantial amount of money, Mr. Brooks.”
“I don’t want your money,” Cody practically growled. “I want my wife.”
It surprised him how much he meant those words. The thought of losing Ella sent chills down his spine.
Blackwell removed his spectacles. “Is this a marriage of convenience?”
Ella froze beside him. Cody steeled his voice. “That’s none of your business.”
