For the first time since he’d met her, she didn’t look at him directly. “I will be honored.”
With her ready candor, he’d almost forgotten that she was a virgin and he needed to be careful. He also needed to make haste. Perhaps a day spent in her company would make the evening easier. Surprisingly, he found her company quite pleasant.
He set down his fork and used his fingers to turn her head toward him. “Ellie, I am very content to have you as my wife.”
Her eyes grew wide and her lips lifted in a soft, tremulous smile.
It was the uncertainty in her face that must have had him leaning forward and brushing a soft kiss against her lips. Though the second kiss was because one touch was not enough. Her lips opened under his, and he forced himself not to deepen the kiss, despite a rising need to. Not wishing to frighten her, he pulled back, stroking her cheek with his thumb before releasing her.
Her eyes remained closed, her whole body leaning toward him though he sat back in his chair.
“Ellie?” He kept his voice low.
Her eyes fluttered open. “Yes?”
It was the quietest word he’d heard her speak yet. “Would you like to accompany me in visiting the tenants today? If you’re planning Christmastide festivities, they will need to be involved.”
She gave herself a quick shake then sat back in her chair. “I would enjoy that. I’m sure the children won’t mind one day without me, especially since we will be going into the garden tonight.”
“One day? You have spent part of every day with them?”
She nodded as she waved a footman over to pour her more cocoa. “Indeed I have, and many times I’ve spent the entire day. I do think I’m wearing down Peter. He was determined not to like me as his new mother, but I believe he’s growing fond of me, despite his own wishes.” She chuckled as she brushed back a stray piece of fiery red hair.
Suddenly, Mrs. Torbett’s focus on Eleanor’s—Ellie’shair color had his thoughts wandering. Would her passion be just as fiery once he’d taught her the joys of the marriage bed? Even at the thought, he found his gaze dipping to her neckline, where her over-bountiful breasts pushed hard against her dress. His own desire started in his groin, and he shifted his seat, trying to remember what they spoke of. “Peter should not make you feel unwanted.”
She waved away his comment. “He doesn’t. I’m pleased that he is reluctant to accept me as his new mother. It shows a depth of feeling and loyalty, both of which you can be proud of. In fact, I think a day away from me may help him realize that he actually likes me.”
He stared at her as she took another sip of cocoa, both admiration and dread tumbling in his stomach. He’d expected her to be intelligent, as his brother’s wife was, and they came from the same school, but he hadn’t expected such depth of thought. He would need to be careful the next time he must leave. At least for his children, though, he could rest assured they would be looked after. No—rather, they would be loved.
“So tell me, Darius. Who will we visit first? Is there an order you plan on? We will need to visit your neighbors as well, but you are right that I should meet our tenants first. I think—”
“Excuse me, my lord.”
Beacham strode in much faster than normal, which immediately had Darius tensing. “What is it, Beacham?”
“I have just been informed that Peter has taken ill.”
“Oh dear.” Ellie rose immediately. “I must see him.”
Darius stood as well. “We will go to him at once.”
Beacham stepped aside quickly to avoid being knocked over by Ellie, who was already in the parlor.
“Thank you, Beacham. Come with us, as we may need to send for a doctor.” Darius followed after his wife, any doubts as to his children’s welfare fully removed by her reaction. He sincerely hoped it was just something Peter had eaten. If he had taken a chill, it could greatly affect his constitution.
When he reached the nursery, the door was open and his wife sat upon Peter’s bed, her hand moving from his head to his stomach.
“Is this where it hurts?”
His son’s face, so pale, scrunched up as he nodded, and Darius halted as fear rifled through him.
The nursemaid ran over to him. “My lord, I’m so glad you’re home. I believe Peter caught a chill when he went on the outing with Maggie and Lady Ferncroft. I don’t know what to do.”
He moved his gaze to the nursemaid, who clenched her hands together, clearly concerned. “We will be sure he gets better. Do not worry.” He started past her, worrying enough for them all.
As he reached the bed, he stood behind Ellie, the nursemaid’s words finally sinking in. He’d caught a chill under Ellie’s care. Tamping down his anger, he addressed his wife. “Is it a chill?”
She shook her head. “No. If he’d taken a chill, he would have been ill days ago.”
