“I did not blame her. We married in January. She gave birth to Maggie in October, but shortly after that, her anger erupted and we lived civilly, though mostly apart, as she truly did not wish to be in my presence. Luckily, my business took me away often. However, she refused to find joy in anything, and so no Christmastide celebrations took place, nor any other festivity. I did insist on celebrating St. Nicolas Day for the children andmade sure the nursery was decorated on Christmas Eve, as I wanted them to have a sample of what I’d had.”
This time there was no stopping his new wife from speaking. The grip she had on his arm tightened. “She would have kept the children from celebrating?” Her voice rose so loud that he barely kept from physically cringing.
“I don’t know. When I heard the orders she’d given Mrs. Torbett that nothing be done, I added my own to ensure the children would know what I had known. I’m sure Dinah cared very much for Maggie and Peter—when I was in residence, she spent most of her time in the nursery, and according to the nursemaid, that was usual. It may be that she simply didn’t like the season.” Though he had often wondered what Dinah had done up there beyond embroidering and spending time with Maggie and Peter. At least she cared about them, despite her fear of birthing another “mad Taylour.”
Eleanor let go of him and crossed her arms. Her entire posture reminded him of an alley cat he’d once seen protecting her kittens from a small dog. That his new wife’s first thought had been for his children solidified his growing confidence in her. Unfortunately, her state of high dudgeon on behalf of his offspring did little to set the mood for the seduction he had hoped to begin.
Oddly enough, he wasn’t entirely disappointed. There would be time later, and the ride back to the house was quickly becoming productive and revealing. He was also quite sure he knew how he could change her mood. “I heard you tell Mrs. Gerey that we would be celebrating St. Stephen’s Day. You may wish to confer with Mrs. Torbett, because she would know best what each tenant would benefit from.”
She uncrossed her arms and waved off his suggestion. “No need for that. When we visited your tenant Mrs. Youell, she offered to compile a short list after profusely explaining thatanything would be welcome. Besides, Mrs. Torbett will be busy preparing everything else. We may need to procure a few additional servants, especially for the ball.”
Any contentment he’d begun to feel with the day immediately vanished as his body grew cold. “What ball?”
“The Twelfth Night masquerade ball. Surely you remember that’s the final night of Christmastide. What would be the point of celebrating all the other days and not that one?”
“Ihadforgotten. After my parents’ accident, they no longer hosted a ball, allowing another peer in the vicinity to do so. Nor did any of us attend. Yet we still celebrated the rest of the season. So it’s actually quite possible.”
“But—Oh, did they stop hosting because of your mother’s scars?”
“Not just because of her scars, but my father’s missing leg as well.”
“But he’s a duke!” She shook her head. “Surely his title helps garner him the respect he’s due.” She sighed. “But I do understand that those who pretend to be perfect are the first to be rude to others, no matter their status.”
He liked that she defended his father. “Yes, and don’t forget my mother wasn’t exactly accepted either. She was a shopkeeper before she married.”
“I had forgotten. She is so ladylike but without all the extra stuffiness. She’s the opposite of you.”
He jerked his head back. “Me?”
She grinned at him, obviously quite pleased with herself. “Yes, you. Darius, evenyouadmitted to being too formal.”
“I admitted no such thing. I simply agreed that Ineedto be formal.”
“Very well, I will allow you the point, but it doesn’t dissuade me from thinking you stuffy at times. For example, I have yet to hear you address me as Ellie.”
“I address you by your name, Lady Ferncroft or Eleanor.”
“Exactly. Yet you call Margaret Maggie.”
Surprised by her observation, he quietly agreed. “I do.” He had no idea why.
“Therefore, you can call me Ellie.” Her grin softened and she took his hand once again. “Only when you feel comfortable doing so. I just meant to prove a point.”
And she had. Her intellect was far superior to those he’d encountered years ago while looking for a bride. If she had been out then, would he have chosen her?
“I see we are almost home. Thank you for distracting me from my pique over your late wife’s actions. I do appreciate your effort to keep our day pleasant.” She squeezed his hand then let go as the coach pulled to a stop. “Now I can look forward to a pleasant night with the children as I give them their first astronomy lesson. Would you like to join us?”
The footman opened the coach door, but Eleanor didn’t move, waiting for his answer.
How could he have forgotten that she had other plans besides consummating their marriage? Frustrated, he shook his head.
“I understand. I’m sure there is much you wish to do tonight.” With that, she pulled the blanket from them and set it on the opposite seat as she stood. Before he recognized the disappointment in her voice, she’d stepped out of the coach, ascended the steps, and reached the front door.
The loss of her warmth both in body and humor had him rising to exit the coach himself. He started up the steps, berating himself for being so focused on avoiding what Dinah had threatened, an annulment, that he had lost sight of his current wife’s feelings. He wouldn’t be in such a hurry to bed her if they had already consummated their marriage…or would he?
He halted. Damn, he actually desired his wife!
The thought cleared away any disappointment he’d been feeling, and he continued up the steps. It also calmed his anxiousness over bedding her. He should have recognized the difference in the situation. He’d already bedded Dinah long before she demanded an annulment, and that was only because he’d revealed his secret to her.
