Anger flashed through Darius so fast that he winced at the throbbing that started in his head. Closing his eyes, he tried to calm himself, but he was already in an agitated state. “She’s perfect.” He opened his eyes, daring his brother to deny it.
“I can see she’s perfect for you. I understand. There aren’t many women who would be perfect for me, but Lissa is. Since that is the case, then I suggest you be honest with your wife. From what Lissa tells me, no one has a more encompassing heart than Ellie.” Anthony shrugged. “Who knows, she may have suggestions for helping your moods.”
He’d seen the best physicians back when he still lived with his parents, and nothing had helped. He’d learned to lie to the men of science, so as not to be branded insane, his biggest fear. No, his biggest fear now was losing Ellie. “I will tell her. I can no longer lie, as it would hurt her too much to be lied to again. I only hope she will forgive me and not fear me, or worse.”
“What could be worse than your wife fearing you?”
“The woman I love hating me.” Saying it out loud felt like a prophecy of doom, but he refused to follow that train of thought. It was his black moods that had brought him to this, and now, out of their clutches, he was anxious to fight for Ellie, even if she no longer wanted him.
Anthony walked back over to the sideboard and poured two drinks. He returned and handed Darius a brandy.
Darius raised an eyebrow in question.
His younger brother sat on the settee and took a sip from his glass. “We need to strategize your approach, and I think better with a drink.”
Strategize?As he took a cautious sip, Darius felt the anxiousness to fix his problems immediately dull a bit. “I welcome any suggestions.”
Anthony put down his glass. “Lissa told me that your wife used to mother the ladies at their school. Has she taken to your children?”
At the thought of Ellie with Peter and Maggie, he smiled. “She loves them, and they love her. I couldn’t have asked for a better mother for them.”
“Perfect.” Anthony grinned again, an impish light in his blue gaze. “When you return to the house, visit your children first, especially as it will be Christmas Day. While there, send for your wife. If she sees you first while you are with your children, she won’t be able to yell.” He lifted his glass again. “And if you’re lucky, it will mellow her mood a bit.” He took another sip.
Darius pulled his head back, not a little surprised by his brother’s idea. Then again, he couldn’t deny the fact that the man had some valid points, and right now, he was willing to do anything to win Ellie back.
Chapter Twenty
December 25, Christmas Day
Ellie allowed Beachamto take her cloak, her relationship with her butler reduced to short orders and minimal responses. She turned to Lissa, who had arrived the day before, shortly after Sophie left. Ellie had cried watching Sophie leave, feeling so absolutely alone, so when Lissa and Anthony arrived, she’d cried again, though with happiness.
It was obvious to her, as it had been to Sophie, that she was very emotional since her encounter with Darius. She felt as if something terrible was about to occur, and even jumped in church when the vicar had dropped his spectacles. Unfortunately, Lissa had noticed, and the coach ride home had involved Ellie revealing her disappointment in her husband, which had been rather awkward in front of his brother. But Anthony hadn’t made a single comment.
“My lady, the nursemaid has requested your presence in the nursery.”
At Beecham’s statement, she frowned since she’d spent the early morning hours with the children. Why would Anna make such a request when she was well aware they had guests.
Lissa waved her off. “Go ahead. I’m going to settle in the parlor and discuss my observations on the sermon with my husband.”
Anthony stepped behind his wife. “In other words, she’s going to tell me what everyone’s behavior told her and see if I concur. Then she’ll hound me about which investigation I’ve decided to accept next.” The man sighed as if Lissa’s questions were tiresome.
She slapped Anthony’s arm. “Don’t listen to him. He loves debating which investigation we should pursue.”
“True. But I’m so much more sympathetic when it appears I’m persistently being nagged.”
Ellie put her hand on her hip. “Do remember, my dear Lord Bellamore, that I know your wife quite well, and never would I believe she has nagged you. Held a dagger to your throat, perhaps, but never nagged.”
At Lissa’s laughter, Anthony smiled. “I forget you two are dear friends. And please, call me Anthony. We are family now.”
A pang of longing hit Ellie’s heart hard, and she moved her hand from her hip to her chest. “Thank you. That is most gracious of you.”
“Come on, husband, we have much to discuss.” Lissa took Anthony’s hand and pulled him toward the parlor.
Ellie stood alone for a moment in the entry, Beacham having disappeared. The silence as she stared up at the grand staircase seemed to intensify her loneliness. Going to church had been difficult without Darius, as many had asked about him. She’d simply given them the same excuse he’d given her, not willing to share her agony with those she barely knew.
Giving herself a mental shake, she started up the stairs. She wasn’t alone. She had two wonderful children who, she was quite sure, loved her almost as much as she loved them. She’d never leave Maggie and Peter, no matter how difficult her marriage became.
When she came to the nursery door, she listened for a moment. She couldn’t hear anyone talking, so the children couldbe sleeping. She wouldn’t be surprised after how excited they’d been earlier in the morning.
