“Andromeda weighs on me, Blythe. I said despicable things about her even before Granby’s house party. And her family.” Her lips twisted. “I was so envious, though I didn’t know it at the time.” A breath left her. “The Barringtons would have looked for Andromeda had she been lying half-dead beneath a carriage.” Beatrice pressed a palm to her stomach. “All of England would have been searching.” A tiny sob escaped her. “Two days, Blythe. I was there for two days. I don’t know what it would be like to have someone miss me. To care enough to wonder where I am.”
Oh, Bea. I will always look for you.
“You should write to Andromeda, Your Grace,” he said softly. “Duchess to duchess. She will forgive you.” Ellis took her hand, threading their fingers together. “No grudge will be held against you, I promise.” He raised her wrist to his lips and pressed a kiss to the beating pulse. “I’ve written to Granby. Told them I am here with you.”
She shot him a look filled with betrayal. “You told Granby about my appearance. How pleased he must have been.”
“Bea.” Ellis drew in a breath, thankful there was nothing sharp within her reach. “You know I must eventually return to London. I have responsibilities. And—”
“A young lady to wed and make a countess, I wager.” She took a seat and picked up the glass of brandy he’d poured, refusing to look at him. “One I’m sure of whom Granby approves.”
“That isn’t—” he started, confused.
“I understand, my lord. You need not be gentle.” Her tone was snide, cold. He’d forgotten Beatrice could sound so chilly. She hadn’t for a long time, not since before they’d—
“I have been expecting this discussion. Prepared for it. We’ve had a lovely time together, Blythe, but all good things must end. Your life is in London with your responsibilities, and mine is in Chiddon. Please see yourself out.”
A wash of ice trailed down Ellis’s spine along with a great deal of irritation. He’dexpecteda protest. That she might fight him on returning to London. He’d been prepared to make concessions until she could grow accustomed to the idea, but for her to assume Ellis would cheerfully skip away without her—
“You’redismissingme, Your Grace?” Ellis set his glass down so hard on the table it nearly shattered.
“It seems I am. If you will calm yourself, you’ll see I’m attempting to make this easier for you.”
“Easier for—have you lost your bloody mind, Beatrice? I wish to understand. I’m to leave you in Chiddon and go off and wed Lady Anabeth Swift without another thought? Maybe make the occasional visit to Chiddon to check on the mill and tup you? Is that correct?”
“I don’t expect you’ll have much time to visit Chiddon,” she murmured.
Ellis ran a hand through his hair in frustration. This wasn’t at all how he’d pictured the conversation. He’d only meant to gently coax her to London with him. Ease her discomfort by explaining that she need not worry over Granby or Andromeda. Yes, he’d expected obstinance. Possibly a terrible row after which he’d take her to bed for the remainder of the night and eat roasted potatoes off her bosom.
He hadnotexpected Beatrice’s icy dismissal.
“Is that her name? Lady Anabeth Swift? I’m certain she’s well-bred if Granby approves.”
“How flattering that you’ll give me over to another woman without so much as a whimper,” he bit out.
“I’ve thought long and hard about London, Blythe.” Beatrice stared into the fire and took a swallow of the brandy. “I’ve no wish to return. You must leave me here.”
A thick cloud of fury nearly choked him. “MustI? First a saint, now a martyr.” Ellis was so bloody angry, he could barely speak. Wounded to the very depths of his being.
“We—have no future together. I’ve known for some time.”
“Well, you didn’t bother to inform me, you vile little harpy.”
Beatrice flinched. “As you say.”
“Contrary to whatyoubelieve, I have always imagined a future together. I realize a mere countess is a step down from duchess, you bloody snob, but I thought—” He took a deep breath to steady himself before his temper unleashed a torrent of insults, ones he would regret later. Ellis had thought he and Beatrice were of the same mind and heart. Her rejection of him was so incredibly painful. She cared more for the London gossips than him.
“I thought you would try,” Ellis said. “Forme.”
Beatrice took another swallow of brandy, tipping the glass up until she drained it.
Ellis glared at her profile, willing her to look at him. “If you are too uncomfortable in town,” he said quietly, begging her to listen, “we will find a way to divide our time, or you can take up residence at Larchmont. There’s plenty there to keep you busy. The important thing is we would be together, Bea. I won’t let anyone disparage you. Nor will I leave your side. I promise.”
“Now who is speaking madness?” She finally turned toward him. “You will spend half your life riding over the countryside. It isn’t as if I don’t bear you a great deal of affection, Blythe. You have made me—” She looked away, throat working. “You’ve made me happy. But I would not survive London, and you could do little but stand by and watch the vultures pick at my bones. I’ve no desire to be fodder for the gossips once more.” She tapped her cheek. “Nor have my ugliness on display for all to mock.”
“Bea, the scars are not so bad. Most are hidden. They’ll fade in time.”
“Nevertheless.”
