Page 81 of Her Tiger of a Duke
“And he was honest with you, and what happened?”
“I… I left.”
The children looked over at that moment, running to them. Their hands were all empty, showing her that they had finished their game. Beatrice thought that was the perfect time for them to return to the household, for she was having to confront terrible things by speaking with Lord Stanton, and she did not like how it made her feel.
“I ought to return them to their mother,” she explained quickly.
“Where are you staying?”
“With the Duke and Duchess of Lupton. For now, at least.”
Lord Stanton nodded and said his goodbyes to her and all the children.
“Who was he?” the oldest asked as they made their way home.
“One of my husband’s friends.”
“But not yours?”
“Well, I suppose he is. He is a kind man, in any case.”
“Good. I like you, and I think you should have friends who are kind.”
Beatrice smiled, and when they returned home the little boy hugged her legs tightly before running off to join the others.
“He is quite taken with you,” Emma noted, standing in a doorway. “If I am not careful, he may try to hide in your bag when you leave.”
“Which will be soon, I can assure you. I do not mean to intrude for long.”
“You are welcome to stay as long as you need. It would seem the children would like you to remain here for a while.”
Beatrice considered it. It was a beautiful home and the children were sweeter than sugar. If Emma wanted her to stay, she could accept the invitation without any issues. Almost… for Owen was not there which meant that they could not settle their differences.
“Would you call me a fool if I said I want to mend my marriage?”
“No, I would say that you are finally thinking properly.”
“But what if it is the wrong thing to do?”
“Beatrice, let me ask you something. Do you need me to be a Dorothy to you, or a Cecilia?”
Beatrice laughed softly. Dorothy was always gentle and optimistic, whereas Cecilia was rough and insistent. She wanted the former, but she knew she needed the latter.
“A Cecilia.”
“Very well,” she replied, clearing her throat. “Do you think that you are the only lady who has ever struggled? Cecilia’s husband was outright accused of killing his brother, and he did not know how to navigate that until Cecilia showed him. No, your husband is not perfect, but nobody ever is. You have a good man, and if you continue to be stubborn because he is not always easy to love, you will be lonely all your life.”
It was the firmest that her friend had ever been with her, and it was exactly what she needed to hear.
“Then I shall wait for word that he has returned, and I will go to him.”
Even as she said it, she was shaking.
CHAPTER 32
Owen made his way back as quickly as he could, and with each passing moment he thought of every mistake he had ever made.
He should not have done what he did. He should have been honest with Beatrice, and he should not have kept her away when he so badly wanted the opposite. He had nobody to blame for her leaving but himself, and it tore him to pieces inside.
