Cross the Ocean Read Free

gave way in a flurry of tears, running to Anthony.
    “Uncle Anthony! Mother’s left us,” Melinda cried and crumbled into Tony’s arms.
    “There, there, puss,” he crooned. Anthony sat Melinda down and poured her a cup of tea. “Cry it out.”
    Melinda blubbered as Blake stood ashen at the window and William swallowed time and again as the story and their letters were retold.
    Anthony’s eyes were wide, faraway and his voice soft when he spoke. “I wouldn’t believe this if it hadn’t been you telling the tale. Ann’s left us.”
    “Left us?” Blake exploded. “She left me. Me. She left me.”
    Anthony took Melinda by the hand and jerked his head to William. “Your father and I need a chat. Dry your tears. Hurry along now, till we decide what’s to be done.”
    As calm as Blake had always strived to be, Anthony was the opposite. Wild youth, horrible temper, impetuous ways all rolled into one tall, loyal friend. His marriage, two years prior was the only reason he still lived, Blake was convinced. Elizabeth Burroughs ruled him with a beautiful face and a strong will.
    Blake had never seen a man and wife so besotted. He was surprised when Anthony calmly told him to sit down.
    Anthony smiled and his pleasant tone belied his sharp words. “You are a spoiled, unfeeling, pompous ass.”
    Blake’s mouth fell and he sputtered, “Ann was the one to....”
    Anthony’s eyes closed and one finger came to his lips. “Do not besmirch her name in front of me or your children. Regardless of what you’re feeling. She was wrong. As some of us are on occasion. Present company excluded of course.”
    Blake’s mouth closed and Anthony continued. “You are an adult, Blake. You’ve been an adult since you were five years old. Your children need you. Now more than ever. Don’t hold onto this hurt jealously as if you are the only one involved.” Anthony sat back in his chair. “There are others in much more pain simply because they loved her. An emotion you are fortunate to not have to deal with.”
    “I loved her in my way,” Blake said staring out the window.
    Anthony harrumphed. “Really, Blake. Did you ever tell her?”
    “She’s my wife, damn it, Burroughs,” Blake muttered.
    “Ah, yes, easier to tell your current mistress than your wife,” Anthony replied.
    “What does my having a mistress have to do with anything?”
    Anthony laughed hoarsely. “Only you, Blake, would pose a question that absurd.”
    “Why did she leave with him though? Why not just…?”
    “Just bed a man who is not her husband as most rich titled women do? Perhaps Ann’s sense of honor wouldn’t allow it. Perhaps she didn’t wish to teach her children such faithlessness. Perhaps she loves him.”
    Although he had no argument to make in defense of himself, Blake was furious at Tony’s conclusions.
    “Besides my being an ‘ass’ what do you propose I say about this?” Blake asked. He was tired, so very tired, but this mess, this incident, needed thought.
    The two men spent the morning trying in vain to think of a way to cover the affair up. It would not be done. Each time they thought a plan through, one corner of the blanket lifted revealing just enough to whet the appetite of the ton. Did someone see Ann as she boarded a ship with her merchant? Would she be seen by peerage traveling abroad? And how does one, even one as powerful as the Duke of Wexford explain a wife who has suddenly disappeared? They would think he locked her in the attic or worse yet Bedlam.
    “Brazen it out, Blake. Tell the truth and dare them to laugh. I see no other way.” Anthony jumped up as the clock chimed the hour. “Is that the time? Dear God. I told Elizabeth I’d be home at twelve.”
    “So what if you’re late? With Elizabeth’s confinement what’s she to do but lie about? What’s the hurry?”
    Blake asked, now sulking.
    Anthony turned from the door. “The ‘so what,’ Blake, is I told Elizabeth I’d be home.”
    Blake dismissed him