Short answer no.
Essentials, like SBS, has to be the root, fsmo role holder etc.
Nothing stopping you adding a second DC if you want to.
The only caveat to that, is if you 'transmog' your essentials up to 'Standard' edition, it then functions like Standard. You keep the essentials features but gain the ability to move fsmo, use trusts etc.
Robert Pearman SBS MVP | www.titlerequired.com | www.itauthority.co.uk