“I said no,” Robert stated vehemently. There was no way he would move ahead with the annulment now.
“And may I ask why not?”
She would never believe him if he told her the truth. He thought quickly. “You are still recovering from a very bad fright. You have not found a suitable husband to take my place. And it will do great harm to my career if you swan off now, before the dinner party and I introduce the legislation to the House floor.” Robert ticked off his points on three fingers.
“I see.” Fiona sagged to the chair in front of his desk.
Robert gentled his voice. “Fiona, tell me what brought this on. Is it because of what happened the other night?”
“Yes, in a small way. My misfortune the other night, and the subsequent gossip in the papers have shown me what a blight I have been on your family. Everyone knows we do not suit and I feel it is in both our best interests if you would just let me go. I will forgo the settlement and the jewels, if you will allow me to keep the gowns and other clothing.”
“And how would you make your way in Society?” Robert asked. “Will you remarry?” Fear gnawed at his stomach.
“No. I have been thinking of opening a shop. I own a certain knack for wool and cloth and I could make my way very well indeed if given the opportunity. I would no longer be the Duke of Cantin’s wife, but I am still the Earl of Stewart’s daughter such as it is, and with the independence of a career I would not have to suffer through the indignities of life as much were I not born to it.”
“I see.” Robert shifted in his chair. She had thought this through carefully. “I will think about it,” he said.
“But, my lord, you must....”
“I said I shall think about it, Fiona.” He didn’t mean to sound harsh, however, the girl had just thrown him through a circus hoop. “Now is there anything else?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact there is.” She stood with her shoulders square. “After the annulment, I should like to take Merry with me. I have grown quite fond of her, almost like a sister, and it would cause Cantin House no great harm to lose one small insignificant parlour maid.” She took a step to go and then turned back. “Also, Penny’s ball is tonight at Caymore House and I will be attending with your mother, naturally. I do not expect you to escort us, but please do try to make an appearance. Penny will be quite put out if you do not.”
He could tell by the jut of her chin as she walked out, this discussion was far from over.
Bloody hell! Just when he found what he wanted from the chit, she now wanted the annulment! Robert ran his hands through his hair and gazed down at the papers on his desk. Well, she would not get it. He would be damned if he would let her run off to be some sort of modiste. What would that do to his reputation? He could see the headline now –
Duke of Cantin’s Former Wife Now a Dressmaker.
He’d stalled her for the nonce, but how long would it be before she took matters into her own hand to ask for an annulment from him? Damned unconventional wench! He knew she would hire her own solicitor and do it too.
Robert leaned back in his chair. He needed an idea and fast. How could they find mutual affection? How could he possibly tell her what he now felt? How could they even begin to find commonality with each other? He banged his fist on the desk. That was it, of course! He would begin at the beginning. Hadn’t he once told her he wished they’d had the opportunity to meet like other people, in a ballroom, with a proper introduction?
By Jove, that is what he would do then. Court her, woo her, make her realize he wasn’t an ogre and he did like her very much, very much indeed. He still had ninety days before the imposed six month deadline. During these three months, he would do everything in his power to make it right between them. And if she still wanted the annulment, well, he would just have to bed her to get her to stay.
Chapter Twenty-One
Fiona laughed at the imitation Lord Greenleigh made of Viscount Demarest. The aging roué had bowed so deeply to Fiona he almost fell over.
“You must not torture the poor man so, my lord,” Fiona said. “He cannot help his girth.”
“He could if he did not return to the dessert table every quarter hour.” The Earl’s smile faded as if something unwelcome stood behind her.
Fiona turned and found Robert stalking across the parquet toward them, a stern look on his face. “Oh, now what have I done?” she asked before realizing she had voiced the question aloud.
“Done?” Greenleigh asked. “How could you have possibly done anything, my dear? You have been dancing with me or in the company of Lady Joanna and the dowagers. That should not cause any great alarm.”
“I wish I could say that were true. It seems my mere presence makes his lordship growl.”
Robert stepped up to them. “Fiona, Greenleigh.”
“Cantin,” the Earl acknowledged.
Fiona said nothing.
“I thought I might escort you on the dance floor,” Robert said. “If you could tear yourself away from your latest partner.”
Fiona nodded. “If you will excuse me, Lord Greenleigh.” She smiled when he winked at her. As she took Robert’s arm, her smile faded.
“You and Greenleigh seem to get along rather well,” Robert said affably as they walked toward the dance floor.
“Yes, he is becoming one of my particular friends. As well you should know, considering you thought him to be the best match for me after our annulment.” She felt Robert tense and couldn’t help giving him another little dig. “I feel you may have been on to something. I find him very congenial. And he has the most pleasant manners.” This was true.
“A bit dull, do you not think?” Robert asked. “Always blathering on about nothing of consequence.”
“He makes me laugh,” Fiona said. When he wasn’t boring.
“Does he indeed?”
“Indeed he does. I rather like to laugh.” She swallowed a lump in her throat, remembering the last time she and Robert had laughed together was less than a week ago in Swansea. It felt like decades.
They reached the dance floor where Fiona found to her great surprise, the musicians tuning up for a waltz. Robert took her in his arms, the music began, and Fiona closed her eyes while she floated over clouds. Loathe to admit it, there was nothing in the world to compare with dancing with her husband. She granted Greenleigh was superb, but Robert was heavenly. She loved the way he held her, with all the possessiveness their marital status implied. His hand warm on her back, the other holding hers with a firmness that would not allow her to falter in her step. The way he was just tall enough, so she could feel his breath on her cheek. And his scent He never wore cologne, or used strong soap, and the smell of him reminded her of a day on the moors. Sunshine, the earth, and all God’s good things rolled into one. Fiona sighed, opened her eyes, and found Robert staring at her.
“Have I made a mistake, my lord?”
“No, not at all. I could not help think, you are the loveliest woman here tonight.”
Fiona stumbled, and Robert held her fast.
“My lord?”
“’Tis true, Fiona. I have always found you uncommonly beautiful.” Even in Scotland under her plain day gowns, Fiona had always appealed to him.
“Pray, my lord, you must stop saying these things to me, or I shall totter into unsuspecting dancers.”
“I will not stop, nor will I allow you to wobble into anyone. I mean it sincerely. You are one of the most beautiful women I have ever known.”
Astonished at his compliment, Fiona bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing, or crying. What had brought this about? It was so unlike him to give her a compliment, certainly, this must be his phantom twin brother she joked about with Lady Joanna. No, there was more to his flattery, and Fiona would bet money he only wished to remain on her good side so she wouldn’t desert him before his precious dinner party. Otherwise, why would he have mentioned it as an excuse for her not to leave him. Yes, that is what this must be. Robert always
thought three steps ahead of everyone else, and she had now been relegated to pawn in his game with Parliament.
“I see you do not believe I am in earnest.” He flashed her a wide smile.
“My lord, why should I believe your sincerity, when in most instances the mere sight of me causes you to leave the room?”
“It is because I find I want to do this,” he said, leaned down, and brushed her lips with his.
Stunned, Fiona lost all thought in her head.
Robert smiled again and pulled her closer.
“We are surrounded by people, my lord,” Fiona whispered.
“Yes, so we are.” And he kissed her again.
Fiona stumbled again and Robert twirled her off the floor.
“Come, my dear, let us take a turn about the terrace. I find I am growing overheated on the dance floor.” Robert placed her hand on his arm and led her off the parquet.
For the rest of the evening, Robert never left her side. He remained attentive, and kind, bringing her punch, and dancing every waltz. Penny had insisted on five for the evening, and Robert maintained strict control of her dance card. Greenleigh tried not to sulk through the Allemande.
As they stood with their friends, Robert’s hand laid flat against her back, or rested on her bare shoulder. Fiona wasn’t sure if it was a sign of possession or its mere presence pre-empted any form of flight she might choose. He laughed and was convivial, full of good spirits, told jokes and kept everyone entertained. Fiona had never seen this side of Robert before and wondered if it were only for Penny and William’s benefit. She understood his family meant everything to him. She also suspected he did not want to see another headline in the morning papers.
Most astonishing, when Penny brought up the subject of Fiona joining the Children’s Home Board again, Robert asked why she had not brought it to his attention. How could she explain in front of everyone, she didn’t want to accept the invitation if she wouldn’t be allowed to follow through on it? Robert should have known better than to put her on the spot, but this newly found equanimity was indeed a rare thing, so Fiona kept her thoughts to herself.
During the sumptuous feast Penny had laid out for supper, Viscount Winsbarren asked, “When are you going to give a ball, Lady Fiona?” She had heard Winsbarren was on the hunt for a wife and prayed with every invitation he would meet the woman of his dreams.
Robert smiled at the Viscount, then turned his gaze on her. “My dear, that is an excellent suggestion. My mother is out of mourning now, so should prove no hardship to the household. What say you, darling?” He smiled at her. “Shall we try our hand at a ball?”
Unfortunately, Fiona had just taken a bite of her lobster patty and choked on its delicious crust. Had Robert just called her ‘darling’ in front of his friends and family? And insisted on giving a ball? She needed to escape, to think for two seconds together about this mysterious new version of her husband.
She excused herself and went to the ladies retiring room.
*****
Robert stood at the edge of the dowager corner waiting for his wife. He had spoken to his mother and she wished to go home. He wondered if Fiona would like to stay and dance, or if she too, were tired. She must be, he knew he was.
“Ah, Cantin,” said a familiar voice.
Robert turned and found Lady Olivia. “Your Ladyship, how lovely you look tonight.” Robert clasped her hand in his and brought her gloved fingers to his lips.
“Such a charmer,” she said, a glint in her eye. “I have just spoken to your wife, Cantin. Tell me, what are you playing at now? Have you finally found your senses, or are you using her for your gain in Parliament?”
Never one to beat around the bush, her question nonetheless caught him off guard. “Dear Lady Olivia, I know not of what you are talking.”
“Do not play coy with me, Cantin. I have known you far too long. You have been fawning over Fiona all evening. And as one is best friends with your mother, I know all about the disastrous turn of events from the other evening. The poor child is beside herself in the ladies, wondering what you are up to.”
“What did she say?”
“It is not what she said, it is what she did not say. I could read the look of confusion in her eye when I asked if she was having a good time. In an obtuse manner she related the ball was lovely, and the food glorious. I have spent quite a bit of time with her, and for a gel who knows her mind very well, I found Fiona’s reply exceedingly disconcerting.” She stared at him. “Or is all this play-acting on your part to hide the fact you are jealous of Greenleigh?”
“What?” Robert snorted, incredulous she could have asked that. Jealous of Greenleigh? That was ludicrous!
“You heard me. Do you not remember the request you made of me when you returned home from Scotland, to find her a suitable husband? Well, I did. I found Greenleigh. And he seems quite enamoured of your wife.” She thumped her cane on the floor. “You cannot have it both ways, Cantin. You cannot continue to keep the poor girl from her chance at happiness, even if it is not with you, and you cannot keep her for yourself if you are not going to give her the same happiness.”
Gads, the old stoat was insufferable! “I shall have you know, Lady Olivia, I find Fiona has indeed come to mean more to me than I originally intended, and tonight was my first attempt at allowing her to see that.”
She thumped her cane on the floor again. “Well, it is certainly about damn time, Cantin. Although a piece of advice, do not take her to bed too soon. She is not ready.”
Good Lord, the woman was beyond the pale! Of all the things to say. “Lady Olivia, what do you take me for, some kind of libertine without a care for her feelings?”
“No, I take you for the randy buck that you are, married to one of the most beautiful women in London. And I noticed you could not keep your hands to yourself all evening. As a matter of fact, my friends had a wager to see how soon Fiona would find herself in the family way.” She chuckled. “I took the long odds. However, that being said, for all her advanced years, she is still a child. Allow her to find her own way to love you first, Cantin. She’s half there already, just needs a bit more time, and a bit more of this.” She waved her hand in a small circle.
Robert wanted to ask how she knew what Fiona was feeling, but he didn’t dare. Lady Olivia wouldn’t tell him anyway. “This?” he asked instead and waved his own hand.
“Yes, tonight, the intimacy, the gaiety, the flattery. Women are not won over by loving their bodies, they are won over by courting their minds. Appeal to her intelligence, encourage her opinion, allow her to pursue her dreams. Entice her mind, and she will follow with her body. Trust me on this, Cantin. I know of what I speak. And if you do that, you two will find a love and happiness most couples may only dream of.”
With that, she was gone, and Robert wondered if the old coot was right. He’d always been very good at charming women into bed. And out of it for that matter, but could he win over his wife whom he had already treated despicably. Would she trust that what he offered was real? Only time would tell.
*****
In the carriage on the way home, Robert seemed subdued and Fiona knew the act he’d put on at Penny’s ball was just for show. Well, if that was how he wanted to handle their marriage, she could also play-act until the damned dinner party was over, and then she would acquire her own annulment.
Arriving at Cantin House, Fiona bid her mother-in-law good-night with a kiss on the cheek and the promise to accompany her the next day to Lady Bellingham’s luncheon.
“I shall walk you up,” Robert said, and startled both Fiona and his mother. Fiona noted the pensive look Lady Joanna wore as they took the stairs.
Fiona climbed the steps without speaking. At her door she turned to Robert and waited for whatever admonishment he was sure to deliver. Perhaps she hadn’t curtsied correctly to the Duke of Hemmings, or her flight from the supper table was too quick. She waited expectantly for the reprimand.
Robert placed his hand o
n her throat, leaned in and kissed her. The surprise of his lips on hers again stunned her momentarily, until the hunger she felt for him overwhelmed all thought and she kissed him back. Yes, she had to admit, dancing with him might be heavenly, but kissing him was sublime. He placed his other hand at her waist and inched his body closer. Primordial heat came off him in waves. Fiona might not know the first thing about making love to a man, but she had spent years in the fields with her sheep and knew about animal lust. Robert exuded it.
She placed her hands on his chest and then wound them around his back under his jacket. His taut muscles shifted as he wrapped his arms around her. The desire to feel his naked body against hers intensified as his lips razed her earlobe. It was a good thing her back was to the door as her legs had gone weak.
“Fiona,” he mumbled. “You have me undone.”
He kissed her cheek, her throat, and her lips again, and then he broke away. The smoldering look he gave her made her gasp. He had never looked at her like that before. He stepped back.
“Good-night, Fiona,” he said. “Sleep well.”
Fiona watched him walk down the hall to his own rooms. She opened her bedchamber door with trembling fingers and wondered if she would ever sleep at all.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Despite the lack of sleep, and a pounding headache, Robert was in a good mood as he descended the stairs to breakfast. Last night had gone exceedingly well. Fiona, he was sure, was puzzled over his attitude toward her and he liked it that way. It would keep her off guard while he gained her trust, her affection, and then her love. What had Lady Olivia implied – she was half in love with him already? This was good, very good. It shouldn’t take that much longer for her to fall completely, and then he would be able to take her to bed.
Not that that was his priority, however, watching her dancing with Greenleigh when he arrived at Penny and Will’s ball had sent a wave of jealousy over him. Damn, Lady Olivia was right. He could not bear to see another man’s hands on Fiona. Her laughter with the Earl after their dance had strengthened it ten-fold. How could he have possibly thought Greenleigh would make her an excellent husband? Greenleigh was a dolt, and a bore. However, Fiona had said he made her laugh. And Robert seized on the opportunity as they stood with their friends.
The Duke's Divorce (The Reluctant Grooms Series Volume IV) Page 16
