The Duke's Divorce (The Reluctant Grooms Series Volume IV)

by Anne Gallagher

  “She seemed in exceedingly good spirits this morning until you met with her in the conservatory. She then spent an hour crying her eyes out. Unbeknownst to me, she left the house and went for a drive with her maid and Eammon, returned at three o’clock and has been abed ever since.” Edwards sniffed and turned his back on Robert.

  “She did not come down to dinner?”

  Edwards turned around to face him, his eyes averted. “No, Your Grace. And she did not request a tray in her room.”

  “I see. Where is my mother?”

  “I believe her ladyship is in her private sitting room.” Edwards bowed, picked up the soup tureen and walked out of the room not waiting to see if Robert wished dinner.

  Well, if Edwards was affronted by his behaviour, Robert could well imagine what his mother would say.

  He climbed the stairs and knocked softly on Fiona’s door. He heard the slight scraping of a chair, and Merry answered.

  “How is my wife?” He looked past Merry and saw Fiona’s form on the bed.

  “She is still asleep, Your Grace.” She bobbed a short curtsy.

  “Why do not you go to the kitchen and find your dinner. I shall sit with her awhile.”

  He saw the protestation arise on her lips, but she only nodded, and slipped by him.

  Robert closed the door, and walked over to his wife. Peaceful in slumber, she wore no lines of worry or sadness on her beautiful face. He gently pushed a lock of stray hair back from her forehead. Fiona sighed, and rolled over, oblivious to his presence.

  Robert took off his jacket, picked up a wing-back chair from across the room and brought it over to the side of the bed. He undid his cravat, settled himself and watched her sleep.

  He must have dozed, for when he opened his eyes, Fiona lay on her pillows looking at him.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “I came in to apologize, but did not want to wake you,” he said. He repositioned himself in the chair. “I must have fallen asleep.”

  “Well, I am awake, there is no need for an apology, and now you may go.” Fiona thrust the covers back and climbed out of bed. She padded across the floor to the water closet and closed the door. She remained therein for what seemed like hours to Robert.

  The door opened. “You are still here, I see.” She wore a brightly flowered robe over her cotton nightrail.

  “Fiona, forgive me. I know you are not having an affair. ‘Twas despicable of me to accuse you. I have been doing a lot of thinking today. My actions have been reprehensible and….” She did not appear to be listening to him, instead looked in several drawers in her wardrobe.

  “My lord, ‘tis late, and I would like to go down to the kitchens to cadge something to eat. I find I am quite famished.” She strolled past him and reached under the bed. Finding her slippers, she placed them on her feet.

  “Fiona, please.”

  “Robert, you did not seem to think my explanation of the pearls warranted any discussion. I am only treating you in kind. I have no desire to listen to anything you have to say.”

  As she walked past him, Robert stood and grabbed her elbow. The fire in her eyes was back.

  “Unhand me, my lord, or I shall scream down the house.”

  “Where did you get the pearls,” he demanded.

  “My mother,” she spat. “My father had a change of heart and sent them to me several weeks ago.” She shook off his hand. “Now if your conscience has been appeased, I would like to eat.”

  “No.”

  “No? How dare you.” She raised her hand to slap his face, but he grabbed it with one of his and held onto it tightly. His other hand wrapped around the back of her neck and he brought his lips to hers. The kiss he bestowed upon her ignited an uncontrollable need, a desire so fierce he couldn’t contain himself. He became an unleashed animal, nipping at her throat with his teeth, undoing her robe and the buttons at her neck. He needed her, he wanted her and he was going to have her, here, right now. Tomorrow be damned.

  “I love you, Fiona,” he said ravaging her cheek with his mouth, his hands roaming freely over her body. “I love you so much I fear I will go insane. I want you. Now. I need you. I need to feel you naked beside me. You are my wife and I mean to have you.” He placed both his hands on the side of her face and looked into her eyes. “I love you so much, it is killing me.”

  He kissed her hungrily, pulling her close to him, wanting to feel her skin on his. He broke away and tore at the buttons on his waistcoat. He pulled his shirt over his head and reached for her again. Fiona gasped and Robert finally looked in her eyes.

  “You love me?” she asked quietly.

  His frantic heart slowed. “Fiona, I love you with every essence of my being. I’ve been like a lunatic today thinking you found your happiness with someone else. Please, forgive me. I swear to you I will never doubt you again.” He kissed the tears that streamed down her face. “Oh my darling,” he whispered, before he kissed her again and brought them both to the bed.

  Chapter Thirty

  Fiona woke to the sound of snoring. Laying in the darkness with her husband’s arms wrapped around her naked body, Fiona smiled. Robert loved her. Her mind whirled at the thought of it. She would never get over hearing the words – I love you.

  Fiona also now understood why Robert had not wanted to take her to bed before this. Lovemaking was a powerful, wondrous event, and it irreparably bound two people together in ways, she was certain, no other endeavor could ever do. She felt certain their souls were joined now, that they were truly married in the eyes of God. Beatrice’s lines from Much Ado About Nothing played in her mind –

  And, Benedick, love on: I will requite thee,

  Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand:

  If thou dost love, my kindness shall incite thee

  To bind our loves up in a holy band

  There could never be another man so perfectly suited to her in every way. Robert’s strength and gentleness, his uncanny ability to know exactly what she wanted from him even though she did not know it herself, embedded itself in her deepest senses. He knew her in the truest sense of the word.

  The passion he exuded far exceeded her expectations. Funny now, when he’d tossed off the words so long ago, ‘I did not wish to frighten you with my passion’ she thought him nonsensical. How could one be frightened by passion? But now she could understand exactly what he meant. She was frightened. Petrified by how much she loved him. Terrified by how much she enjoyed making love to him.

  She crept from under the covers and moved slowly to the water closet. Her body ached in places she had no idea were even a part of her. Fiona wondered if she would even be able to dance at the ball.

  Finished, she found another robe in the armoire and put it on. Standing by the window, she looked out over the treetops at the emerging dawn. Yesterday afternoon driving back from St. John’s Wood, she had thought how her life would change, that she would have to live alone, that her life with Robert was no more.

  Here, in this moment, staring at him in her bed, her life was so dramatically different. She would never have to be alone again. She would always have him and his family. Children someday. Perhaps even now the seeds of love were sowing a miracle inside of her.

  Fiona slipped around to her side of the bed and lay down next to him. Robert moved and Fiona brushed the side of his face with her fingers. His eyes slowly opened and he smiled at her.

  “Good morning, wife.”

  “Good morning, husband.”

  “How do you feel?”

  “I am well, although….” She couldn’t finish the sentence.

  “That is to be expected. Last night was exceedingly strenuous for you. It may take a few days for you to return to normal.” He leaned over and kissed her quickly, then bounded out of bed. He headed for the water closet.

  Fiona lay back against the pillows and waited for him.

  When he opened the door, she marveled at his naked flesh. Surely carved from one of the great Ma
sters’ hands, Robert exuded masculinity and power. He walked to her, leaned down and kissed her gently.

  “I must begin my day, dearest,” he said gazing down at her. “I suggest you rest until this evening.”

  “I could not stay abed again today. I have too many things I must attend.”

  “Well then, be careful. Do not overtire yourself. We have four hundred people expected this evening.” He kissed her nose. “I do love you, Fee. Remember that today.”

  “And I love you, Robby.” Fiona blushed uttering the name she called out to him as he made love to her last night.

  He kissed her again, ‘for luck’ he said, and then opened the door to the adjoining chamber. He turned back and winked and then he was gone.

  Fiona lay against the pillows and could not stop smiling.

  As Fiona went about her tasks during the day, she couldn’t help notice a subtle change in the atmosphere at Cantin House. There seemed to be a pervasive joy emanating from the servants. Their smiles were larger, their attitude more helpful, as if they couldn’t do her bidding fast enough. Edwards seemed particularly jovial when he came upon her in the ballroom.

  “Good morning, your ladyship,” he said positively beaming.

  “Good morning, Mr. Edwards.”

  “Is there anything I may do for you?”

  “No, thank you. You have already done so much.” Fiona picked a small piece of dead leaf from a fern.

  “Well, if there is anything, please do not hesitate to ask.” As he walked away, Fiona noticed a slight spring in his step.

  Even her mother-in-law’s smiles were over large as they sat together at luncheon.

  Fiona wondered if giving a ball always brought this kind of excitement to the household.

  During the course of the day, several messengers arrived bearing gifts from Robert. The first, a large bouquet of flowers with a note that read – All my love. The second, a box of exquisite chocolate confections. Third, a two-strand pearl bracelet with earbobs to match. Fiona, although used to receiving gifts from her husband, was thrilled as these meant so much more to her. They were sent with love, and not as form of payment. The threat of the annulment no longer weighed her down and Fiona embraced her life as Duchess of Cantin as she never had before.

  Tonight with Robert by her side, she would be able to stand proudly as his rightful wife, now in every way that mattered.

  *****

  Robert whistled as he walked down St. Martin Street. He smiled when he thought how lucky he was, that he was in love with his wife. His wife! Finally, they were as one, in thought, word, and deed. It was an extraordinary feeling, and Robert couldn’t be any more pleased. He mentally kicked himself for waiting so long to tell her how he felt.

  Tonight’s festivities would be the culmination of their joining. Standing together as husband and wife in every way. He laughed out loud when he thought of Lady Olivia. She would be elated.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  When Robert came home late that afternoon, Fiona tried not to appear too giddy in his presence. His smile nearly brought her to her knees.

  “How are you, darling?” he asked and kissed her, in front of James the Younger and Edwards.

  Fiona stuttered a greeting in return. Oh how she wanted to throw her arms around him and take him up to her bedchamber, but that would look ridiculous. Then again, she was his wife and now they had finally come together, why couldn't she?

  Robert took her hand and led her down the hall away from prying eyes. He brought her into his library.

  “Fiona, I know what you are thinking,” he said with a smile, “However, I do not believe we have time for such an interlude. And you must take into consideration how you will feel afterward. Last night was your first time and I do not wish to, how shall I say this delicately, break you. As much as I would like nothing better than to take you upstairs and ravage you.” He kissed her palm.

  Fiona stifled a giggle. “Perhaps after the ball then?”

  Robert threw back his head and laughed. “I knew you would share my healthy appetite for lovemaking. Here, give us a kiss to last until then, and I promise I will do my best to satisfy your every whim later.”

  He kissed her and left her breathless. “There, how was that, my lusty Scottish wench?”

  Fiona giggled again. “’Twill do for now.”

  “Good, let us raid the kitchen. I find myself with an appetite. And then we must prepare for the ball. Are you sure you are ready for the event? All that bowing and scraping.”

  “As long as I do not fall over in a curtsy, I should not mind at all.” Fiona laughed.

  “Oh, I forgot to mention,” Robert said as they made their way to the back of the house. “The Regent said he may put in an appearance.”

  “What!”

  “You know, George. I invited him last week when I dined at Carlton House.”

  “And you wait until now to inform me. Robert, what am I to do?” Fiona wailed.

  “To do?” He smiled. “Why there is nothing to do. George will either show or he will not, and I, as a betting men, believe he will not, so do not worry your pretty little head over it. Besides, my mother will keep him entertained. You only have to make the pretty once.”

  Fiona stood horrified at the thought the Prince Regent might be in her home in less than three hours and she was not prepared. “Where is Edwards, I must inform Edwards.” Fiona turned and was half-way up the hall before Robert caught up to her.

  “Dearest, I have already informed Edwards of George’s invitation. There is nothing to fear. He has, I’m sure, taken care of everything. Now come, let us away to the kitchen where you can feed me.”

  Robert stood at the top of the stairs with his mother and Fiona greeting the long line of guests. Fiona looked absolutely stunning in her red silk ball gown, her mother’s pearls around her neck. She also wore his gifts of the bracelet and earbobs. Robert had never felt so right in his skin, so deserving of his father’s title, Duke of Cantin, as he did this night.

  Friends and acquaintance greeted him and Fiona warmly, and his mother made introductions when necessary. Edwards hovered on the landing. When the steady stream seemed to dissipate, Robert sent word to the musicians to begin the first dance. He led Fiona out to the floor and took her in is arms.

  “Well, madam wife, shall we?” he asked and then bowed.

  “By all means,” she replied and curtsied.

  When the dance ended, Robert led Fiona in the direction of his mother who sat with the dowagers. He hadn’t had the chance to speak with Lady Olivia and wished to do so now.

  “Ah, here you are,” she said upon seeing them together. “Tell me, how do you like the evening so far, Fiona?”

  “’Tis everything I could have ever imagined, Lady Olivia. How do you find your situation? Are you comfortable? Is there anything you require?”

  “No, although I do thank you for asking.” She peered at Robert with a discerning eye. “Cantin, you seem to have swallowed a canary. I trust everything is going according to plan at last.”

  He bowed. “As usual, Lady Olivia, your advice was well worth heeding, and I thank you for pointing out the error of my ways.”

  Lady Olivia thumped her cane on the floor. “’Twould do you good to remember, Cantin, I am always right.”

  At that moment, the musicians struck the opening notes to God Save the King. Robert bowed to all the women sitting together. “If you would excuse us ladies, I believe His Royal Highness has arrived.”

  He turned toward the doorway and there stood Prinny with his usual entourage. “Come, my dear," he said to Fiona. “I shall introduce you to His Royal Highness.” As Robert led Fiona away, he overheard Lady Olivia say to his mother, “About time they found their way.”

  Fiona did exceptionally well with Prince George, rising from her curtsy without fainting as Robert feared she would do. Visibly shaken upon meeting the heir to the throne, Fiona lost some of her anxiety when George complimented her on her necklace.
/>   “If I were but the smallest pearl about your throat, Lady Fiona, I should die a happy man.”

  Fiona blushed as deeply as the color of her gown. George then asked Fiona to escort him around the room and when they stopped and spoke with Penny and William, Robert relaxed. Fiona would be at ease now, for he knew Penny would charm the Regent as she always did.

  Robert looked around the room with a self-satisfied smile. It had been too many years since his family hosted a ball, and seeing his mother so happy tonight, he hoped it would be the first of many more to come. As he watched a group of dancers, he caught a glimpse of a woman across the room who looked painfully familiar, although he couldn’t be sure. It had been almost eleven years since he had seen Mary Elizabeth. Perhaps his mind played tricks on him. Why would she be here at his ball?

  He made his way through the throng to where he had last seen her. She wasn’t there. He looked around and found himself with a knot in his stomach. Could it really be Mary Elizabeth? He shook his head. For all he knew she was probably still on the Continent with the fop Binghamton she had married. He had not heard she’d returned.

  “Robert,” Davingdale touched his shoulder. “Robert old man, are you all right? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost. I’ve been speaking to you for some time.”

  “Thomas, forgive me.” Robert sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I thought for a moment….no, it was nothing.” He shrugged. “How are you? Enjoying yourself?”

  Davingdale snorted. “Trying to escape Lady Pen. Why must she insist on making me a match when I have explained to her I do not wish one?”

  Robert smiled. “I believe she acquired that particular trait from her aunt.”

  Davingdale smirked. “Well, perhaps you would be so kind when next you meet, to explain to Lady Pen again, I do not wish a wife.”

  “I shall, but I will also say, it will not do any good. Once Penny has her mind made up, she is a veritable bull.”