Greenleigh sighed. “If that is what you wish, then I have no cause to deny you. Come, let us away to the rental agency where you may take possession of your new home.”
*****
Robert sat in his study staring morosely out the window. It had been ten days since Fiona left. He had searched everywhere he could think, even sending a letter to her father. The response from the Laird Stewart lambasted him for losing his wife over a strumpet, and if Fiona ever did come back to Scotland, it would be over the Laird Stewart’s dead body when he would tell him.
Edwards knocked on the door. “I hate to interrupt, Your Grace, but your solicitor Mr. Goss is here to see you.”
Goss? What could he want? “Send him in, Edwards.” Robert rose from his chair and pulled at his cuffs.
Albert Goss, a diminutive man who took snuff more than was good for him, entered Robert’s study. He held out his hand, and then bowed subserviently.
“Thank you for seeing me, Your Grace. I know you did not wish to be disturbed over this matter, however, Berkely and I could not help think, being in your best interests of course, in light of everything that is happening, that you might wish to take another look at the paperwork, and perhaps reevaluate the structure of the decree. We both feel that abandonment would be the wiser of the two choices now, especially as it is widely reported Lady Fiona has left your domicile.”
“Mr. Goss,” Robert said. “I appreciate your concern over my best interests, but what, pray tell, are you talking about?”
“The annulment, Your Grace.” Mr. Goss dug around in his satchel and brought out the papers.
Robert took the paperwork and read through it quickly. It was the original annulment decree they had written up those many months ago. He slapped the papers on his desk and opened the drawer where he kept them. They weren’t there. He looked again at the annulment decree and found his signature. It wasn’t his. It came very close, but it wasn’t his. It also explained why Davidson had complained about his overzealous use of wax on his signet ring.
There could only be one explanation. Fiona had forged, or had someone forge, his signature and then sent the paperwork to his law firm.
“Tell me, Mr. Goss, when did you receive this?”
“Your servant brought them to us nine days ago.”
“And my servant told you I did not wish to be disturbed over this matter?”
“Yes, Your Grace. Adamant in fact we not bother you at all. He said, and I quote, you were trying to put the foolish marriage behind you and wanted to forget it ever happened. However, as I said, Berkely and I thought it might make things easier if you were to proclaim abandonment rather than fraud. Make the proceedings run smoother, what.”
Thankfully, Berkely and Goss had decided to keep his best interests at heart. Fiona would certainly have been found out in court she had forged his signature and that would have led to all kinds of trouble, possibly even gaol.
“Mr. Goss, I thank you for your singular attention in this matter, but I believe there has been a grave misunderstanding. I inadvertently signed those papers in a moment of great distress and had them sent to you without thinking clearly. I have no wish at present to proceed with the annulment from my wife, and I relieve you of the duties therein.”
Mr. Goss looked at him with a wary eye. “Are you sure, Your Grace?”
“Yes, Mr. Goss. I am very sure.”
“Very well, then. Thank you for your time.” He bowed and left Robert standing there shaking his head. He had to hand it to Fiona. She was clever.
After Goss left, Robert sat down at his desk and studied the paperwork. Oh yes, the little minx was very clever indeed. His memory of the ball had returned slowly, and over the course of the last sennight, Robert had managed to put it all together. But this was a new twist.
He had questioned all the servants after Fiona’s departure and the night footman, who had been the last person to see Fiona, had said she had returned to the study to blow out the candle. Robert now figured, she hadn’t been looking for him as she said. Fiona had been looking for the annulment papers.
Robert raked his hands through his hair. Oh, bloody hell, she hated him enough to forge his signature and risk prison, because she couldn’t bear the thought of being married to him. What kind of man had he become to drive a woman to that?
Edwards appeared in the doorway. “Lord Davingdale is here, Your Grace. He says it is of the utmost importance he speak with you directly.”
Robert stood and Davingdale practically knocked Edwards over coming into the room.
“I know where Fiona is,” he said.
“Where?” Robert’s heart jumped to his throat.
“With Greenleigh.”
“Greenleigh? Are you sure?” Robert tried to contain his temper. Greenleigh and Fiona were only good friends he told himself.
“Positive. I just saw them entering the Bainbridge.”
“The Bainbridge? Thomas, are you positive it was Fiona?” He knew Greenleigh to be an upstanding man, but he also knew men in love did foolish things. Would Greenleigh take the chance of being with Fiona knowing Robert would kill him?
“Robert, I swear to you on my life it was Fiona. I recognized your old groomsman, what was his name, and Fiona had a young maid with her. I know it was them because I remember seeing them together when I would ride in the mornings in the Park.”
“Edwards,” Robert yelled.
Edwards stepped out from behind the half-closed door.
“Have Zeus saddled now.”
With Davingdale beside him, Robert rode to the Bainbridge. Davingdale held the horses while Robert went in.
“I am looking for my wife, the Duchess of Cantin,” he snarled at the concierge. If he found out they had lied to him when he had asked for her last week….
“I am sorry, Your Grace, your wife has not checked in.”
“She was seen entering your establishment with the Earl of Greenleigh, her maid and a male servant not more than a half hour ago.”
“I’m sorry, Your Grace, the Earl of Greenleigh left with his cousin, Lady Stewart.”
“Lady Stewart?”
“Yes, Your Grace, the Earl of Stewart’s daughter, lately of Peebles in Scotland.”
Robert could have kicked himself. Of course, she would not be so foolish as to use her own name. His wife was exceedingly clever.
“Where did they go?”
“I’m sorry, Your Grace, I have no idea. The Earl checked Lady Stewart out.” The concierge showed Robert the room bill. Greenleigh’s signature was on the bottom. Damn it!
He stormed out of the hotel, and jumped on Zeus. “She’s checked out, but she’s with Greenleigh,” he said to Davingdale. “Do you know where he lives?”
“No.”
Robert turned Zeus and they headed to White’s. If anyone knew where Greenleigh lived, it would be Jacobs the maitre ‘d.
Jacobs gave them the address, fourteen Pottiger Lane, in the oldest section of Piccadilly. Not exactly the hub of Society, but still fashionable.
Robert banged on the front door. An old man answered.
“Where is Greenleigh,” Robert demanded.
“I have no idea. It is not my place to know the whereabouts of my nephew. Who are you?”
“I am the Duke of Cantin, and Greenleigh is with my wife.”
The old man smiled. “About time that boy decided to get to bed.”
“When he returns, tell him I will await him at my house. If he does not see me by dawn I will find him and you sir, shall not have to worry any longer about the whereabouts of your nephew. He shall be with the angels in Heaven.”
Robert thanked Davingdale for his service and his friendship and they parted company. There was nothing else for Robert to do but wait for Greenleigh.
Robert paced the floor of his study. Alternating between fits of rage and utter despair, Robert had no idea whether he should have Edwards stand in the room with him or not, just in case he decided to do harm to Greenleigh.
Although, he couldn’t really blame the Earl in all this. Save Penny, he was probably Fiona’s only friend.
At half-eight that evening, Edwards announced the Earl of Greenleigh.
Robert maintained his composure. “Greenleigh.”
“Cantin.”
Robert felt like a wary cat as they circled each other in the room.
“Where is my wife?”
“Before I tell you, there are a few things I think you should know.”
“By all means, do sit down,” Robert said, a sarcastic bite lingering in his words. “Would you care for a drink?”
“No, thank you,” Greenleigh said. He handed Robert a small leather case and sat.
“What is this?” Robert leaned against his desk.
“These are your wife’s jewels she asked me to pawn for her so she could escape from you. Naturally, I insisted she allow me to help her financially, but she refused.”
Robert opened the case and found jewelry he had never seen before. “Where did she get these?”
“Her mother is what she told me.” Greenleigh folded his hands in his lap.
Robert had not thought there were any more than the pearls. “How much?”
“All told the sum of six hundred pounds, which also includes the bill from the Bainbridge.”
“Six hundred pounds! What the bloody hell could she want with six hundred pounds?”
“She has taken a year’s lease on a small property owned by a friend of mine.”
“What!” Robert couldn’t think straight.
“Cantin, may I speak directly?”
“Please.” Robert sat down in the chair opposite Greenleigh. He needed some sort of guidance. He was fully prepared to beg Fiona to come back, but with her taking the lease on a house, it didn’t appear as if she would. And at this point it seemed, Greenleigh was the only one who knew what she was thinking.
“I am perfectly willing to tell you where your wife now resides. However, I need to know what you plan on doing about the Countess. Not that it is any of my business, but Lady Fiona is a very particular friend of mine and I do not wish to see her heart broken one more time by your foolishness. I swear to you, Cantin, if you insist on having the Countess de Lavallier as your mistress, I will personally call you out.”
Robert waved him off. “The Countess means nothing to me.”
“Are you sure? Lady Fiona is under the impression she means a great deal to you.”
“I was drunk. Mary Elizabeth took me by surprise. My heart belongs entirely to Fiona.”
Greenleigh heaved a sigh. “That is what I tried to tell her, but she refused to listen.” He gave Robert a measured look. “You have a fight on your hands, you know. Lady Fiona is one of the most stubborn women of my acquaintance. I do not believe she will take you back, Cantin.”
“That is what everyone has tried to tell me, but I know my wife. I believe she will.”
“Do you, Cantin, do you really know Fiona?”
Good question. “Yes. I believe I do. I know that she loves me.”
“Aye. She does. But do you know what she thinks? Do you know how she feels? Do you know, for instance, she loves apple tarts? Or that yellow is her favorite color because it reminds her of daisies. Do you know she wants to free all the animals in the zoological gardens because she cannot bear to see them locked up in cages. Do you know any of that?”
Greenleigh had him there. “I suppose you do.”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. Your wife and I have spent many hours together over these last months while you ignored her.”
“I did not ignore her for months,” Robert sputtered. “I spent time with her.”
“Yes, in the company of strangers. At balls and parties, showing her off as the Duchess of Cantin. She related to me the only time you spent with her and only her, was during one drive through the Park and you talked only of yourself. What you wanted to achieve in this world before you die. Have you never asked her what she wanted?”
Greenleigh had him there. “What about the time we spent in Swansea?” he asked. “Did she not tell you of that?” They were happy in Swansea, at least Robert thought so.
“Yes, she mentioned it, although it brought back such sad memories for her, she refused to discuss it.”
He stood. “Where is she Greenleigh?” Robert was losing his patience. He wanted his wife to come home.
Greenleigh rose from his chair. “I shall send a messenger ‘round first thing in the morning with the address.”
Robert clenched his fists. “I want my wife back, and I want her in this house with me tonight.”
Greenleigh smiled. “Yes, and I’m sure she would be delighted to do so while you are in that temperament. Look at yourself, Cantin. Take a good long look and tell me if Fiona would come home to you wearing this disposition.” He strode to the door. “Collect your thoughts. Look at the situation from her point of view, Cantin. She has been living under the threat of annulment. She has been ignored, mired in scandal, set aside, and now made a fool of by her husband. Choose your words very carefully. One slip and you will lose Fiona forever.” Greenleigh nodded and walked out.
Robert stood there feeling inept and in over his head. Greenleigh knew more about his wife than he did. But he had to admit, the Earl was right. He couldn’t go to Fiona is this state, tired, angry, confused. He would have to wait until Greenleigh sent the address anyway. He may as well get a good night’s sleep.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Fiona woke to the church bells at St. Ann’s ringing the morning’s devotions. She stretched and realized she did not have the comfort of a water closet in this house. Well, she was used to doing things the old-fashioned way and found her chamber pot. Finished, she slipped on her robe and slippers and padded downstairs where she found Merry already gathering a tray for breakfast.
“Merry what are you doing?”
“Putting up a pot of tea, my lady. I’m afraid there is no chocolate.”
Another thing Fiona would have to get used to. “Yes, of course. Where is Eammon? Still abed?”
“Oh no, my lady. He dressed and was out a’ fore dawn. Said he wanted to go to Tattersall’s to see if there were any cheap cattle for sale. Forgive me, your ladyship. I merely mentioned to him what you said to the Earl yesterday about not having your own carriage anymore. He thought he might be able to secure something for ye’.”
A lump formed in Fiona’s throat. “How very sweet of him to think of me in such a way.”
“Eammon would do anything for you, my lady.”
Fiona sat down on the little stool and watched Merry open the cabinets. “What are you looking for?”
“Food, your ladyship. The only thing I’ve found so far is the tea, but no sugar.” She pulled down a jar and looked at its shape. “I believe this may be honey, but I cannot be sure.”
Fiona reached for it and pried off the lid. Yes, it was honey, with dead insects and mold growing on top. She sighed. “Well, after my tea, I believe we should make our way to the grocery, and then to the mercantile. Make a list of what you think we shall need. I will go up and dress.”
Fiona put on an old calico she had worn in Scotland, and tied her hair back with a ribbon. She needn’t pretend she was anything more than the Earl of Stewart’s daughter now, although she supposed she would get better service if she looked the part of a former duchess. She changed her gown and slipped into a dark blue serviceable morning gown. She did her hair in a braid and looped it around her head. Opening her mother’s jewelry box, she fastened the pearls around her neck. There. She looked in the cheval glass. Her black bonnet and mourning lace would invite no questions from strangers.
Fiona made her way downstairs and as she stepped into the hall, there was a knock at the door. Thinking it was Eammon, she opened it wide and gaped at who stood there. Robert!
“What are you doing here?” she asked. Her heart beat a staccato in her chest.
“I came to talk to you.”
“
Why?” What could he possibly have to say other than a flimsy excuse over his behaviour, which she had no intention of listening to.
“May I come in?” He bounced on the sole’s of his feet.
“Merry and I were just setting off to the grocer.” She stepped back from the door and allowed him to come in. “I’m afraid I cannot offer you anything. There is not a stitch of food in the house.”
“Have you not eaten then?”
She closed the door. “No. I took possession yesterday and did not think about food as we had an early supper with Greenleigh.” Fiona stared at her husband. He was thin, but still incredibly handsome, and her fingers ached to touch his face. “Robert, what do you want?”
Merry walked up the hall. “I am ready, my lady Who was at the….” She stopped when she saw Robert.
“Good morning, Merry.” Robert said.
Merry sunk into a curtsy. “Good morning, Your Grace.”
“Fiona tells me you were on your way to the grocer,” Robert said.
Merry looked to Fiona and then back to Robert. “Yes, Your Grace.”
Robert dug in his pocket, pulled out some pound notes, and handed them to her. “Why do not you go along? I will give you the use of my carriage as well, that way you will not have to carry the bundles all the way back.”
“Robert, I cannot allow you to do such a thing,” Fiona said.
“Why not? You are still my wife. It is a husband’s duty to provide food for the table is it not? And I’m sure you do not wish Merry to cart all the groceries back by herself.” Robert opened the door and went down to speak with his driver.
Merry looked at Fiona and held out the money.
“No Merry, keep it. Do as he says. Take the luxury of his carriage, as well. Robert and I must settle things between us. It will be good that you are not here in case he decides to shout at me.”
“Your ladyship,” Merry whispered. “I should not like to leave you alone.”
The Duke's Divorce (The Reluctant Grooms Series Volume IV) Page 26
