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

by Anne Gallagher

  He’d treated Fiona to all the charismatic charm he could muster, which he had to admit wasn’t hard. Fiona was delightful when they weren’t at each other’s throats, laughing and smiling at the stories he’d told about him and his friends in their younger years.

  When talk became more serious, she impressed his friends and their wives with her honest opinions. He’d known she was intelligent, but her cleverness was something that surprised him. He felt she was on a par with the other women his friends had married and basked in the newfound pride he felt. Yes, she would hold him in good stead as a duchess.

  Flipping through the morning paper, he noted there was no mention of his name or Fiona’s. Finally, the gossipmongers had found someone else to hound. He prayed it would remain thus.

  Finished with breakfast, he went to his desk and penned a note to Fiona. Would she care to go for a drive with him this afternoon? He would take her during the fashionable hour and show her off, show her a proper courtship. She hadn’t come down to breakfast, and Robert surmised she slept in, so asked Edwards to place it on her tray.

  Robert set to work on his correspondence, a smile on his face and a renewed sense of hope in his heart. His life was becoming everything he’d always wanted to achieve.

  *****

  The luncheon at Lady Bellingham’s left Fiona feeling more at ease with her place in Society. No longer treated as a newcomer, she found her opinions regarded, and her questions answered. She had certainly come a long way since Lady Joanna had taken her on her first rounds to the ‘at-homes’ and Fiona was glad she and Robert had finally managed to come to some sort of understanding.

  Although, what his kisses meant, she was still unsure. He had every right to bed her. He was her husband. So why hadn’t he last night? The thought of him in her bed frightened her, but at the same time excited her. He was so handsome, and his touch so gentle when he wasn’t angry. She had lain awake for quite some time reveling in his kiss at her door, examining the motive behind it, but finding nothing other than his need for her to play the role of consummate duchess at his dinner party, she dismissed it and finally fell asleep.

  However, with his invitation of a ride in the Park this afternoon, she debated briefly on the idea he could actually be on the verge of liking her. It was a sad fact to admit that her husband’s new attentions meant nothing to him other than as a means to an end. He needed the legislation passed and she was to help him achieve that goal.

  Nevertheless, she looked forward to the outing. Since the incident at the docks, Fiona had stopped taking her morning walks with Merry, and all her daytime activities revolved around Eammon and the carriage. Perhaps she could persuade Robert to walk with her for a bit.

  At four o’clock on the dot, Robert brought the cabriolet around and Edwards helped her into it. The top down, Fiona was concerned Robert would drive too fast and upset her new hat. Lady Joanna had insisted upon the silly creation when shopping for gowns, and Fiona had never thought she would wear it in the whole of her life.

  As she sat in the carriage, and adjusted her skirts, Robert stared at her for more than a few moments. “Is something amiss, my lord?”

  “What is that perched on the top of your head?”

  Something in his tone made her suspect he was trying not to laugh. “I hear it is the latest style, my lord,” Fiona said. “Your mother insisted upon it for our outing. Said I would not wish anyone to think the new Duchess of Cantin does not know fashion.”

  “I think my mother does not know fashion. Take it off, it looks ridiculous.”

  Fiona gladly reached up, undid the pins, and placed the frightful thing in her lap.

  “How can anyone think having purple birds on their head is fashionable,” Robert asked as he flicked the reins.

  They took off at a modest pace, and entering the Park, Fiona gaped at the crowds of people walking, riding, and coaching.

  “Why are there so many people here?” Fiona asked. “Do they not have anything to occupy their time?”

  “’Tis the fashionable hour, my dear. Anyone who wishes to be seen is here. I should have taken you as soon as we returned to Town, but alas, ‘tis only now I see the error of my ways.”

  Fiona glanced at him, then kept her eyes on the track. Horses of all shapes and sizes pulled equipages of all manner of description. It reminded Fiona of a ball. All they needed was music to make the atmosphere complete.

  “Why do people feel the need to be seen? Are the balls and parties not enough?”

  “My dear, this is London. ‘Tis what we do. And not everyone is invited to balls and parties, particularly those with less than stellar reputations. This is the place where they congregate before heading off to whatever entertainments they find for the evening.”

  “They seem like fish swimming upstream,” Fiona pointed out. “All moving in the same direction, none with a thought of their own.”

  “Perhaps they are, however, if we all did not go the same course, we would be crashing into one another, do you not think?” His voice held a note of bemusement.

  “Yes, I suppose you are right.” It all seemed like too much nonsense to her. Why would this be considered a posh activity? It served no purpose, other than to exercise the horses, and on her morning walks with Merry, she had seen all manner of beasts getting their daily constitutional.

  She noticed Robert nodding to almost everyone they passed.

  “Do you know all those whom you acknowledge?”

  “Yes, for the most part. And those I do not, know me, or at least wish they did.” He smiled at her.

  “You are very self-assured, my lord.”

  “I am my father’s son, Fiona, raised to be the Duke of Cantin. With that come certain responsibilities to my family, my tenants, and to a lesser extent, the people of Society. I did not gain the Regent’s ear or my place in Parliament by being less than what my father expected of me. I work hard to make good legislation, to allow the lower classes to have decent working conditions, to pass bills that make sense for future generations. If I were not the only son, I would have gone off to fight for our country, to make a name for myself in that way, the same as William did.”

  “You would not,” Fiona said.

  “Yes, Fiona, I would,” he replied sincerely. “We have the greatest Monarchy in the world, and when that is threatened I believe we should all do our part to defend it. I honor Will’s service, and wish I could have been there with him and Davingdale. Alas, I had to remain and do my part from home. I only pray that all I achieve in my lifetime is not wasted.”

  “Is that why this new legislation is important to you? Does it have something to do with the fighting?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, it does. Lord Nelson made his mark for the RN when he defeated Napoleon at Trafalgar. My father was still alive then, and passed legislation for the returning seamen who were maimed. ‘Twas a great bloody battle, and I saw firsthand what horrors can inflict a man’s soul.”

  “How?” Fiona asked. “I thought you said you were not in the campaigns.”

  “My friend Richard. Captain Gaines. Richard’s story of the sea-battle was enough to scar even the bravest of men just from the telling. Although not a British ship was lost, the fighting was tremendous and over fifteen thousand were killed. Richard said the sea was colored red that day. He was also the man who stayed with Nelson while he died. Richard long bears the scars of the wounds he suffered, waiting to receive medical attention so he could remain with his beloved Admiral. He has not been the same since. I believe the wounds to his mind were more brutal than any he suffered to his person. And now with Bonaparte killing and maiming all over Europe, I see the suffering our men must endure when they return home. William refuses to speak about all he lost in Spain. He is not the same boy I remember from childhood. War does things to a man that leave them broken in one aspect or another. If I cannot fight with them, the least I can do is fight for them, which is why the legislation I am putting forth is so important. I am tryi
ng to gain for the soldiers what my father gained for the sailors.”

  Robert flicked the reins to avoid an on-coming phaeton as it raced another on the Row.

  “Damned bloody fools,” he uttered.

  Fiona felt embarrassed by their rift over the dinner party. She had no idea how much it meant to Robert, until now. She wanted to say something, to reassure him the night would be everything he wished, but how could she? She would not make a promise she couldn’t keep, but she would do everything in her power to make the night a success.

  Instead she laid her hand on his forearm as he drove. He glanced down at it, but not her face and she was thankful he couldn’t see her tears. Pride in her husband filled her soul.

  They drove to the end of the Row and followed the traffic as it made another circuit. Fiona could not say whether she enjoyed the ride or not, her entire focus remained on the man sitting beside her. Before, she had no idea how deep his convictions lay. Something only an intimate friend would know, and she was glad now he had shared part of his moral compass with her.

  Returning home, Fiona thanked him for the day out, and while he returned to his study, she retired to her bedchamber to rest before the night’s round of dancing. Lord and Lady Markham were the hosts for the evening, although if Fiona were truthful, she wished they could stay home. Sleeping away the morning, eating all afternoon, and then dancing all night were not conducive to her natural way of life.

  Why could they not have remained in Swansea, where life was simpler, where she didn’t feel the need to be Robert’s duchess, only his wife.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  The next week passed in a blur as Robert swept Fiona up in a tide of parties, balls, and dinners. They even went to Covent Garden to see the great actress, Sarah Siddons, perform. Fiona, never having been to the theatre found the experience exhilarating.

  Robert’s sudden interest in her left her wondering when it would all come crashing down around her feet. This new Robert was sweet, kind, generous to a fault, and the diamond earbobs and ruby bracelet were the latest gifts in a long line that had started with flowers. She’d had a sneaking suspicion Robert was jealous over the bouquets she received from Greenleigh and so wanted to outshine the Earl’s lavish flowers. Every day she found something at breakfast, whether a note, or an emerald ring. And every night he danced and laughed with her, then kissed her hungrily when he left her at her bedchamber door.

  He’d never taken the next step to her bed, never even made mention that he wanted to, and Fiona grew increasingly unsettled. Why was he doing this? She appreciated his show of affection, his concern for her thoughts and ideas, she even admired the way he waited patiently for her at the modiste. However, she knew his congenial mood came with a price. The problem was he hadn’t named it yet and she wondered how much it would cost her.

  Fiona had settled herself in the formal dining room with the books Edwards had brought up from his cupboard. Robert’s dinner party was little less than a fortnight away and Fiona wanted to ensure everything was in place. Her nerves over the enterprise were keeping her in a state. Perfection was not guaranteed, although she had gone over every detail infinite times. Edwards promised the staff had been well-rehearsed in dinner parties, but Fiona was not convinced. Hence, she poured over the books, again.

  A new gown had been ordered. Merry tried countless styles on her hair, and Fiona had written any number of interesting dinner topics, and took time to memorize them every day. If Sarah Siddons could learn lines, so could she.

  The planning for the party was the most important thing Fiona had attended to in her life. She wanted this to go well for Robert, as it was imperative to the people he was trying to help. If the legislation did not pass, she did not want the fault to be her own, or by reflection of her, Robert’s. It would fall on the shoulders of the men who voted.

  “Ah, here you are,” Robert said, coming into the room. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m going over the plans for the party.” Fiona moved the menu to one side.

  “Again? Fiona, Edwards assures me everything is well in hand. Cook has the menu, the maids and footmen have their duties to clean, and the flowers have been ordered. What more is there to do but wait for the day?”

  “I understand,” she said. “Nonetheless I feel I am overlooking a very important element that is crucial, and I cannot put my finger on it.”

  “Fiona, the only thing that has not been done is the seating arrangement and that is because all the responses have not yet been received. And Mother informs me she has already spoken to you about that.” Robert walked toward her and sat down at the table.

  She gave him a weak smile. “I know, but I do want this night to go well.”

  Robert took her hand. “It will be fine, so please do not fash yourself so.”

  Fiona smiled at his use of her common tongue. “Yes, all right. If you wish.”

  “You will fash no matter what I say, am I correct?”

  “Yes.”

  He patted her hand. “I have some news to share. I need to away.”

  “Away? Where?”

  “Before we married, I was in the process of taking stock of all the estates, which was what brought me to Peebles in the first place. The last one remaining is Cantin Park. I had hoped to wait until the fall during hunting season, but a problem has arisen I must attend immediately. I thought to leave tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow? How long will you be gone?”

  “I cannot say for sure. My steward informs me the structural integrity of the gristmill has suffered damage from the spring rains. As it has also been quite some time since the lord of the manor has been in residence, I shall need to attend to the magistrate. Naturally, I will try to expedite matters quickly, but I’m afraid I will probably not return for a fortnight. Would you care to go with me?”

  Fiona wanted to say yes immediately, she would love to, but she couldn’t. Not with the last of the dinner party responsibilities undone. How could she? Of course, Lady Joanna would take care of the seating arrangement for her, and any other little thing that needed attention, but this was Fiona’s big night, her chance to show Robert she could do it.

  “Thank you for thinking of me, but I cannot. I must stay here and attend to the invitations I have already accepted, and of course finalize the plans for the night of the party.”

  “Of course,” Robert said. He sounded disappointed.

  “Perhaps in the fall,” she said.

  “Yes, perhaps.” He stood. “Well, I must get back to the matters at hand. I thought you should know straight away.”

  “Thank you,” Fiona said. As an afterthought she asked, “Tell me, are you taking your valet?”

  “No. I think I should have no reason for Davidson. And at his age, the bumps and ruts on the roads would cause his old bones to creak more than the springs in the carriage.”

  “Why do not you pension him off then?”

  “He belonged to my father. I have asked if he wished to retire, and he refused. Several times in fact. So he shall remain with me until he is ready.”

  “That is very kind of you to keep him on.”

  “As I said, he belonged to my father.” Robert took a step back. “I trust I will see you at dinner.”

  “Shall you attend the Sefton’s ball?”

  “No. I should like to get a good night’s rest.”

  “Then I will send my excuses.” She stood, and folded up the book.

  “Fiona, that is not necessary. You should take every opportunity to enjoy yourself.”

  “I believe if my husband is leaving on a trip, my place is with him until he departs,” Fiona said and walked with him to the hall.

  “As you wish. But you will find I shall be very dull company.”

  “During the last weeks I find I am in desperate need of some dull company. And a good night’s rest as well.” She smiled. “I shall inform your mother and we shall both look forward to seeing you at dinner.”

  Robert too
k up her hand and kissed her palm before heading to his study.

  If the tingling in her hand were any indication, perhaps the company would not be so very dull after all.

  Dinner was cozy with just the three of them and they ate in the less formal breakfast room. Lady Joanna kept up a steady stream of chatter, posing questions to Robert about the Park and the fixing of the grist mill. Fiona found that practically all of the food in the pantry was grown on Cantin estates and kept in a large warehouse outside the city limits. Any excess was given to the orphanages and the sea-men home Robert supported. Fiona’s eyes were clearly open now to his unstinting beneficent nature. She was ashamed to admit she had once compared him to her parsimonious father.

  After Lady Joanna departed for the Sefton’s ball, Fiona joined Robert in front of the fire in the library. He poured her a glass of ratafia and he enjoyed a short snifter of brandy. The silence, broken only by the sound of the logs spitting in the grate, was comfortable. Fiona chanced a glance at his face and found him in repose staring at the fire. Lord, he was handsome and a slow heat burned in her belly. Pictures of him, wearing only his drawers, flashed in her mind.

  “When do you leave?” she asked to interrupt her own thoughts.

  “Daybreak. ‘Tis a few hours by horseback, although not as far as Swansea, and I should like to be there by noon.”

  “You will take care on the road, will you not?”

  “Of course. Brunswick, Phyllis’s husband is to accompany me.”

  “Oh, that is good. Is there a staff to await you?”

  “Yes, Fiona.” He chuckled. “Are you afraid I will have to fend for myself? I’m perfectly capable you know.”

  Her cheeks warmed, although it had nothing to do with the fire. “No, I only…that is to say, I should hate to have you take ill again and no one to care for you.”