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

his prayer. His behaviour
this morning was abominable, however, he is fighting within
himself. Robert knows his own mind very well. What he does not know
are his emotions, especially when it comes to love. There, I
believe, is where you must help him.”
    “Help him? How?” Help Robert find his
emotions? Lady Joanna must be mad. Every time Robert opened his
mouth, he insulted her. If Fiona was in a room, Robert left it. Her
husband did not plan to stay married to her one second longer than
absolutely necessary.
    “You need to make him realize he does indeed
care for you. A great deal more than he lets on. I’m sure once he
recognizes it, you two will find your way to a very loving
relationship.”
    “Lady Joanna, what you propose is, well
forgive me, but it is quite preposterous.” Fiona paused and then
said quietly, “There is something I believe you need to know.
Robert will be attaining an annulment against our marriage at the
end of six months. We struck the bargain after we wed as the only
viable solution to our problem. Robert does not care for me. Robert
does not even find me likeable. In fact, he has told me so on
several occasions.”
    “Pish, dearest, he likes you very much. I can
see it in his eyes whenever you walk into a room. And I know all
about the annulment. He told me so on the very first day he brought
you home.”
    “You do?” Fiona asked.
    “Of course, I do. Robert always tells me the
truth when making important decisions. This was no different. I
hope you do not think he will go through with it.”
    “Lady Joanna, I may not know your son very
well, but Robert is resolute on this matter. He will not remain
married to me.”
    “Fiona, I am his mother. I know him better
than he knows himself, and I daresay Robert is quite confused by
you. I believe, my dear, he is frightened, and as we all know,
there is nothing more pitiable than a frightened man. What you must
endeavor to do is to make him less frightened of you.”
    “And how do you propose I do that? As you
have seen yourself, he cannot even remain in the same room with me
longer than ten minutes.”
    “And that, my dear, is precisely the point.
We need a reason for him to remain. And I know just how to do
it.”
    Fiona’s eyes nearly popped out of her head
with her mother-in-law’s suggestions, but she agreed she would at
least try. Not to save her marriage; she knew Robert would go ahead
with the annulment. No, she would go along with Lady Joanna’s
schemes because she didn’t want to hurt the woman’s feelings. Once
Lady Joanna realized it was all for naught, she would give up the
ridiculous idea that she and Robert would remain together.
    *****
    Robert bounced up the steps to Cantin House,
feeling less like the ogre he pretended to be. William had eased
his mind somewhat. Robert would try to get along with his wife, he
knew that he had to, his mother demanded it, and Robert had always
done what his mother asked. He would apologize to Fiona
forthwith.
    Edwards opened the door.
    “Where is my wife, Edwards?” Robert asked
stepping into the foyer.
    “She and your mother have gone to make the
rounds, Your Grace.”
    “And when are they due to return?” Robert
walked down the hall to the library, Edwards following.
    “I cannot say, Your Grace.”
    Entering the room, Robert stopped behind the
desk and looked at his butler. Edwards knew everything about their
family. Surely, he would know where his mother had taken his
wife.
    “Edwards?”
    “I believe your mother held fifteen calling
cards in her hand when she left the house. She also took the great
carriage, and Lady Fiona was dressed quite splendidly when they
left.”
    “Fifteen cards? Are you sure?” His mother
barely made three calls a day. She had never liked to gossip
overmuch.
    “Yes, Your Grace. I retrieved the cards
myself.”
    Well, his mother was on a mission it seemed.
He looked at his desk. Paperwork sat neatly in piles waiting his
perusal. “Coffee then,