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

After his
disastrous failed engagement with Mary-Elizabeth in his early
twenties, he vowed never to go that route again. He’d held a place
in Society of charming, yet unobtainable gentleman for years, and
he liked it. He was handsome, sought after, and could charm his way
in or out of a dance or an interlude. No one could resist him. Now,
here he was, burdened with a wife, of all things. No more stolen
kisses on terraces, or quiet moments in a coach. He’d given Fiona
his word as a gentleman.
    He’d never kept a mistress, his dalliances
had been fleeting affairs. His father had imparted his wisdom of
women at a very early age – Do what you will and be discreet. Never
keep a woman for any length of time, they shall always try to trap
you. You will know the right woman for your wife, upon first sight,
as sure as you know your own name.
    Robert looked at his bride. A lovely gown and
a new hairstyle had created a rare thing of beauty. He was
terrified of the sensation she would make. Inundated with
invitations, he would have to escort her and pretend to make the
pretty. His seat in Parliament would also be changed, he would need
to hold his own dinners and balls now. For what act in Lords had
not been gone over in a library or card room at least a hundred
times before it passed? How could he allow Fiona to preside over
his table? She knew nothing of the world, Society, or especially
politics. He would become a laughingstock.
    He needed a drink. Robert placed his napkin
on his plate and rose from the table.
    “Where are you going, dearest?” his mother
asked.
    “To my club, Mother. I need to speak with a
colleague about an important matter concerning the new shipping
line.” ‘Twas a blatant lie, but his mother would never know the
difference.
    “Surely, you do not wish to leave Fiona on
her first night in London?”
    He glanced at his wife, her hands clasped in
her lap, her eyes downcast.
    “Forgive me, my dear. It is unavoidable. My
time in Scotland left me with much to do on my return.”
    Fiona glanced up at him briefly and then back
down again.
    “Robert, I am sure this business could wait
until morning,” his mother said a little more forcefully.
    “Mother, if I am to keep Fiona in as many
gowns as you seem to require, I must attend to the matters at hand.
I will take my leave of you now. Good night.” He strode from the
room, regretting his tone and his words, but that did not deter
him. He could not stay another minute in Fiona’s presence.
    *****
    Merry waited to help her with her gown and
brush out her hair again. Tomorrow Fiona looked forward to a long
bath before meeting Robert’s sisters at breakfast. Then she would
be attending Lady Cantin on, what her new mother-in-law called, the
‘rounds’.
    Fiona, dressed in her simple cotton
nightrail, crawled into bed and slid under the covers. Merry had
stoked the fire before she departed. Fiona lay there listening to
the crackling of the embers and wondered what would truly become of
her as Robert’s wife.
    Perhaps she might entrust some of her
apprehension to Lady Penny. On their outing, Penny did seem to know
all the ways around a marriage. And although she and Robert were
married in name only, she would like it to appear they were happy.
Wasn’t that what he asked of her? Hadn’t they fallen in love, or so
the story went. Shouldn’t they then spend time together alone, to
at least make it seem as if they were in love? Especially in front
of his mother?
    Fiona let the day’s events take over her
thoughts. Shopping with Penny was a pleasant experience. To find
such delightful things and not have to pay for them was
exhilarating. But she did know she could not spend all Robert’s
money on such frivolity. When this marriage ended, she wouldn’t
need any of the things she bought if she went back to Scotland.
There was no use for them in the Highlands.
    Fiona slipped into the warmth of sleep, her
last thought being of Robert, naked.
     
    Something