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

her
better. They were married after all, for at least another
one-hundred-sixty-seven days. No. He could not. He must keep her at
arm’s distance. He would tell his mother to keep her distance as
well. He knew without a doubt, that if Fiona and his mother became
friends, his mother would demand he stay married to her. And that
he would never do. He did not love her, and never would. Quite
honestly, she was not his type.
    Robert slid into his bed and nestled himself
into the comfort of his pillow. Sleep came quickly and the last
thought Robert had, was of Fiona lying on his chest the night she
had been frightened of the thunderstorm.

Chapter Seven
     
     
    Fiona awoke to the sounds of Merry as she
came into the room. The maid deposited a tray on the bedside table
and then opened the curtains.
    “Good morning, Merry. How do you fare today?”
Fiona stretched and then flung the covers off the bed.
    “Very well, your ladyship, and you?”
    “I slept very well, thank you.” She hunted
under the bed for the chamber pot “Where is the pot?”
    “’Tis in the water closet, your
ladyship.”
    “Yes, of course.” She would have to get used
to these modern conveniences. Fiona made her way to the
antechamber, marveling at the convenience and wondered what her
father would think. He still used the privy out behind the chicken
yard even in the dead of winter.
    “I took the liberty of pressing out your
morning gown for the breakfast with the ladies, mum,” Merry said
when Fiona came back into the room.
    Fiona picked up the cup of hot chocolate and
murmured a thank you while she sipped.
    “Shall I attend your bath now?”
    “Yes, that would be lovely, thank you,
Merry.” Fiona could still not get over how things were done in
London. The efficiency of the staff left her feeling as if she’d
been stranded in another land. She no longer had to cook meals,
make her own clothes, nor did she have to haul and heat water for
her own bath. She could become accustomed to being a duke’s wife.
However, she knew all too soon, the luxurious lifestyle she was now
leading would end. She wondered if she would be able to find
another man to take Robert’s place when her marriage dissolved. She
thought not, at least not one quite so generous or handsome.
    Merry came out of the water closet and
informed Fiona it would only be a few more minutes for her
bath.
    “Has my husband gone down to breakfast, do
you know?” Fiona asked.
    “I do not believe so. His Grace dines at
seven on the dot every morning.”
    Fiona glanced at the little clock. Six.
Breakfast with his sisters was not until ten. Perhaps she could
have another cup of chocolate with Robert before he began his day.
Surely, that would not be disagreeable to him.
    *****
    Robert seated himself at the breakfast table
with his plate and opened the morning paper. He read with interest
until his eye caught his name in the gossip column.
     
    Duke of Cantin Weds
    The Duke of Cantin has found a bride,
according to this reporter’s sources, whilst on his latest foray to
the Highlands. Cantin House would not verify the rumor, but this
reporter has it on good authority His Grace is now off the marriage
mart. This reporter has also confirmed she is a beauty indeed, but
lacks, what we shall call, the social graces. It is reported the
new Lady Cantin did not know the difference between a pelisse and a
shawl. Do we dare to wonder if she knows the difference between a
fork and spoon? Or a Marquess and an Earl? What was His Grace
thinking in bringing home a Scottish bride? We shall see.
     
    Robert slammed the paper down on the table
making the footman jump. Obviously, the rumor mills had beaten him
to the formal announcement. He would have to send his to the paper
directly. Now, not only would he have to acknowledge Fiona, he
would have to be seen in public with her. And the paper had brought
his very fears to the forefront. Proper etiquette demanded she know
whom to curtsy to, whom to dance with,