The Caged Countess. Joanna Fulford

wifely duty and bear his children. I have no doubt he will wish to make up for lost time.’

      Claudia swallowed hard. Although she had seen no outward sign of it in their brief association, would Anthony take after his father? Had the intervening years brought out the same brutal traits in the son? Her late father-in-law had no compunctions about the use of force to compel obedience:

      ‘Men are stronger than women and are therefore entitled to dominate them in whatever manner they see fit.’

      Her fists clenched at her sides and she forced the image away, trying to put her thoughts in some sort of order. As more rational thinking returned so did the recollection of Duval’s intended visit. Claudia checked in mid-stride. Of all possible timings, it had to be the most disastrous. She had to put him off. It was at that moment she realised that she had no idea how to contact him. Foolishly, she hadn’t thought to inquire where he would be staying while he was in London. He might be anywhere. She had no idea when he meant to arrive either. The very thought of him walking in just before, or just after, Anthony didn’t bear thinking about. Things were difficult enough already.

      Unable to bear the confines of the house any longer, Claudia picked up her shawl and let herself out into the garden. The breeze was cool but she barely noticed as her mind grappled with the implications of the morrow. It soon became clear that both of the forthcoming interviews must be faced. Duval’s visit would have to be brief, and whatever he had to communicate said in the fewest possible words. What she had to say certainly wouldn’t take long. Then she could send him on his way and turn her attention to the larger problem of Anthony.

      It was counterproductive to let imagination run away with her. All the evidence suggested he had no interest in her at all. She supposed that he would expect to stay for a day or two; given their history it was not likely to be longer. Now that she was a little calmer, the thought occurred that it might be no bad thing if he did stay a while, since it would allow them to talk about the future. It was pointless to put it off any longer; the problem must be addressed for both their sakes. She was quite sure that he had no wish to continue with this farce any more than she did. Divorce was out of the question of course: it was both difficult and expensive to arrange. Moreover, it would create a scandal that would hurt others as well as themselves. An annulment, however, might be managed more discreetly. Then they would both have their freedom. It was the ideal solution; the only solution as far as she could see. Anthony could have no reason to refuse. That knowledge made her feel marginally more optimistic.