Page 94 of The Baron Takes a Bet
Slumber quickly enveloped him, too. Visions of shapeless figures moved about a dark room, but Gavin couldn’t find it in him to care. His only desire was to be with Holly and he awoke several times throughout the night, relieved to find her sleeping form pressed against him. Squeezing her tightly, he would fall asleep each time more settled than the last.
The following morning Gavin’s arm stretched out over the bed as he woke, but he found to his displeasure that he was alone. The sun was high, and though he hadn’t meant to sleep in, he guessed that his body had demanded it.
Dressing without issue, he was careful with his arm, though it really didn’t hurt much. The wound was thankfully superficial, but he didn’t want to undo the bandages Holly had done. Soon he was dressed, heading out the door and down the stairs in search of his wife.
It had dawned on him the night before, when he saw her enter Kilmann’s place, that he was devoted to her. Though it had enraged him seeing her in a place like that, he knew his reaction was due to his deep-seated love for her. It was a bizarre feeling,as though he would never fully be at rest again, for fear of some harm coming to her, but he found that he did not care. He had never experienced this all-consuming need and it was almost too powerful to think about. He wanted to tell her how he felt, but worried how she might react.
Hearing voices as he reached the landing, Gavin followed the loud bickering that was going on in the parlor. Upon entering, he found Holly holding a length of paper, her face pale and drawn. She was standing next to a seated to a very pleased looking Mr. Armstrong, who had his papers spread out over the settee he was sitting on. To his surprise, Aunt Marnie, Katrina, and Jasper were arguing over something or other as he entered the room.
“What’s all this now?” he asked as everyone stopped to face him.
But his eyes were only for Holly. She had a paleness to her cheeks that unnerved him, and he couldn’t stop himself from going to her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked as he reached her, but she didn’t speak.
Instead, she handed him the paper she held before dropping to the chair behind her. Gavin scanned down at the article and felt a sinking feeling drop in his stomach.
Petition for Annulment.
The words seemed to dance on the page. When he looked up, he saw a very happy Mr. Armstrong nodding to him.
“As requested, my lord,” the lawyer explained. “It took a great many favors, and I’m certainly in several people’s debts because of it, but I’ve managed to procure your annulment. I took the liberty of acting on behalf of both of you, as you are both my clients, so there is no need for even a signature. The annulment has been finalized.”
A faint buzzing began in Gavin’s ears. Finalized?
“You mean, we’re no longer married?” he asked, his tone hoarse and strained.
“Correct, sir. Congratulations.”
This wasn’t possible. It simply wasn’t happening.
“Is there no need for the courts?” he asked desperately. “Surely the law demands a lengthy review.”
“Not necessarily, my lord. I’ve explained to countless members of parliament what the sixth baron did and while many thought it a sporting idea for their own sons, none seemed too pleased with the idea of it happening to them. Because your peers are sympathetic to your cause, I was able to convince the majority of them to sign off on the petition. So, you and the baroness—er, I mean, Miss Smyth—are free and clear to go your separate ways.”
Gavin stood motionless as Mr. Armstrong’s words fell over him. Free. Never had he detested a word more. He had been told he was free his entire life, that he should be grateful for being unburdened by family or responsibility. But never had he felt so untethered in his life. He finally had a family, and suddenly, they were to be removed from his life?
What about Holly?
Shifting his gaze to her, he found her head bent, the sadness emanating off her like a light in the mirror. Surely she didn’t want this. They couldn’t do this. They had consummated their marriage for god’s sakes.
“Holly?” he said, only to be interrupted by Aunt Marnie.
“This is outrageous,” the old woman squawked, coming forward. “An annulment would only bring shame to this family.”
Gavin’s brow creased, confused.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me. Lord knows that this annulment is a lie.”
“My sister was tricked into this,” Jasper said defensively, stepping towards Aunt Marnie. “If she wishes to be free, we should support her.”
Gavin’s confusion only grew.
“Youwish for us to get an annulment?” he asked, pointing to Jasper before turning to Marnie. “Andyouwish for us to remain married? Is that correct?” Both nodded stiffly. “Well, that’s a change.”
“But shouldn’t we ask Holly?” Katrina offered helpfully as everyone in the room turned to face Holly.
