Page 45 of Revealing a Rogue
“I have.”
“Did she eat something that did not agree with her?” He turned and demanded, “Where is she?”
His mama came to stand directly in front of him. “I beg you to remember I’m the one who endured ten hours of labor to bring you into this world.”
“Mama, please…”
“I’m merely the messenger. Bronwyn bid me to tell you that while she loves you, she believes it was a mistake for the two of you to marry, and she has set off to arrange an annulment.”
“An annulment!” Landon roared. Impossible. They were well and truly married, and there was no way a judge would grant her a divorce. Rarely did he let this anger surface, but this… this was too much. “Why did you not stop her? Talk sense into her.”
“My boy, by now, I’d hoped you’d have learned that you simply can’t tell someone what to believe. They…”
Landon finished the familiar advice. “They have to form their own opinions.”
His wise mama wrapped her arms about his waist, and he rested his chin on the top of her head. Leaning back, his mama said, “Bronwyn doesn’t deem herself worthy. I know you, Theo, and Mary have all tried in your own unique ways to assist her and attempted to make her see the fine qualities we know she possesses. But Bronwyn has yet to realize her own strengths. You, my dear boy, will need to employ two of your own greatest traits—patience and understanding.”
Before inheriting the litany of responsibilities from his uncle, Landon wouldn’t have agreed with his mama that those were his finer qualities. It was from his mama that he learned the art of patience.
She blessed him with one of her understanding smiles. “Do you remember when you were little and you would stomp inside, winded after racing about the estate with your cousin Baldwin?”
“Why, of course, I do. While Baldwin was able to jump and run about, I was left heaving air as if it was my last breath. It was terribly frustrating.”
“And what did I tell you?”
“Play at your own pace, not others. I fail to see how that is of use to me now.”
“You are not your papa. I believe your impetus to marry was out of fear. Stop pushing so hard. You chose wisely, but you gave Bronwyn no forewarning.”
His mama was right as usual. “What am I to do?”
She patted his arm. “Give her time. She loves you. I have no qualms about that.”
“How can you be so certain? She’s gone and left me.”
His mama raised her hand to cup his cheek. “In the few days I’ve spent with my daughter-in-law, there is one thing I know about her: she is fiercely independent. If she didn’t love you, she’d never be willing to ask for assistance. Bronwyn needs to figure out who it is she truly wishes to be for herself. Not for her parents. Not for the good of the Network. Not even for you. The only way for her to achieve that is for Bronwyn to love and believe in herself.” She gave him a pat on the cheek and stood back to stare at him.
“I suppose you’re going to tell me if I truly love Bronwyn, I’ll not hunt her down.”
“No, silly boy, have you not been listening? Isaidgive her time. Never did I say anything about space. You are her husband. It is your duty to protect her, even from herself.”
Damn women and their riddles. Landon ran his hand through his hair and kneaded the muscles in the back of his neck. It was the second time that day a woman had accused him of not listening. “What exactly do you suggest I do?”
“First, we are going back to the dining room. Second, you will simultaneously announce that you are wed while apologizing for Bronwyn’s inability to return due to illness. Third, you will sit and endure Prinny’s ramblings. Lastly, I will speak with Theo and arrange for your departure first thing in the morn.”
Most people would describe his mama as quiet and meek. But in fact, she was Wellington’s equal if not superior when it came to leading her family.
Landon leaned in for one more reassuring hug before winging his arm. He turned to address the footman who was busy eyeing the ceiling. “Larry, once we reach the dining room, please do the honor of escorting my mama to Bronwyn’s seat.”
The trio marched down the hall. A hush descended as they entered the dining room.
Landon walked to stand next to Archbroke, who garnered everyone’s attention by clinking his fork against his glass.
Clearing his throat, Landon stood tall and said, “Unfortunately, most of you will not be granted the pleasure of my wife’s company tonight as she has fallen ill. I anticipate a quick recovery, and we shall extend invitations upon our return to town.”
Per his mama’s instructions, he was to endure the rest of the evening. However, he was always a defiant child pushing boundaries. “I bid you all a good eve.” With a decisive nod, he left the room. He didn’t need his mama to arrange his departure plans. At four-and-thirty, he was quite capable of making the arrangements himself.
His chest constricted as he marched down the hall to his chamber. He needed Bronwyn - without her, his breathing became labored. With his hand on the latch of the door, Landon paused as he recited his plan. Locate his errant wife, ensure her safety, and exercise patience. It was a sound plan, and he was more than capable of enduring any anxiety he might experience while he waited for Bronwyn to learn to love herself as much as he loved her.
