Page 14 of Beware A Wallflower's Wrath
Think! There has to be a way.
After seeing Annis Craigg—Mrs. Porter, he reminded himself—Robert knew he couldn’t give up. Seeing her again had only increased his feelings tenfold. She had responded to his kiss, his touch. Returned the passion. But how could he convince her to give their love another chance?
Simple courting wouldn't do it. Annis wasn’t a woman tempted by material things. Unless… the items were sentimental. He began making a mental list of her favorites. Then after his second brandy, he decided to write them down. He moved to the desk at the opposite end of the room, pulled a sheet of paper from the drawer, and dipped his pen in the ink.
Ways to woo Annis
chocolate drops
tulips (check hothouses)
picnics
fast reels
poetry
a good joke or riddle
As he began plotting a way to woo back the love of his life, he realized with annoyance that she would be gone. How long? He needed some time to plan. Anthony would be staying the summer again with his maternal grandfather after the two had hit it off last year. So, he needn’t worry about his son. He hadn’t scheduled any cases, knowing he was coming to Glasgow. His next appearance in court wasn’t until August.
Mrs. Douglas. Yes, she was the key. If he could convince her of his pure intentions (that made him chuckle as he thought of the earlier kiss), she would be instrumental in winning over Annis. Having a strategy in place, Robert eased back in his chair, satisfied. He was methodical by nature. The only impulsive act he could remember was falling in love with Annis. The last time he’d thought with his heart. Perhaps he needed to utilize that organ more in this endeavor.
Robert decided he would visit Books and Bits every day. Make himself useful to Mrs. Douglas, show her he was a good man. If she realized how much he loved Annis and would love her child as his own, then she may become his ally.
He thought of his father, the angry red face, the trembling jowls when he’d learned Robert was leaving London.
“I understand you’re leaving for Scotland next week?” his father asked in a pleasant tone.
Robert knew better. “Yes, Father.”
“To visit that Scottish aunt of yours?”
“Partly.” Robert almost relished the argument to come.
“How long will you be away?”
“I don’t know. It depends on what I find.”
“What are you looking for?” The marquess’s eyes narrowed, waiting for the answer he didn’t want to hear.
“We both know what I’m looking for. I’ve done my duty for this family. Now, I’m going to try to salvage the happiness I threw away so long ago.”
“You can’t go looking for some chit you were infatuated with as a pup.”
“Oh, but I can. And I shall.” He smiled at the red splotches creeping up his father’s neck.
“I won’t allow it. You will not?—”
“You have no say in the matter. I am a man grown, a successful barrister, who has made his own way. A member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. Your disapproval will not hinder my career at this point. I’ve earned my reputation without your help.”
“You would throw away all you’ve accomplished for a Scottish whore?”
“Enough!” Robert was across the room in three strides, standing over his father, a lethal quietness to his tone. “If you ever speak poorly of her again, I will plant a facer hard enough to break that meddling nose of yours and possibly a few teeth to keep it company. Do your worst if you dare.”
“What about your… Have you considered Anthony?”
“Have you ever considered him? You barely tolerate him, knowing his parentage.” Robert snorted. “I had to explain his grandfather was a cold fish to everyone, not to take it personally.”
