Free Love Me Again by Wendy M. Burge Page B

almost ashamed to pursue this conversation any further. Damn, why couldn't she be more open with him?
    Castlereagh stared at him in confusion and Robert, wishing to avoid eye contact, cast a heedless glance about the beautifully appointed study.
    Not knowing what was going on behind Robert's agitated manner, Castlereagh kept his opinions to himself and waited with the patience for which he was renowned.
    Finally, Robert swore softly and turned back toward his superior, anger lacing his usually benign voice. “Tell me what you know, my lord, of Christina's past. I need to know.”
    Castlereagh hid his shock at this revelation. “Did she not tell you everything before you wed?”
    “No. Nothing.”
    Cautious to a fault, Castlereagh couldn't believe what he was hearing. “How could you marry her, not knowing anything of her past? I'm not saying she is well known, coming from a rather small duchy, but she is a royal archduchess of limited notoriety.”
    Robert blinked at him, stunned. He had married into royalty? There was a distinct buzzing in his head and he could feel the blood surging through his veins, even as his extremities felt cold. “I didn't know.”
    Taking a deep breath, Castlereagh leaned forward, his fingers steepled before him on the desk. “What do you know of Christina?”
    Robert gave a short, derisive laugh. “Apparently, not enough. I met her while I was touring Italy. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her. In all fairness, she made it very clear that she wanted her past kept behind her and told me quite bluntly that she would never speak of it. All she would tell me was that she was divorced, without family and from a small province in Germany. I loved her so much, so I didn't press her for any more fearing she would run from me as she ran from anyone who tried to get too close.” He shrugged philosophically. “So, I accepted her as she was, a woman of mystery. I didn't care then and I don't particularly care now. It is just that since she saw ... him, she has been distraught, frightened, and she still won't tell me anything. I'm so damned worried, I don't know what to do!”
    Castlereagh thought hard on all he had heard about von Vischering and Austenburg. Unfortunately, there wasn't much. He had to admit he was surprised that Robert's brother, the Duke of Kerkston, hadn't checked into her background. But then again, he might have and been very satisfied with his brother's choice. Christina, after all, was a prize among women. Frowning, he admitted, “I can't recall much of von Vischering as he was a bit of a recluse, quite content to stay in his duchy and away from the politics brewing around him.” His voice tapered off as he wondered just how much of Christina's past he should divulge. Obviously, she wanted it kept private and in the hierarchy of peerages, even though she was married to a viscount, she was still a royal princess and her wishes should be respected.
    “How long were they married?”
    “About ten years, I believe.”
    Ten years! She had to have been only about fifteen or sixteen when she married!
    Watching the emotions war in Robert's expressive face, Castlereagh now wished wholeheartedly that he had allowed Christina to stay behind in England. If he had known any of this, he most certainly would have. Never had his intent been to put her in such an untenable position as she was caught in now. As royalty, she would obviously be known to many of the aristocracy of Europe, no matter how much the archduke and his former archduchess had kept to themselves. If the St. Poles had been careful to keep her so secluded, why hadn't the duke said something to him? Castlereagh didn't like surprises, and he intended to find out what was going on here.
    “Robert, I don't know if I should speak any more of Christina's affairs. It seems to me she must have a very legitimate reason for keeping her past from you.”
    Robert sat forward, tensed and insistent. “I beg of you, my lord, I