His obvious reluctance made her impatient. "What have you done about it?" she asked with a return of the imperious manner. He raised offended brows, but replied quietly enough. "I have applied to Rome for an annulment." She laughed curtly. "Do you think there is a chance of its being granted?" "Perhaps not. But I have stated the facts and hope to get justice." Her lips curled disdainfully. "There isn't the slightest chance for you, Alexis. Claire is a devoted daughter of the Church, and they won't risk losing her for an agnostic like yourself. If I were you, I shouldn't lay any hopes upon it, but put all my energy into procuring a divorce." "But Claire refuses to divorce me. It would be easy enough for her, God knows, if she wanted to!" "On the charge of desertion, I suppose!" A smile played about the tiny mouth. His anger disdained subterfuge. "On the charge of infidelity." She shook her head, mandarin-wise. "But that would ruin your career." "Why should it? People don't go to hear an artist because he's a woolly lamb. Music isn't dependent upon the blue laws. If Puritans were able to interpret it, I know many a Symphony that would have to be discarded." Her laugh was full of camaraderie. "You are right. But suppose you should want to marry again? The scandal might prove a detriment to the lady." He looked disconcerted. It had never occurred to him that Anne's reputation might suffer if his freedom came as the result of scandal. It had been abominably careless of him. But why worry since Claire refused to divorce him? His mother noted his discomfiture with amusement. When she considered that he had sufficiently digested it, she tackled him once again. "It is you who must do the divorcing," she announced judicially. "I?" He stared at her in bewilderment. "But that would be impossible. In the first place it would be dastardly. In the second, there are no grounds, as you know." "Are there not?" Her smile angered him. "I'm sure I don't know what we are talking about. We are getting nowhere. If you have any communication to make, please do so at once, as I have an engagement." The baby-blue stare narrowed into a slit. "Wasn't it natural that I should desire to see my own son again?" she asked sweetly. He looked sulky. "If you are anxious about money, arrangements are being made for both you and Claire, which ought to secure you an ample income. That is, if my strong right arm continues to wield the bow." "That is generous of you, my son." She waved a gracious hand. A dissatisfied look crept into her eyes. "But since you insist upon being so frank, I may as well tell you that money has nothing to do with my invitation. I asked you to come because I can help you, if not in your career, at least in your happiness." "My happiness? I don't understand you!" She continued to smile blandly. "I think I can show you a way out of your marriage." "How?" His scornful eyes were incredulous.