Page 19 of A Whisper Of Desire (The Disgraced Lords #4)

“Thank you, Rose, for sharing your confidences with me. I am not really sure how to navigate the waters. I almost feel as if I’m drowning.

I have to take over the running of his homes, appear to be happy in my rushed marriage, and try and understand my husband, who is not the most demonstrative man. ”

Rose stood and held out her arm. “Come on. Let’s face the ton together. We duchesses must stay together. Perhaps I can help you demystify married life with His Grace, while you can help me regain a semblance of a reputation.”

Marisa stood and linked arms with her new friend. “I’d like that. You have been in my situation, married off to a man you did not know or love.” As they strolled into the ballroom, she added, “Besides, any friend of Portia’s is a friend of mine.”

Beatrice was waving at them from farther into the room. The ladies made their way toward her, chatting, purposely ignoring the stares gathering around them like buzzing bees at a hive. The bees made lots of noise, but luckily the ladies received no stings—as of yet.

“Hello, Rose,” Beatrice offered, as she came to meet them, before quickly turning a scowl on Marisa.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Helen said you’d been out on the terrace together with a group of acquaintances, and then when she looked for you, you were gone.

She’s frantic with worry, and she’s gone to fetch Sebastian and the men. ”

“I’m sorry. I got detained outside?—”

“By whom? Are you hurt?” Strong hands began feeling up her arms. Marisa glowed inside at her husband’s obvious concern.

Maitland, accompanied by Sebastian, moved protectively around her. For once he looked harassed, and Sebastian’s face was also full of concern. Lord Cumberland suddenly appeared at Rose’s side, and they exchanged a brief look.

“Her Grace came to my assistance when I turned my ankle outside in the garden,” Rose proclaimed rather loudly, before lowering her voice to a whisper and adding, “Perhaps we should take this discussion someplace with more privacy. Ears and eyes are watching.”

The men nodded and Marisa gave Maitland her arm. Conversing casually, the group moved toward the vacant supper room. Once inside, Maitland ensured no one could overhear them and then raised an imperious eyebrow that all but said “Speak.”

“Lord Rutherford made a nuisance of himself” was all Marisa was going to say about the incident.

“A little more than a nuisance, Your Grace,” Lord Cumberland offered. “If I hadn’t come along when I did . . .”

She inwardly cursed. This was exactly what she didn’t want revealed.

“Would you see my wife home, please, Sebastian?”

“Of course. Come, Marisa, Helen, and Beatrice. It’s time we left.” Sebastian rounded on her, but she was not leaving.

Coldness soaked into her bones. “Why can’t you see me home?” she asked Maitland.

His mouth merely firmed. “Go home with your brother.”

She placed her hand on his arm. “There is no need to further this incident. Lord Cumberland made sure Rutherford will not be stupid enough to come near me again. Please, for the sake of my reputation and in order to starve the gossips regarding our marriage, can you let this pass?”

She could feel the muscles in his arm vibrate with tension.

“She’s right. We don’t need any more attention. In fact, if anyone does talk, it would be better for our other plan if they thought you not interested in protecting her. Not interested in your wife at all,” offered Arend.

This time she saw Maitland’s fists clench at his sides.

“Hold on,” Sebastian said, rounding on Arend. “What other plan?”

Marisa could have kissed Arend, for here they were, half an hour later, ensconced in her drawing room, her skirmish with Rutherford completely forgotten.

Sebastian’s determination to learn about this plan of Arend’s meant they needed to decamp to home.

The only disquiet was Maitland’s words to her as they entered their carriage.

“I will not forget this. My meeting with Rutherford is merely postponed.”

Helen had also been none too pleased to be dropped at home, while Sebastian, Beatrice, Arend, and Hadley accompanied Marisa and Maitland home.

She had no idea of the details of any plan. If this was about catching their enemy, then Maitland had promised she would not be excluded. Beatrice was allowed to be here, so if Maitland thought to exclude her, he could go jump.

While Maitland furnished the men with whiskey, Marisa organized a tea tray.

Once everyone was comfortable, Hadley broke the strain by stating, “If Arend and Maitland have discussed a plan, I’m certainly not in the know. Since when are we concocting plans without everyone’s involvement?”

“That’s my fault, I’m afraid,” Maitland answered. He looked at him and added, “I am still considering Arend’s suggestion before committing, so there was nothing to share.”

Sebastian looked between the two men, and Marisa recognized that look. “Then there must be danger in this plan.”

“There is danger in any plan,” Arend insisted.

Her brother responded, “The question is, danger to whom?” Arend could not help it. He looked directly at Marisa, and Sebastian half rose from his chair. “Oh, no. I put my foot down.” Beatrice pushed him back into his seat.

“It is not your place to object.” Maitland, who looked at Marisa in surprise, parroted her words. “It’s not your place either,” she added to her husband.

Maitland ignored her comment completely, turning to Hadley.

“Arend has suggested a way to pry Angelo’s mouth open.

I agree with Arend. Angelo is up to something.

We have proof he is undertaking his own inquiries; the only logical reason is to gain information for his own advantage.

That makes him a danger to us and to himself. He’ll also become a target?—”

Arend interrupted. “We cannot let that happen.”

“So what is your idea?” Hadley asked.

Arend answered. “Angelo values only one thing: money. It would not surprise me if he were blackmailing some of the peerage frequenting his club. The Top Hat is discreet and small. The wealth I saw on display did not come from the membership fees and gambling alone. He is not to be trusted.”

Sebastian made a sound of relief. “You’re going to use Maitland’s skill at cards.”

Marisa looked at her husband. Maitland was renowned as a proficient card player, but he very rarely played. His ability to easily memorize numbers and cards meant he did not view his participation as fair.

Arend uncrossed his booted feet and sat up. “Exactly. I suggest Angelo be made to suffer some serious losses. If we can break the house, he’ll be in our debt, and suddenly we have control. We can force him to talk.”

“Clever,” Hadley said, nodding.

“He’ll not let Maitland near his tables, unless Angelo knows the house cheats.”

Sebastian was right. “Then it’s just as well that most, if not all, houses of ill repute cheat,” Arend calmly replied. “Maitland will be prepared for that.”

“He’ll still be suspicious of Maitland. Angelo is aware of who the Libertine Scholars are,” Sebastian insisted.

With an exasperated sigh, Arend said, “That is why I have developed a plan. I’m just waiting for Maitland’s response.”

Marisa finally found her voice. “May I learn what this plan is?”

“Hear, hear, Marisa.” Beatrice beamed at her.

Maitland cleared his throat. “Arend has suggested that I use the uncertainty about my life to play a role.”

She didn’t understand. “What role?”

Beatrice gasped. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. It’s illegal . . .”

“I’m still confused.”

“I don’t think we should discuss this in front of the women,” Sebastian said.

“Oh, for goodness’ sake” was Beatrice’s reply.

Arend noted Marisa’s confused look and took pity on her. “The Top Hat caters for exclusive tastes. Men who like sex with men.”

“Really, Arend.” Sebastian stood and began to pace the room.

“I know rumors swirl around Maitland because he’s never kept a mistress in town, and then there is P—.

But I doubt Angelo would be fooled for one minute that his grace prefers the company of men.

” He sent a scowl as dark as thunderclouds in Arend’s direction.

“I didn’t say it would happen overnight. I thought now that His Grace is married, if he became more open in his preferences, Angelo might be fooled.”

“Arend, that’s not all who might be fooled. The gossips might believe they were right all along and you”—he pointed at Maitland—“really do have unusual tastes.”

“Sebastian has a point,” added Hadley. “What of Maitland’s reputation?”

Marisa’s head was reeling. “Are you suggesting that Maitland pretend he prefers the intimate company of men, and that our rushed marriage is a cover for his real preferences?” A wave of horror swept through her.

Maitland reached out and took her hand. “My reputation will survive. As soon as this is over, and we have what we need to ensure everyone’s safety, the rumors, because that is all they will be, will die down.”

She swallowed back a cry of outrage, ashamed at the selfishness sliding through her veins like poison.

It wasn’t only his reputation. What would people think of her?

Would they think her brother had forced her to marry his friend to save his reputation?

Would they pity her for being married to such a man?

He squeezed her hand. “I haven’t said I’d do it. This decision must be made together, because I cannot act out this charade without you.”

Before she could answer, Sebastian said, “Who is going to play the love interest? You can’t go to the club alone; no one will believe that.” He laughed. “Although it could be fun to watch. I’m sure Maitland wouldn’t want for company for long.”