Page 31 of A Whisper of Desire
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.
