Page 29 of A Whisper of Desire
They continued on in silence and slipped into the retiring room virtually unnoticed. Rose made her sit at the dressing table, and only then did Marisa notice that her hands were still shaking.
Rose began assessing the damage to the back of Marisa’s gown. “There is a slight tear just under your shoulder. You could wear my shawl and that should cover it.”
Removing her shawl, she draped it across Marisa’s shoulders. “Thank you, you’re very kind.”You should ask her about any gossip surrounding Maitland.
Rose took the chair next to her and they sat in silence for a moment.
“Marriage can be overwhelming in the beginning,” Rose offered into the silence. “I still clearly remember my wedding day, unfortunately.” At Marisa’s gasp, Rose continued. “My father virtually sold me to the Duke of Roxborough, who was almost three score and ten. The wedding night was far worse than the wedding day,” she said, and shuddered, her voice hitching.
Marisa didn’t answer; she merely reached out and took hold of Rose’s hand.
“It appears that some women are far luckier. My friend Portia was forced to marry Lord Blackwood, a friend of your husband’s, I believe. I’ve just returned from their wedding in Dorset.”
“I met Portia when we recently visited with Lord Markham. She is very much in love.”
“And you are not?”
“I’m sure you’ve heard rumors regarding my rushed marriage.”
Rose squeezed her hand. “I assume you are referring to the incident of being found naked in Lady Dunmire’s guest room with His Grace. Portia confided in me about what is happening with the Libertine Scholars. I believe it was the work of this villainess?”
Marisa merely nodded. “The men think so.”
“I’m sorry you’ve been caught up in their situation. Being forced to marry is not pleasant. As I am sure you know, you could have done a lot worse.”
All Marisa could do was laugh at her truthful words. “True. I could have been stupid and married Lord Rutherford.” At Rose’s raised eyebrow, Marisa added, “It’s a long story that culminates in me learning he was marrying me for my dowry and the money his father would give him upon his marriage. He has a mistress.”
Turning to the mirror to deal with a stray curl, Rose said, “I hate to say, but most men have had a mistress at some stage of their lives. Some for all of their lives.” She hesitated before adding, “Probably because so few of thetonmarry for love.”
“I asked Maitland if he had a mistress before we married. He denied it, but Rutherford says I should ask him about Priscilla.” Marisa watched for Rose’s reaction and Rose’s hands halted briefly in their tidying of her hair. “You know of the Dowager Lyttleton?” Marisa asked her new friend.
“She is two years older than I.” Rose turned from the mirror. “I have heard the rumors, though, but that is all they are, rumors. I’ve never met the dowager duchess, because since her marriage she has never come to town. She prefers to stay in Hampshire.”
Marisa swallowed her pride. “Would you mind telling me the rumors? I’d like to be prepared.”
“The past is often best left behind. People make mistakes. They do things they regret.”
As she watched Rose pinch her cheeks, Marisa was certain Rose was referring to herself.
“Take me, for instance. When I became a widow I thanked God and swore I’d never marry again and become any man’s property. So I took lovers and enjoyed the scandalous reputation. I regret my behavior now.”
“May I inquire as to why?”
“The man I’ve been in love with all of my adult life no longer sees me as marriage material. He might have once, but now that he’s become the earl, my reputation speaks for itself”—tears flooded Rose’s eyes—“I am no longer suitable to be his countess.”
“Lord Cumberland?”
Rose wiped her tears away. “He loves me in his own way, but not enough to overlook my past.”
They were lovers. Why were men so dense? Rose would make a wonderful wife. She was kind, intelligent, and beautiful. “Perhaps it might be time to walk away and see if absence makes him reevaluate your relationship.”
“I doubt he has any idea I want anything more. He knows I’ve turned down countless proposals.”
“Then tell him. You may find he’s been wishing to offer for you, but thinks he’ll be rejected too.”
“A very sensible suggestion. Let me return the favor. Why not ask your husband about the rumors?” Rose sighed when Marisa said nothing. “Apparentlythe young Marquess of Carr, as Maitland was while his father lived, met and fell in love with Priscilla Whedon, the widow of Baron Ligonier. Priscilla was, and now likely still is, a great beauty, and unfortunately, Maitland’s father took one look and decided he must have her.”
“I’ve heard that Maitland’s father was not a nice man, hence why Maitland is being targeted, but his own son’s heart’s desire…” The idea that Maitland had loved this woman and could still be in love with her made Marisa’s heart cramp.
