Page 32 of A Whisper of Desire
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.”
Chapter 9
“I will be there. I will endeavor to keep Angelo occupied, but I can’t go every time Maitland is on the premises or it will look suspicious.” Arend looked at Maitland with one eyebrow raised. “Shall I tell them of our idea?”
Maitland ignored him and looked at Marisa. “You’ll be my love interest. We shall dress you up as a young lad—”
“Oh, no. I’m not having my sister being exposed to that sort of danger. It’s not fitting, it’s scandalous.”
“Can you think of another way to expose our enemy? I would have thought that now you are to be a father, the safety of us all was paramount. We are no further ahead. Angelo is the only lead we have.”
“You’re such a bastard, Arend. To use my wife and child to make your—”
Marisa quietly spoke up. “But he’s right. How many more lives are to be stamped on, ruined, destroyed by her? If this saves Helen from…well, if it stops anything else evil happening to those I love then I will do anything, risk anything to stop her.”
Silence followed her quietly determined words. Maitland was filled with mixed emotions. Pride at her bravery and stance to help those she loved, and sorrow that she viewed their marriage as the ruination of her life.
He let go of her hand, and, needing a moment to gather himself, he rose and refilled the men’s glasses. He rarely allowed his inner feelings to be put on display, and thanks to years of training, no one in the room suspected how much her words had speared him.
He tried to rationalize her point of view. They were only recently married, and while he’d been ready to find a wife, she’d thought herself in love with Rutherford, and instead of her dream match, her heart had been broken. She would come around.
Once he’d retaken his seat he suddenly had the urge to retract his offer to take on this role, because Sebastian was right, it would be dangerous. To his mind Sebastian was wrong on one score. Marisa was now his responsibility, not Sebastian’s.
“It’s been a long night, gentlemen, ladies. I’d like to discuss this in private with my wife.” He turned to Arend and added, “You’ll have our answer tomorrow.”
“No. It’s not only your decision.”
“It is now,” he said to Sebastian. He uttered quietly but firmly, “She is my wife.”
