Page 55 of A Whisper of Desire
“I need to understand what I’m doing wrong. I mean, it’s perfect when we are together, at least I think it is. I really don’t have anything to compare it to, as I’ve not slept with any other man. Plus, he seems very satisfied afterward, and I…” She swallowed. “I have never experienced anything like—it’s like touching heaven.”
Rose sat back in her chair and sighed. “You are so right. When a man is good in bed, there is no place I’d rather be.”
“I’d never let Maitland out of bed if I could help it, but he can’t wait to leave. In fact, he avoids my bedchamber as much as possible. When he sees me—that is, when I do make an approach—he…well, he springs to attention magnificently, if you get my meaning.”
“Hmmm, perhaps my first assumption is incorrect.”
Marisa leaned forward. “You know of this situation?”
“How many times does he pleasure you when you do entice him?”
She rubbed her temples. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Does he make love to you more than once in an evening?”
“More than once? I—no—when it’s over, he insists that I return to my bedchamber.”
Rose sat chewing her bottom lip while Marisa wished she were drinking something stronger than tea. By the look on Rose’s face, she was likely going to need it.
Rose came and sat beside her, taking her hands in her hers. “I heard a rumor at Lord Castor’s ball last night that he was seen visiting a club called the Top Hat with a young gentleman in tow. Not many know of it, but it’s a club for men who prefer sex with men. I hate to say this, but I’m wondering if your husband prefers men.”
Marisa blinked and then burst out laughing.
Rose let go of her hands. “I don’t think it’s funny. You admit you have to instigate physical relations, he is not renowned for his affairs, and he visits a Molly club.”
“I’m sorry, butIwas the young man with him last night.” At Rose’s look of horror, she added, “We are investigating the woman who is attacking the Libertine Scholars.”
“At a Molly house?”
“The men believe the owner, Angelo, has information they need in order to find this villain, but for some reason Angelo is refusing to give it to them. So Maitland has been sent in, with appropriate friend to fit the role, me, so he can put financial pressure on Angelo.”
“How exciting, but how—”
“He’s going to win at cards.”
Rose pressed a hand to her chest. “That makes perfect sense. So he doesn’t prefer men?”
Marisa shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
“Does he love another woman, then?”
“I asked him and he denied it. One thing I am sure of—Maitland doesn’t lie. It’s not in his nature.”
Rose retook her original chair and began to pour more tea. She halted and said, “Perhaps we need something stronger. Champagne or sherry?”
“The former, I feel.”
Once Rose had sent for the maid and they were once again alone in her beautiful drawing room, sipping champagne, Rose said, “I thought helping you would be easy, and that I’d have all the right advice, but I have never encountered this situation. If I’ve shown the slightest interest in a man, and”—her lips turned down at the corners—“even when I didn’t, I had no trouble enticing them into my bed.”
“In your experience, why would he not wish to pursue me? Why do I have to initiate our encounters? Is there something wrong with me? The way I look? Did I do something wrong the first night?”
“Men are very visual creatures. A little ankle here, a bare shoulder there, a pert bosom with deep cleavage sends them into a frenzy.” She eyed Marisa’s person. “I would think you had plenty to entice men with.”
“Maitland was very enticed the night our scandal broke. He practically dragged me into an alcove and kissed me senseless.”
“So, you ended up in his bed the night of Dunmire’s ball on purpose.”
She shook her head. “No. That’s what is so strange. It’s as if after our kiss he decided I wasn’t suitable or something.”
