Page 22 of Impassioned
“And Con can practice what he needs to do without the stress of performing in front of his anxious wife. He will also gain the confidence he needs to take charge and give them both what they want.”
They fell silent for a few moments, both turning their heads toward the hearth as if they could divine answers and direction from the burning coals. Finally, Evie spoke. “This will take some coordination. Where do you envision this taking place?”
“The Phoenix Club’s second floor.” There were several bedchambers at the club, which Lucien had installed in case anyone needed a place to sleep. Or for something else. With the men and women mingling together on Tuesdays, Lucien had thought it prudent to have private spaces, even if the majority of members weren’t aware they existed. Lucien and Evie—as well as the membership committee—knew they were there, and so far they’d proven helpful.
Evie nodded. “Of course. It’s almost as if you knew they would provide a benefit.” She winked at him, and he laughed softly. “Con will need to be blindfolded so he can’t see that the tutor is Sabrina.”
“She should also wear a mask, in case the blindfold slips.”
“And the room must be as dark as possible—just a small, single candle.”
Lucien arched a brow at his friend and, really, partner, at least in matters such as this. “It sounds as if we’re moving forward with this stratagem?”
“It does seem as though it could work.Ifwe can persuade them both to participate.”
Lucien inhaled as he straightened his spine against the back of the chair. “I have the utmost faith in our abilities. We’re helping them achieve what they both desire.”
She sent him a sly look that would once have driven him to sweep her into his arms. “It’s your most daring act of assistance yet.”
“It’s my brother,” he said simply. “I would do anything for him.”
Her features softened. “That’s the Lucien I know. You persuaded me to give up the only life I’ve ever known and become someone completely different. This will be no trouble for you. You’ve the best heart.”
“Shh. That’s best kept between us. Now, let us plot our brilliance as we drive Lord and Lady Aldington together.”
“I think this calls for wine.” Evie stood and moved toward a cabinet that held a variety of liquor.
“That new port, if you have any left.” Luciendidlove his brother, and he would see him happy. Con deserved nothing less.
There was a short line of coaches on North Audley Street, but Sabrina didn’t mind waiting since this was her first foray into Society this season. She gently smoothed her hand over the cobalt gauze covering the silk of the same color, giddy with the beauty of her new gown. This was not a garment she would have chosen—the color was too vivid, the style too daring. The back sloped to a vee at the middle of her spine, exposing a generous expanse of flesh. She was glad for the embroidered wrap she’d brought for the coach ride, particularly since the sleeves didn’t start until mid-shoulder.
While her costume wasn’t what she typically wore, she had to admit it gave her a confidence she sorely needed in order to face tonight’s rout. In it, she could believe that she was truly a self-assured countess worthy of respect. That a garment could ease her anxiety was astonishing. It was more than that, however. She just felt more prepared—more ready—to face Society now than she had two years earlier when she’d become betrothed to Aldington.
He hadn’t arrived home from Westminster before she’d left, and she couldn’t help but feel disappointed. He’d been polite the past few days—slightly warmer than usual but still distant, which was making it difficult to do as Evie had suggested. How could she get to know a man who kept a very high wall around him and let no one inside?
He hadn’t come to her bedchamber since Saturday, when she’d advised him to wait until his hand was healed. Presumably, it was still troubling him. Only she wasn’t sure she believed it was his hand, not when his behavior continued to reflect a keen lack of interest. She should have expected that nothing would change by her simply inviting him to visit her. It’s not as if he could suddenly decide he was attracted to her. Perhaps this gown would help. If he even saw her in it.
She’d kept busy reacquainting herself with managing the London household. The servants were glad to have her in residence, and she’d spent time working with her new maid. Charity was turning out to be a lovely replacement, for which Sabrina was grateful. In particular, Charity possessed a magnificent talent for styling hair. Sabrina touched the back of her head where jeweled combs would sparkle beneath the candlelight once she was inside.
Aside from keeping busy with the household, Sabrina had studied the book Evie had given her. She had so many questions and though she would see Evie tonight, she wouldn’t discuss such matters at a rout. Hopefully, they would arrange to meet soon.
In all honesty, she couldn’t regret Aldington not visiting her the past few nights, not when she’d been able to do what Evie had advised and learn her own body. Sabrina was now well-acquainted with the parts of her that enjoyed attention and the joy and satisfaction that resulted.
Her cheeks grew warm in the dark solitude of the coach, and a brief pang of need pulsed between her legs. Had she become a wanton? Would her husband think her one? That depended on if he ever came to her bed. She feared she was going to have to assert herself again, and then he most certainly would think her utterly brazen.
No, what she feared was not finding the same pleasure with her husband that she’d found on her own. She realized she wanted that—pleasure with Aldington. She’d come here wanting a child but now she hoped for something more. Something that seemed impossible, given her husband’s indifference.
The door of the coach opened, and she stepped down from the vehicle with the groom’s assistance. Clearing her mind to prepare for the coming onslaught of people and noise, she made her way up to the open door.
Sounds of laughter and glass clinking carried down into the wide entry hall. A footman took her wrap, and she followed the other guests up the stairs to the drawing room. The host and hostess stood at the top of the stairs, greeting people as they arrived.
Sabrina had met them before and particularly admired Lady Kipley. She was more reserved, like Sabrina, but was married to a gregarious baronet whose laughter filled every room he was in and who seemed to possess no fear when it came to commanding attention with a boisterous anecdote.
A fine sheen of sweat dappled Sir Cecil’s wide brow as he welcomed Sabrina. “Lady Aldington, what a pleasure to see you here this evening. Did you just arrive in London?”
“A few days ago, yes,” she answered.
“I told you that, dear,” Lady Kipley playfully admonished him.
