“No. As I said, his manly instrument didn’t care for the erecting process. Which brings me back to the harlot—she said, and quite sensibly I think, that twitching indicates an interest on the owner’s part. Your manly instrument seems to be capable of the erecting process. Thus I was watching for the twitching to tell me whether or not you find me toothsome.”

Dare stared at her for a second before throwing his head back and laughing. Charlotte frowned. There seemed to be a pronounced note of hysteria in his laugh, and to be truthful, she didn’t see what he found so funny. She was being as honest and instructive as she could be—helpful, too. How many wives, she wondered, would take the time to share their knowledge with their husbands?

“I was only mildly curious, you understand,” she said with great dignity, ignoring her husband, who was still howling with laughter. Really, she was almost offended by his reaction to her offer of help. “Antonio’s instrument didn’t find me erect-worthy. I just thought I’d see how yours felt about the subject. And I must add, I think it’s quite rude for you to carry on in this manner when all I was trying to do was give you the benefit of my experience as a wife of four years. Most men, I imagine, would be happy to have such knowledge imparted to them!”

Dare wiped his eyes and made an effort to stop laughing. “Charlotte, you might as well be a virgin for all the experience and knowledge of men you have.”

Charlotte tightened her lips. He was laughing at her! All because Antonio’s instrument hadn’t liked her. Tears pricked at the back of her eyes, but before she could do more than allow her lower lip to tremble, he was there before her, all golden skin and muscles and a wonderful scent that was pure Dare. He took her hands in his, kissing the back of each.

“I wasn’t insulting you. I’m sorry if you think I was. I am humble and honest enough to admit that a part of me is pleased you are virtually all but untouched.”

She allowed herself to be mollified and was about to bestow upon him her best dimpled smile when he went and ruined her good mood.

“But it changes nothing. I am in earnest, wife. I will not allow you to cozen me into your bed. I will bed you if, and when, I choose. No amount of kisses and seductive looks and teary entreaties will stir me. Do you understand?”

Charlotte stared at him in horror. He couldn’t be serious. Could he? No. He was overwrought. He needed more comforting. He was worried about the something blocking something else in his engine that could explode. That was all. Still… “You’re not serious?”

He nodded, releasing her hands as he turned back to his machine. He picked up his cloth and resumed polishing the gauge. “You wanted marriage, you trapped me into it, but I will be the master of my own fate. Now, it’s late, I suggest you go to bed. Have Patricia’s maid attend you. I will see you in the morning, when we will go over the household budget.”