He was the one who had suggested she go to the Elysium, but she hadn’t told him upon whom precisely she’d set her eye. “More so. As a matter of fact, once our position is secured, I’ll no doubt spend considerable time there.”

“My dear sister, we are attempting to deceive the Crown. Should the truth come out, they’ll have our heads. No. Once some blighter’s seed takes root, you can’t risk returning, can’t risk anyone figuring things out. You’ll retire to the country and live out your life a grieving widow, much as the Queen has done since the death of her dear Albert. Sleep well.”

As though she’d be able to sleep at all. He immediately strode from the room, before she had time to pick up her hairbrush and throw it at him with all her might.

Despair and anger threatened to swamp her. It had always been left to her to save the family. First with marriage, and now through sin.

Not in the mood to deal with anyone else, she didn’t send for her maid but simply saw to her own needs. She finished removing the pins, brushed out her hair, and braided it. With a great deal of effort, she managed to shed her clothing and slip into a soft flannel nightdress.

As she walked toward her bed, a profound sadness and loneliness struck her. She glanced over at the door that led into the duke’s bedchamber. With a shuddering sigh, she opened it and stepped over the threshold into the room where her husband had always slept when they were in London.

On tiptoes, she crept toward the bed as though there would be hell to pay if she were caught sneaking about in this room. On the nights when her husband had not come to her bed, she’d never had the courage to slip into his, to come to him. She felt rather guilty that she’d gone in search of another man earlier tonight. The action had been out of character for her, and yet Aiden Trewlove had certainly given no hint that he’d been put off by it. Perhaps she should have gone to Lushing as well.

It was odd to be here now, but also soothing as she caught a wisp of his faint fragrance, lingering even though they’d not been back to the city since they’d attended the regatta in Cowes last August. Climbing onto the bed, she curled onto her side and brought up her knees.

Running her tongue over her lips, she could still taste Aiden Trewlove, dark, oak, smoky, whisky. She’d had no idea a man could taste so flavorful.

Why had Lushing never opened his mouth to her? Why had he never made her feel as though he wanted to devour her?