Mitchell returned, smirking as he pushed between William and Cobb. “She distracts you again. However did you get the lovely lady to marry you when all you can do is scowl at her? ”
“There was no other choice once I got to know her.” He rattled off his well-rehearsed story of falling in love with the woman who’d saved his life to his friend and waited to see if he was believed.
“I see,” Mitchell said, frowning. “It’s just you usually chase a certain type of woman. Is she agreeable to that?”
Damn, but even Mitchell knew which disappointments to dig his fingers into. “No.”
“That must be frustrating,” Cobb remarked dryly. “You should indulge at Fowlers.”
“I cannot consider it.” That part of his life had to be held in check until he was free of this marriage. He owed Matilda his constancy at the very least since the end of their marriage would tarnish her reputation.
He did not care to think of that future at times.
A strange smile turned up the corners of Cobb’s mouth, and he leaned close. “Surely there is a way to bring her around if you possess enough rope.”
He bristled. “Have a care for your remarks, Cobb. That is my wife you speak of.”
“Apologies.” Cobb grinned. “I forgot your tender heart prefers silk bindings on your women rather than rope.”
“Stow it,” William warned.
Matilda approached, and Cobb thankfully stopped needling him. “Mrs. Alderman is feeling unwell and was hoping you might escort her to her door, Mr. Mitchell.”
Mitchell’s eyes glittered with amusement and eagerness both. He and the lady were neighbors and had a standing weekly rendezvous. Tonight must be the night, William assumed.
“Of course.” Mitchell took his leave, heading toward Mrs. Alderman and offering his arm solicitously as if she were truly unwell. The pair were well versed in their charade of congenial friendship. He would do well to learn from them and mimic their disinterest around others.
Cobb bowed. “Perhaps I will see you at the club soon, Captain.”
“Unlikely,” William replied tightly, frowning after his friend.
Matilda remained at his side, and after their remaining guests had departed, she faced him. “I did not know you were a member of a gentleman’s club.”
William raised his eyes to the heavens. “I’m not.”
“Then what place was Cobb talking about?”
Damn, but he didn’t want to begin lying to Matilda now. She already knew the dark path his lust took him. If he told her about Fowler’s brothel, he could be guaranteed she’d never make the mistake of believing he could be changed as so many wives thought of their spouses. “A brothel. He was talking about attending a brothel I used to frequent.”
She gasped out loud. “But why would you of all people need to buy a woman’s affections?”
William took Matilda by the wrist and led her to the brandy and sherry table, far away from the door. He didn’t want to shout out his depravity for all the staff to hear. He had to tell her himself. He wanted to be the one to explain his nature since he had a feeling Cobb wasn’t going to let the matter drop.
He stared at the liquor before him rather than Matilda. “There are not many women among my acquaintances in the ton who wish to be disciplined. Many ladies require incentives to assume a subservient position. It is easier to pay for the pleasure than run the risk of a failed affair being gossiped about and me being labeled a monster for my tastes.”
Matilda’s hand flutt
ered to her neck. “Is that where you were going before we married? To a brothel to spank strange women?”
Her question reflected her horror and he winced. “I went but did not. I could not because of you.”
It was utterly humiliating that Matilda had his pleasure wrapped around her finger. She had always drawn his attention, but now that he was married to the woman, he was fixated. Becoming obsessed.
“Me?” she whispered in shock. “How recently did you go?”
“The night before we married,” he admitted. “I hoped to calm myself.”
“Captain.” Her breath shuddered out. “I don’t know what to say.”