Dawson held up two waistcoats—one bright and the other dark. “Captain?”
“The bright one,” William decided. It suited his optimistic mood.
He cast a glance at the closed door to his bedchamber. He’d given Matilda time alone that morning to recover from their interlude last night. Her bottom was sure to be tender. “Is my wife awake?”
“She rang the bell for breakfast an hour ago,” Dawson announced in a tone that hinted disapproval. Dawson had been odd since William’s marriage. “She asked what I knew of Lloyd’s demise before your dinner guests arrived last night.”
He moved close to the valet, studying him. “What did you tell her?”
“Nothing, as you insisted.” Dawson scowled. “But do not forget she is clever. She will figure it out or…”
“Lloyd might seek her out.” He frowned at that idea. “His return will place her happiness at risk.”
“Perhaps she should know what kind of man he was and what happened to the last woman he planned to marry.” Dawson flushed a dull red. “Lying to protect her isn’t much better than the reason you married her.”
“How did you…?” He squinted at the man hard. “You had your ear to the door.”
Dawson shook his head. “I thought she was going to resign. Imagine my shock at your dishonorable suggestion that she pretend to be your lover. Can you blame me for worrying for her state of mind and what happens to her when it’s over?”
“No.” William grimaced. “That’s why I married her.”
Dawson scoffed. “You only married because the duke made you do it.”
William scowled at his valet, a man who’d been at his side through thick and thin, who acted as his conscience occasionally. He was annoyed with him until he registered what the man had said to justify his eavesdropping. “Why did you think Matilda was going to resign?”
“Someone had salted her tea that morning. It’s not the only problem she’s had with the other female staff I’ve since learned. They were making her situation unbearable. She was waiting for Harry Lloyd to marry her. To save her. She got dragged into your scheme instead.”
William swore.
“She doesn’t deserve to have her reputation dragged through the mud.”
“Trust me. This arrangement benefits her, and I will make sure she is never troubled again.” He had no doubt about that, but he wished he’d known the extent of her problems here. He had already set aside the funds she required and had inspected a residence, a neat and vacant town house a few blocks away, that should suit her very well. It was in a good part of town, close to the park and with decent neighbors. She would be very comfortable there, and he could also keep a discreet eye on her future affairs.
“How could divorcing or having the marriage annulled be desirable? You know that she will be labeled by society. That sort of scandal will never go away.”
William hated being questioned. He pinched the bridge of his nose to rein in his temper. “You will trust me on this. I know what I’m doing.”
“You had better hope so.” Dawson’s expression grew mulish. “After all she did to save you, it had better have been worth her while.”
“It will be.” William turned away. Dawson obviously felt protective of Matilda, and he approved of that to a degree. He had once suspected that Dawson had romantic feelings for Matilda. That he hadn’t acted upon them, not even to kiss her, spoke of a very platonic friendship.
His Matilda was never free with her affections. She might have considered marriage to Harry Lloyd, but she was as pure as the driven snow if his was the first kiss she’d ever received.
He did not overlook the importance of that discovery.
He was willing to overlook Dawson’s impertinence because he was feeling so optimistic about life with Matilda.
Their tryst last night had given him hope that one day she might think of him warmly. However, he could not depend on that continuing. It was not often a lover of his enjoyed being spanked as frequently as he might wish to discipline them. He and Matilda had made a bargain that had suited them both then. Now, though, he was not certain he wanted to be rid of his wife.
He had never expected that complication.
There were many advantages to being married. Pleasure could be found at home if she remained willing, conversation was available when he liked and for as long as he liked just for a start. And even with the restrictions of their arrangement, the lack of physical release on his part, Matilda had made the experience of marriage not too painful.
And then there was Matilda herself. He no longer needed to make a mess for her to clean up as an excuse to see her whenever he wanted to. She was right there, beyond that door.
When he finished dressing, he sent Dawson away. Sex with Matilda was obv
iously out of the question, though he dreamed of being inside her one day. He shook his head. Best not to think too far beyond the present moment. Discipline and control were what he craved most and what Matilda allowed. More? He would be patient and let her behavior guide him.