“Reluctantly.” Lucien let out a short laugh. “He is clearly desperate since he came to me for help. I think he would prefer to waltz across hot coals on his way to Almack’s.”
Evie’s shoulders twitched as a smile drifted across her full lips. “Desperate indeed. Sabrina was also rather anxious for help. She’s anxious about everything, really.”
“She seems to be, and it sounds as if neither she nor Con can do what they must to meet each other in the middle. She’s too apprehensive, and her fear has caused him to also be apprehensive. It’s a bloody mess.”
“I’ve been encouraging her to overcome her anxiety, particularly about sex.” She clucked her tongue. “The poor thing has never had an orgasm.”
Lucien shook his head. “Oh, Con.”
“Don’t blame him. As you said, it’s a mess and neither of them is at fault.”
“Or they both are.”
She pursed her lips. “How about we don’t assign blame and just help them? Are you going to share your plan? It seems you have one.”
“I do. Con had planned to finally take a mistress, but, as you know, the attempt was foiled.” Lucien had told her about giving Constantine a key to a room in the Phoenix Club to meet with a courtesan. Because she was the manager of the women’s side of the club, Lucien shared just about everything that involved the club with her. “I think spending time with someone who can help him be more commanding would be beneficial to his marriage. I suggested he see someone who can tutor him in seduction—specifically with his nervous, reticent wife. I don’t suppose you can think of anyone who could help?”
The look she gave him could have frozen his balls off. He was glad it didn’t. “I’ve overstepped,” he said quietly. “I know it’s been two years since you left that profession, but I thought you might be able to recommend someone.”
Her brows, pitched in an angry V, did not relax. “As you should know, I completely cut myself off from that life when I left London to reinvent myself. I have not kept in touch with anyone at all, and I can’t reach out to anyone now, not as Mrs. Renshaw.”
Of course she couldn’t, and he damn well should have known better. “My deepest apologies, Evie.”
She exhaled and waved her hand, her features smoothing. Thankfully, she never stayed perturbed with him for long. “Honestly, it’s too bad we can’t lock Sabrina and Con alone together in a room. Naked. Perhaps with some helpful instruments.”
Lucien grinned. “A dildo?”
“Can you imagine?” Her eyes glowed with mirth. “But no, that would be too much.”
“Actually, I don’t think it’s a bad idea—the alone together in a room part anyway. And hopefully they would remove their clothing at some point.” Lucien leaned his head back and stared up at the ceiling a moment. “This could work.” He lowered his head and leveled a stare at Evie. “Sabrina could be the tutor.”
Evie’s eyes rounded, and she immediately shook her head. “That would never work. Sabrina lacks the confidence, let alone the knowledge.”
“You said you’ve been encouraging her, including about sex. Surely you can tell her what she needs to know. This could really help them lower their inhibitions.” Lucien was warming to this stratagem. But first he had to convince Con to meet with the tutor. And Evie had to persuade Sabrina. “I’m not sure I agree that Sabrina lacks the confidence. She only thinks she does. She’s already come to London with the goal of taking Society by storm.”
“I think you’re exaggerating a bit,” Evie said with a wry chuckle. “But you’re right that she possesses a steel I don’t think she’s fully aware of—or used to. This could give them both the push they need to, as you say, meet in the middle.” She frowned suddenly. “Except this is a major deception. Con would need to betray his wife, and Sabrina would deceive her husband.”
He leaned forward slightly. “I don’t agree. It’s a minor deception for a much greater good—the benefit of their marriage. I fear that without some assistance, they are doomed to fail.”
“Do you really think Con would do it?”
“I do, with a little more persuasion. I mentioned it yesterday, and he said he’d consider it. Do you think you can get Sabrina to agree?”
Evie blew out a breath. “I don’t know her that well yet, but she’s committed to making drastic changes to achieve what she wants. And what she wants most is a child.”
“Then they need to get into bed.”
“Perhaps this scenario will allow them to be more comfortable. Sabrina can pretend to be someone else and that could give her the confidence she needs, that she doesn’t realize she already has.”
“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. If we 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.” Lucien did love his brother, and he would see him happy. Con deserved nothing less.