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Philip—his manners finally catching up this brain—repeated the words, stumbling over them as he gave a slight bow, uncertain of the etiquette of the situation.
The woman stood and gave a slight curtsey. “Your Grace. Lord Newbury, I am Mrs. Chambers. Welcome.”
“How—” Philip’s question was cut off by his father’s grip on his forearm.
The woman’s responding smile was soft and polite. Her dark hair, curled and pinned into an immovable coif, framed an angular but elegant face. Subtle color dotted her cheeks and lips, and her silk and brocade dress represented a simple but recent style. “I believe this is Lord Newbury’s first time here.”
Solomon nodded. “It is. I requested Cassandra for that reason.”
Mrs. Chambers looked Philip over from hairline to boots as she moved closer. “An excellent choice. She is quite skilled in this aspect.”
A nagging supposition began building in Philip’s brain. “Father—”
“I see you did not inform Lord Newbury why he is here.”
“No. My son is rather honor-driven.”
That supposition landed with a horrifying clarity. Philip glared at Solomon. “Father! I cannot—”
Solomon snapped. “You can and you will! And you will treat the ladies here with respect.”
“Ladies?”
Solomon’s mouth opened, his face dark with ire, but Mrs. Chambers stopped him, closing her hand over Solomon’s arm. She focused on Philip. “Lord Newbury, the women here entertain a rather select clientele of gentlemen. Our ladies are educated and trained in a wide range of skills, from—yes, the most intimate—to the abilities to be experienced partners in cards and other table games, fencing, and in-depth conversations on an array of topics. Many of our older clients are widowers who crave a good conversation with a woman, rather than with the men at their clubs. Sometimes an evening will consist of several available services.”
Philip’s stomach ached as he turned to his father. “And you do this? You do this to Mother?”
“Your father is a respected but infrequent visitor to our rooms.” She stepped closer to Philip, lowering her voice. “More so in many years past. And he wishes you not to make the same mistakes he did.”
Philip’s eyebrows arched. “Mistakes?”
Her words were almost a purr. “It is a myth that men arrive on this planet knowing how to please a woman. Many barely know how to please themselves beyond a few rudimentary efforts. When a marriage has been arranged between those who barely know each other, the wedding night can be fraught with misunderstandings. Your married life will be easier, calmer, and more stable if you know how to please your wife on a regular basis.”
Solomon cleared his throat. “She will be less likely to stray, more likely to bear only your children, if you treat her kindly and well.”
Philip’s gut still roiled. “You are not saying that Mother—”
Solomon words were a growl. “No, of course, not!” He sniffed again. “But I could see she was unhappy with our marriage, so I sought Mrs. Chambers’ advice.”
“You were jealous. You disrespected your wife and your marriage because you were jealous.”
“Do not be rid—it is a man’s right—”
Philip bristled, and Mrs. Chambers lay a gentling hand on his arm. “Your father is correct about you, Lord Newbury. You are indeed an honor-driven young man. You care nothing for what Society says is normal between a husband and wife. So I ask you this. Is it disrespectful to learn how to treat your lady as she deserves in the most precious of ways? To find ways that can provide her with the greatest of joys?”
“And you do not think I will discover that on my own?”
“If your first few attempts go awry, you may not get the opportunity.” She held her arm wide. “Many of our clients bungled badly in the first weeks, and they have not had intimate relations with their wives since their heir was born. Others who partook of our services once have since had long and happy marriages.”
Philip backed away from her. “This is nonsense.” He glowered at his father. “This is wrong.”
“What is wrong?”
They all turned to the voice behind them. Philip had heard neither the door nor any footsteps, so he was startled to see the striking woman with her hand on the door latch. Tall, with enough thick but loose-flowing auburn curls for at least two women, her light green eyes held a gleam of delight. An emerald gown hugged her torso and draped delicately over her hips, modest yet alluring.
“Mrs. Chambers, are you annoying our clientele again?”
“Ah, dear Cassandra. Lord Newbury appears to be a bit resistant to our ministrations.”
