Emily took a shuddering breath as she sat in Theo’s parlor and faced the women she had come to trust. Could they help her once more?

“I-I was so angry when I found out he’d had me followed. Full of outrage and confidence that I was right and he was wrong.” Her shoulders hunched as she suffered the deflated feeling once more. “But then his words sank in. And as he turned to storm away from me, I knew he had the right of it. I had been stubborn and willful. I never trusted him. I never gave him a chance to help me. To be my partner.”

Theo hugged her gently as Marie sat forward. “Well now, I wouldn’t heap all the responsibility on your own shoulders. The truth is he should have come to you sooner and showed you the trust he so desperately wanted. However, I agree you have certainly made some mistakes. The question is, do you wish to correct them?”

“Of course.” Emily smiled tremulously. “I came to you all because I know I wish to make things right with Cooper, but I do not know where or even how to begin.”

Theo released her and leaned back. “The first step is to apologize. I know when I have made a mistake, even a well-intentioned one, I always feel better after I own up to the mistake and ask the offended party for forgiveness.”

“Very well, I can certainly apologize if he will listen.” Emily pushed the uncertainty away. She would make him listen. “What else can I do? I fear he is terribly angry with me. I’ve hurt him.”

“Yes, well, we will have to wage a campaign to win back his trust and his heart.” Marie grinned. “And while he may be a particularly stubborn male, he does have one particular weakness.”

Confusion rolled through Emily. “He does?”

Marie laughed. “Of course he does.”

Emily looked at Theo, and then her sister, Lizzy. “I don’t understand.”

Marie took a sip of her tea and then set the cup and saucer down. “His greatest weakness is his desire for you. He may be angry. He might harden his heart to you, even, but there is no way he can escape his desire for you. And we can use that to get him to listen.”

“But how? I am no seductress. He had only just begun to open up about his desires. I know so little of what might win him over.”

Doubt swelled within her, taking her on yet another emotional dip, like a ship sailing in rough seas.

“I believe we have a friend who can assist us in navigating your husband’s desires. But you must be willing to learn through unconventional means.” Marie’s soothing tone belied the challenge in her words.

Emily smoothed the ruffles on one of her new dresses. The light green color brought out the green in her hazel eyes and made her feel pretty. It was the boost that she had needed once Cooper had stormed out. “I am willing to do whatever it takes to fix things with Cooper. I—” She glanced around the room and finally admitted the truth to herself. She was in love with her husband. “I love him. I’m afraid I was such a fool that I did not realize the truth until he’d stormed out of my room.”

“Well, then, it is time you met Madame de Pompadour. She is the person who will be best able to help you learn how to seduce your husband.” Marie nodded with confidence.

* * *

Emily sat in Lady Heartfield’s drawing room and did her best not to fidget. It was not every day that one took tea with a notorious madame. But then again, as she looked at Marie and Theo, who both appeared to be terribly calm, perhaps it happened more often than she realized.

Then Marie’s butler opened the door of the drawing room and announced, “Madame de Pompadour.”

Emily couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped her as the beautiful woman swept into the room. She wore a claret walking dress that was the first stare of fashion. Her blonde hair was swept up into a pile that had a single elegant curl draped from the cluster down her neck. Her blue eyes sparkled with excitement as she took a seat next to Marie. “I do so enjoy these urgent summonses. What intrigue do you plan to entangle me in this time?”

“Oh, Celeste, the best kind of intrigue. Love.” Marie smiled fondly at her friend.

“Do tell. Do tell.” Madame de Pompadour smiled, her eagerness plain to see.

Marie nodded at Emily. “First, introductions. Lady Brougham, may I introduce Madame de Pompadour?”

Ignoring her sweaty palms, Emily stuck out her hand. “A pleasure to meet you, Madame.”

“Likewise, Lady Brougham.” She hesitated for a moment. “Is that the Lord Brougham with whom I am acquainted?”

“I believe you are quite familiar with my husband and his circle of friends.” Emily smiled, though she was sure the women could see how it wobbled.

Marie waved at Theo. “And you would, of course, remember Lady Stonemere.”

“Indeed. How are things with you and Lord Stonemere?” Madame de Pompadour inquired.

Theo blushed a bit—which rather surprised Emily. “We are getting along quite nicely now. I’d say your previous assistance proved to be invaluable.”

“Excellent!” The madame smiled in genuine happiness. “So, then who am I here to assist?”

Still nervous, Emily cleared her throat. “That would be me.”

“Oh dear, has Lord Brougham gone and cocked things up?” Both her eyebrows lifted as she pressed a hand to her chest.

“Actually, no. I seem to be the culprit…mostly.” Emily let her gaze drop as her cheeks warmed. “I need a lesson in how to capture my husband’s desires and keep them engaged long enough to get past his ire.”

“Hmmm…” The madame paused as though considering her request as Marie poured her a cup of tea. “I should think he will not be so difficult to thwart. He has always been the most easygoing of the Lustful Lords. I shall assume that any tutoring is to be hands-off?”

The warmth in her cheeks flared into full-blown flames. “I-I…” Emily swallowed. “Y-ye-yes.”

“Very well.” She took a sip of her tea. “Are you able to slip away from your husband for an evening? I believe the tour we provided Lady Stonemere should help enlighten you to your husband’s more demanding desires.”

Theo grinned at her. “Men can be devilish tricky to sort out. I should warn you, Stonemere discovered my plans when I went about this tour, and then he took over. You should be aware of the risks.”

“I doubt he still has his friends following me after our disagreement. I hope I shall be able to keep this one secret until I am ready to reveal what I have learned.”

Emily ignored the worry that took root. Would it ruin everything if he discovered her plans? Possibly.

“We should move quickly this time. You’ll come tonight at the stroke of midnight. Wear a mask and come to the back entrance so that you will be less conspicuous.” Madame de Pompadour nodded decisively.

“Of course,” Emily agreed. “And then you’ll show me what I need to know.”

“Yes, or rather, one of my girls will act as your escort.” Madame de Pompadour set her tea down. “Well, if you will excuse me, I have much to arrange before midnight.”

Emily rose quickly. “Thank you for your assistance.”

“Do not worry, Lady Brougham. We shall get you two on the right track in no time.”