Page 16 of Read To Me, Lyon

He glanced at the personable older man. He had his mother laughing, but Oliver studied Kitty’s sisters, who were seated close to him but seemed deliberately not to engage with him. Instead, Hazel and Anna appeared uncomfortable to be near him. Oliver decided he would have to ask Kitty if something was amiss.

Mr. Smith rose, and all the Larson girls’ eyes lit up. Their solicitor was someone they all clearly adored. The older man’s eyes became watery, and Oliver spotted Kitty discreetly wiping her own with her napkin. Those around the table went silent.

The solicitor smiled at Kitty. “I wish the marquess and the new Marchioness of Everly all the happiness in the world. Lady Everly, your parents were the perfect example of what real love looked like—they were kind, dedicated to each other, and supportive of one another and their children. I wish you and your husband the same type of marriage. If you have that, you can’t ask for more.”

The Dowager Marchioness of Everly also rose. “I couldn’t have said it better, Mr. Smith. Cheers to the married couple.”

Everyone raised their glasses and drank. The room then echoed with applause. Oliver glanced around and saw so many happy faces, except for Kitty’s uncle. He would have to speak with her about the man.

A few hours later, his mother and Kitty’s sisters waved goodbye to them as they climbed into the Everly carriage. The Larson residence would be saved for Anna, Hazel, and their future families. They were departing for their other London townhouse to give Oliver and Kitty some private time together.

They walked back into the townhouse alone, well, except for Hanson, who stood in the foyer waiting for their next request. Oliver said, “Thank you, Hanson, but I think we would like some time to ourselves until dinner.”

The butler beamed. “Understood. The staff and I congratulate you on your marriage. Lady Everly, we are excited to serve you.”

Kitty smiled at him, and then Oliver guided them to the drawing room. Hanson had had one of the maids prepare some small plates of food and put out a bottle of wine. He would have to stop by and thank the staff for all their hard work over the last few days.

“So, we are married. What do you think about that, Lady Everly?”

She smiled at him. “It was a lovely day.”

“Your uncle’s appearance was unexpected.”

Kitty stiffened. “My uncle has tried to overly involve himself in my and my sisters’ lives. Truthfully, one of the reasons I reached out to Mrs. Dove-Lyon was that there were rumors that he was attempting to become our guardian. My parents didn’t want that at all. To put it mildly, my uncle is horrible with money.”

Anger and guilt coursed through him because he’d proposed to her for her dowry. “I wish we’d met under different circumstances.”

Her eyes widened, and she shook her head. “I’m not comparing the two of you. You are nothing alike.”

“Had I known his true intentions, I would have pulled him aside and asked him not to attend the wedding luncheon.”

“It is fine.”

“I want your life to be more than fine, Kitty.”

She smiled at him. “You surprise me.”

“I mean it. If he bothers you here or at the bookshop, please let me know. I will handle it.”

Oliver would make sure the man understood he had no control over his wife’s life. Or her fortune.

“Thank you,” she said and then asked, “What shall we do for the rest of the day?”

“I want us to spend a few days becoming acquainted with each other. That is why I asked my mother to accompany your sisters to our other townhouse.”

“I want that for us too.”

Oliver walked to her and brushed his lips across hers. He tasted her mouth, reveling in the small moans she made. His hands slid down Kitty’s back, and he pulled her more firmly against him. She whimpered as his shaft slid along the apex of her thighs. God, he wanted to get buried in her heat, but he’d promised he would take it slow.

Kitty barely knew him. Up until the moment they met in the bookshop, they were complete strangers. No matter how much he desired her, he wanted Kitty, first, to become comfortable with him being present in her life. He stared down at her. “There is no rush to be intimate. I want to take it slow and woo you.”

She blushed. “You are very kind.”

He gazed down at this beautiful woman and was honest with her. “Kindness, I’m not sure, is the best description. I very much want you to crave and desire me as much as I do you.”

“When I decided to find a husband, I never expected to find someone who I would have such a strong connection with. I’m grateful for the surprise.”

He kissed her again. “Same.”