Page 9 of Read To Me, Lyon

He joined them on the dainty sofa, feeling slightly foolish, but he took his mother’s hand. “I have no bitterness over this choice. You and Father gave Julia and me so much. It is my duty to ensure the Everly title and all it entails are well cared for.”

His mother smiled at him, gratefully. She wiped her watery eyes. “I miss your father so much, but I am also so bloody angry with him.”

Oliver brushed away a stray tear on her cheek. “Let it go, Mother. Father was a well-meaning but not very wise man who became excited about a venture his new man-of-affairs told him about. It sounds like the man was very inexperienced. Father couldn’t have known.”

She pulled both him and Julia in for a hug. “He loved you both so much.” Releasing them, she stood and said, “I will tell Mrs. Fitzsimmons we would like some tea.”

Once she departed, Julia turned to him. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

Oliver laughed. “Yes, for the hundredth time.”

“Do you think Mrs. Dove-Lyon is close to finding you a bride?”

He wasn’t sure. “She is a peculiar lady, and odd games are played at her club.”

Julia’s eyes went dreamy. “I wish I could go to the Lyon’s Club.”

“There is no need for you to be present in such a place.”

His sister frowned at him. “You are no fun.”

He wrapped her in a hug. “No, I’m not. I’m a monster as a brother.”

“The worst,” she said. “But I do hope you find happiness, Oliver. Even if it means our newest family member will have atrocious taste in literature.”

Chapter Four

A week later, Kitty and Benton both paced in the same private drawing room of the Lyon’s Den they’d visited before. She’d received a missive yesterday that her husband would be selected tonight. Kitty wasn’t sure what that meant. It was late evening, and voices, noise, and music echoed from the public places of the club.

“You can change your mind,” Benton said.

She smiled at him. “That is nice of you, but I actually can’t. I signed a contract.”

“I should have never allowed you to do so.”

It was her only choice. Her uncle had tried to meet with her several times since she’d made her arrangement with Mrs. Dove-Lyon, but she’d been out, or pretended to be so. Benton also heard he was building a case for guardianship. It couldn’t happen. So many ladies relied on their underground, illicit books.

Yes, some of it was for pure enjoyment, and she loved that, but their publications also provided books on reproduction, female pleasure, women’s health, philosophy, and so much more. Uncle Dominic would destroy it all. Her father had often tried to involve him in the business or find him work, but it always ended with her uncle taking more than he should or being fired. His attempts to become their guardian were probably the hardest he’d ever worked.

She was glad this decision would be made tonight. In a few days, ladies’ maids, female scholars, and other women would arrive at the bookshop after hours to pick up their requested books. Those days and nights were always well worth it. Still, she would be happy not to be pondering who her future husband would be.

The door opened, and the Black Widow entered, wearing her usual mysterious veil. “Hello, Miss Larson. You look lovely. I should have been clearer in my note. You will pick your betrothed, but not meet him this evening.”

Benton questioned, “Whatever does that mean? I’m not sure I enjoy these games you play, Mrs. Dove-Lyon.”

She chuckled and gestured to the chairs. “Both of you, please sit.”

Kitty and Benton joined her in the sitting area. Mrs. Dove-Lyon set a copy of The Mysterious Disappearance of a Villainous Pirate on the table between them all. Kitty frowned at the book, confused by what it had to do with her betrothed.

“Mr. Smith is correct. I like my games, and we will be playing one. Still, I’ve done as you asked in regard to your requirements, including vetting all candidates to ensure they are kind.”

“How would one even go about that?” Benton demanded.

One of her staff members placed champagne in front of all of them. “You can tell a great deal about a man by how he treats others, especially those who society considers beneath them. The six men I’ve selected for you all passed my test. Another six did not.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon had considered twelve men for her. Kitty was shocked. The proprietor smiled at her staff member. “Thank you, Quince.”

“What is the game?” she asked, somewhat alarmed but also intrigued.