Page 10 of Read To Me, Lyon

“You’ve given me a hefty sum to help you, and I do want you to find a suitable partner. So instead of me selecting your husband, you will. Each man is now arriving and in the next thirty minutes will be provided a paper on which to write his thoughts about this new popular pirate tale.”

“That is absurd,” Benton blustered.

But Kitty wasn’t so sure she agreed with him. You could learn a lot about a person from their writing and opinions. The idea thrilled her more than picking someone in person based on their appearance.

“I will do it.”

“Kitty, this is madness.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon smiled. “Trust me.”

She turned to her solicitor and dear family friend. “It will be fine.”

He shook his head but didn’t argue with her. Excitement with a bit of alarm coursed through her. She was intrigued to find her husband this way. Her mind crazily flashed to the Marquess of Everly. Stop it. That man didn’t suit her and didn’t need funds, but she could still choose someone who connected with her on an intellectual and emotional level. Likely even more than a marquess with whom she had nothing in common.

“You said I won’t be able to meet him tonight.”

The proprietor shook her head. “No, after you choose. I will ask Mr. Smith to stay behind and give his final approval. I think he will be happy with any of the options. Your betrothed will call on you tomorrow and formally ask you to be his wife.”

“Why not tonight?”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon smirked, amused. “I like the romance of making you wait.”

Benton sighed, clearly aggravated. Mrs. Dove-Lyon turned to him. “I can see you care a great deal for Miss Larson, which is why I’m letting you have the final say. The agreement can only be broken if you determine that the person I’ve chosen, and who she chooses doesn’t quite meet her requirements. Once you concur, you will draft a contract for Miss Larson’s other two specifications. Her betrothed will sign the document right away.”

Kitty glanced at Benton, who seemed more relieved by Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s assurances. Why was she herself confident that this would turn out well? “I’m ready to read the book summaries.”

At the very least, she’d learn if her betrothed could write well, which would be a bonus.

Mrs. Dove-Lyon rose. “I will return shortly. I have a small bet with my own solicitor on whom you will pick. I think I have the right of it.”

Her words intrigued Kitty because the woman barely knew her. As if reading her mind, Mrs. Dove-Lyon said, “I’ve been doing this for a long time, Miss Larson.”

She and Benton watched her leave. Kitty took a large gulp of her champagne, suddenly unsure of her feelings that all would turn out as it should. She glanced at Benton, who downed the bubbles in his glass as well.

Oliver sat in a smaller room at the Lyon’s Den. It was decorated just as elegantly, but more petite than the drawing room he’d met with Mrs. Dove-Lyon in previously. He was nervous about meeting his future bride and wasn’t sure he would have selected a gentlemen’s club as the location for their first introduction, but he supposed none of that was up to him.

Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s staff member, Quince, entered and handed him a brandy. “No spilling today, my lord.”

They shared a smile, and Oliver reiterated again, “It was nothing.”

The man nodded and left. Mrs. Dove-Lyon joined him next. “Tonight, you will get to woo your lady with hopes of making her your bride.”

He took a large sip of his brandy, enjoying the burn of the liquid fortitude. “I’m ready.”

“Please join me in the sitting area.”

Oliver took a seat in the wingback chair across from where she sat on the sofa. She placed a book on the table between them. It was the story he’d purchased from the bookshop.

“There are five men located in rooms similar to this one. They all, including you, fulfill your potential bride’s requirements. This next part is to make sure you are well-matched.”

Oliver’s brows drew together in confusion. Whatever did she mean? She set one sheet of paper and writing implements in front of him. “You will provide a summary of the pirate story. Share what you liked about it, what your opinions were on the characters, and the ending. Focus on your personal thoughts. Don’t speculate on what you think she would want. The lady will select her future husband based on her most preferred summary.”

He looked at her incredulously. “Madame, this isn’t a game for me, or I’m sure this lady.”

Amusement and shrewdness lurked in her eyes. “I assure you, I know what I’m doing. Do your best, Everly, and I think you have a real shot at being her choice.”

Oliver was well aware Mrs. Dove-Lyon enjoyed games, both rigged and not. Yet, this seemed outlandish. As if sensing his inner turmoil, she added, “One’s opinion and writing can tell a great deal about a person. You wanted a woman with whom you can enjoy conversing. This lady is intelligent, witty, and loyal. To be her choice, you must woo her with this summary.”