Page 5 of Read To Me, Lyon

“We appreciate all your help. Still, this needs to happen. Do I wish society didn’t base my abilities on my sex? Of course, but I, too, have studied similar court cases, and they don’t make me confident.”

“It is wrong,” he stated.

Benton was an ardent supporter of women’s causes. His wife wouldn’t allow him to be any other way. She hoped her future husband would be as well. It had been one of the many requirements she’d sent Mrs. Dove-Lyon.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the drawing room’s doors being thrown open. An older woman, dressed in a stunning magenta-and-black silk dress, entered the room. Both Kitty and Benton stood. She didn’t ask them to sit; instead, she studied Kitty.

Kitty flushed, not used to being stared at so openly or thoroughly. After all, she was of average height and build. Her hair was a normal brown, and her eyes a non-remarkable hazel color that her mother had often called lovely. Though Kitty wasn’t sure anyone else would see that.

“Please sit, Miss Larson and Mr. Smith. Miss Larson, I have received your missive with your long list of requirements for a husband,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon said, gesturing to a settee on the other side of a low table.

They did as she asked, but Kitty bristled at her emphasis on “long list.” She hadn’t thought it so extensive. She was, after all, selecting a partner for life.

Now Kitty smiled, trying to ignore her nerves. “Thank you for meeting with me, Mrs. Dove-Lyon.”

The older woman settled herself in a wing backed chair and motioned to a staff member, who handed Kitty a slip of paper. “This will be my fee to find you a husband.”

Kitty opened the paper, and felt her eyes widen in shock. The sum was exorbitant but not undoable. She showed it to Benton, who gasped. “Madame, that is an outrageous amount. Miss Larson is only a bookshop owner.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s lips twisted into a smirk, and she lifted a brow. “Let’s not play games. I’m aware of your underground press and books. I’ve even had my staff procure publications from you. A lady at my age likes a more mature romance from time to time, and some of your how-to guides have been very educational for women I know.”

It wasn’t so surprising that Mrs. Dove-Lyon knew of their underground books for women. Yet, Benton’s shock over the requested payment remained. She had no doubt her solicitor’s huffing and puffing was his way of conveying his continued disapproval of the fee amount. Kitty ignored him as the proprietor’s eyes locked with hers. “Tell me, Miss Larson, is my sum unfair? You are neither a lady nor well known in respectable society, therefore making a match less easy. And, in addition, I suspect you will want a husband who will not interfere with your work.”

When Mrs. Dove-Lyon explained it like that, perhaps the amount was reasonable. She glanced at Benton. He frowned and turned his face to peer at her. “Kitty, it is a staggering sum.”

“But only a fraction of what the Larson Bookshop and Printing Press earns in a year,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon pointed out.

Kitty, grateful, squeezed Benton’s hand, wanting to assure him. “It is the best choice.”

He nodded, but she could tell he was still displeased.

Mrs. Dove-Lyon added, “I will ensure my solicitor works with you, Mr. Smith, to make sure Miss Larson’s business is protected.”

“And my sisters’,” Kitty stated.

Mrs. Dove-Lyon sighed. “Yes. I’ve reviewed your list of requirements. It is much too long. You will need to provide me with only three. Right now, I understand you want someone who will not involve themselves in your family business and won’t interfere with the choices made for your sisters. That leaves you only one.”

Kitty wanted to argue the point, but Mrs. Dove-Lyon slid a paper across the small table between them. It was her extensive list of requirements. Benton said, “Choose something for yourself, Kitty. Something that will matter as you grow old with this person.”

What did she want? Overwhelmed, she let her gaze roam over the list. Finally, she placed it face down, still contemplating the final requirement that Benton said she should choose for herself. Mrs. Dove-Love sighed, indicating she was growing impatient. Still, she pondered her choices until, finally, she decided. “Kind.”

The proprietor lifted a brow, and Kitty added, “As we grow old, I think I will appreciate a husband with that quality.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon tilted her head and studied her. “I thought you would request a lord, or someone handsome.”

Kitty shook her head and insisted, “I want him to be kind.”

Benton smiled proudly at her, and she said again, “If I’m only allowed one more requirement, that is my choice.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon nodded. “Fine. I suppose it is a fair request. I will send you a missive within two weeks. It would be sooner, but kindness is harder to investigate than superficial qualities.”

“Will it change the price?”

Benton gasped at Kitty’s question, and the regal proprietor tossed her head back, laughing. “No, I don’t want to alarm your solicitor any further.”

Kitty smiled, optimistic all would be well soon. Uncle Dominic would not be able to touch the Larson Bookshop and Printing Press.

A few days later, Oliver sipped a brandy as he waited for Mrs. Dove-Lyon to join him in one of her private drawing rooms at her club. He’d been shocked to be granted a meeting with her so quickly. Still, time was of the essence.