Page 7 of Read To Me, Lyon

“I actually admire it. I enjoy the ton being tricked, especially if it has to do with their silly societal rules.”

They smiled at one another, and he suspected this woman had been playing tricks on the lords and ladies of London for quite some time. Then she sobered and drained her champagne before she said, “I have everything I need. Await my missive with further instruction.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon stood, and Oliver joined her. Their meeting was over, but he still had so many questions. “Who will it be?”

“You will have the chance to win the hand of a woman who has a sizable dowry and who can hold a conversation. That is all I will say for now. Good evening, Everly. Please join some of the other gentlemen for a drink before you leave. I’m happy to have you here.”

He nodded, but he wasn’t satisfied. What did she mean by a chance, and who was the lady she had in mind?

Chapter Three

Kitty took a deep breath. The bookshop was insanely busy. The long-awaited book, The Mysterious Disappearance of a Villainous Pirate was available today. The story was an adventure-mystery about a man called Pirate Dante, whispered to be the most odious man to ever captain a ship on the high seas, who suddenly disappeared with several chests of gold. Well, no. The story was partly about him, but mostly about the group that was hunting him and his treasure.

Kitty wasn’t surprised so many people wanted a copy. As its publisher, she’d read it over the last few days and found it enjoyable. The tale ended with a young sailor finding the chests, making him wealthy. Still, the mystery of what happened to Pirate Dante was left up to the readers to imagine, as well as how villainous he truly was. Its author, John Hall, always concluded his stories on an ambiguous note.

Kitty normally hid out in her office, but on days like this, everyone needed to pitch in. She didn’t mind. Watching a patron leave, excited to read a story that came from her family’s shop, exhilarated her.

“Kitty,” her sister Hazel whispered loudly.

Why was she talking like that? She turned and found both Hazel and their shopworker Jillian Tierney motioning to someone in the shop. She frowned. What were they going on about? Kitty walked to them. “What is it?”

“The Marquess of Everly is here,” Hazel said, her voice reverberating with awe.

Her sister adored reading the gossip pages far more than she did. “Who?”

Jillian sighed with annoyance, apparently at Kitty’s ignorance. “He is from one of the most respected families of the ton and has just returned from the Continent. He is so handsome.”

Kitty shook her head and attempted to leave, but Hazel grasped her arm. “Oh, Kitty, have a bit of fun. Look at him. He looks like a prince from a fairy tale.”

She rolled her eyes, but it wasn’t hard to identify the man with whom they were enthralled. Other women in the room were whispering about him as well. He stood out and was certainly attractive with his broad shoulders, blond hair, and blue eyes. And, she supposed, his title only added to his appeal, for some women.

He picked up a copy of the pirate story and headed to the counter. Hazel nudged her. “He is ready to buy his book. Go assist him and smile, but not overly large like you do when you are nervous. Just a nice gentle one, like when you’ve finished a lovely book.”

Perplexed, she drew her brows together. “Are you trying to insinuate I should flirt with him?”

They both nodded. Jillian giggled. “Why not?”

She shook her head. “You both have gone mad. Excuse me.”

Kitty rounded the counter. The marquess was reading the dedication page. She steadied herself, thinking about how Hazel had accused her of smiling overly large before she said, “Good day, my lord. Thank you for visiting my shop. Is there anything I can help you find?”

He glanced up and provided her with a lazy smile. “I imagine your shop has been filled with gentlemen buying this book.”

Her stomach dipped, startling her. Something about his smile and gaze warmed her and put her at ease. She expected him to be pretentious. Do not go thinking crazy thoughts.

Hazel and Jillian’s fanciful ideas were getting to her. This man’s mother ruled London society. Kitty should only be happy that he’d entered their bookshop.

Then again, their store was a strange place where people from all walks of life could be found. Her parents had been intentional about having a variety of books and pricing things fairly. Having the underground publications helped support those efforts. Though today, Pirate Dante brought people through the doors. “It has been our busiest day of the month,” she answered.

He wiggled his brows. “Did you read the story? If so, did you find Pirate Dante to be villainous or a decent man?”

“I think he is probably a combination of both, as are most people. None of us is inherently good or bad. We are products of our surroundings, which can change at any time, my lord.”

He seemed intrigued by her opinions, and her cheeks heated as he studied her. He asked, “I didn’t catch your name. What is it?”

She smiled, telling herself not to read too much into the question. “Miss Kitty Larson.”

“Oh! Your family owns this shop?”