The Bachelor Bargain (Secrets, Scandals, and Spies) by Michaels, Maddison (short books to read TXT) 📕

Livie blinked. “But Aunt Demelza was the one to warn me against Sebastian. To remind me of the consequences I would face if I allowed my heart to lead the way.”

“She was scared for you, my dear.” Her father sighed. “No matter what Demelza says, I know for a fact she regrets not running away with her groom to this very day.”

“You know of her history?”

“Your mother was her closest friend. Of course I know.” He shrugged. “I think, her seeing your melancholy over these last few weeks has been enough to remind her of her own great regret, and the fact she doesn’t wish you to repeat her mistakes. She will support you. We all will. But tell me this, Livie, do you truly love, Colver, with every fiber of your being?”

Slowly, she nodded. “So much so, it hurts to think of never seeing him again.”

“And does he feel the same, regardless of your rejection of him?” Her father’s eyes probed her own.

“I believe so…”

“And will he treat you as you deserve? Will he care for you and cherish you?”

“He’s one of the most honorable men I know, regardless of his reputation.”

“Then you must take action.” He pulled her to her feet. “You cannot let love slip through your fingers and spend a lifetime living in regret. That is no life at all.”

“What if he doesn’t want me anymore? Especially after I rejected him when he declared his love… I doubt he will ever forgive me.” The memory of his anger and disappointment was like a bitter pill in her mouth. Livie hadn’t been brave enough to accept his love, and she feared that her lack of courage would have steeled his heart against her.

“If he can’t forgive you then he doesn’t deserve your love,” her father replied. “But you must at least speak to him, or you shall regret not doing so for the rest of your life.”

Livie felt her lower lip tremble. “I wouldn’t know how to approach him.”

“With courage, my daughter. I hear he is to be at Demelza’s ball tomorrow night.”

She’d quite forgotten about her aunt’s ball, where Charlotte was to make her grand entrance. Of course, Sebastian would be there, even if no one knew the true reason for his attendance. After all, it wasn’t the first of Demelza’s balls he’d been to.

Could she approach him? Could she take that leap and tell him she had been wrong? That their love could overcome any obstacles? “I’m scared, Father. I’m scared he won’t want anything to do with me after I rebuffed him.”

“I know you are, my daughter. Love is a scary thing,” he said. “But without it, we are all lost. You must be brave with your heart, for true courage is taking a leap even in the face of your greatest fears.”

“I don’t feel very brave.”

He kissed her forehead and took a step back. “You are one of the bravest people I know, my darling. And whatever you choose, I will always be here for you. Now, I shall leave you to your thoughts. But do think upon my words, and I do pray that you take that leap of faith, my dear daughter. It is your future happiness that is at stake.”

Livie took in a deep breath and nodded, watching as he smiled softly before striding from the room. As the door closed behind him, she turned back to the window, noticing the rain had finally stopped and a rainbow was shining in the distance. Perhaps it was a sign? If only she could be brave enough.

Chapter Fifty-Two

“She’s magnificent, isn’t she?”

Sebastian heard the imperial voice of the Duchess of Calder from behind him, though he made no move to straighten from his position of leaning on the balustrade and observing the dancers below, his sister included in their number.

“I do believe I’ve outdone myself with Charlotte’s debut,” Demelza continued as she came to stand beside Sebastian, her cane tapping by her side as her sharp eyes glanced down to the throng below.

“Yes, she is the belle of the ball, Your Grace,” Sebastian agreed, watching as his sister was led around the dance floor by yet another bachelor. He’d lost count of how many men she’d danced with, as every single bachelor there seemed determined to secure her attention.

“Indeed she is,” Demelza agreed. “I would have thought that fact would thrill you more, but instead you appear decidedly…despondent.”

Sebastian raised his brow as he turned to face her. “Despondent?”

“Well, perhaps that word is a tad dramatic.” She peered at him intently for a moment. “But you certainly don’t seem happy. Though I can’t say I’ve ever really seen you happy, Colver. Except when you were in the company of my goddaughter.”

At the mere mention of Livie, a sharp twist of pain tore through his chest. “Was there something in particular you wanted to say to me, Your Grace? Because if there is, say it. You’re not usually one to beat around the bush.”

“Very well.” Lady Calder eyed him cannily. “Was it merely a flirtation you were having with Olivia? Simply an amusement to you, to trifle with a duke’s daughter? Was that your only interest in her? A fleeting fancy?”

His jaw clenched and he bowed stiffly to her. “If you will excuse me, Your Grace, I shall be taking my leave.”

“I never took you for a coward, Mr. Colver.”

Sebastian straightened. “If you were a man, my lady, I would take you outside and beat you to a pulp for suggesting that.”

“’Tis lucky I am not a man, then.” She shrugged. “But tell me, how is it not cowardly to be running away at the mere mention of my goddaughter? I thought you were made of sturdier stuff than that.”

“You forget yourself, Your Grace. I am not from your world, and you don’t scare me.” He took in a deep breath. “I am not going to discuss