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

rather pompous, particularly as the lady was so vocal about the proprieties being upheld and subsequently was very critical over Alice’s friendship with Etta, whose father was “in trade” as Lady Chilton despairingly called it.

To say that Alice and her sister had been as different as night and day was somewhat understating the matter. Probably why Livie hadn’t had much to do with Lady Chilton in the first place.

Lady Chilton’s butler bowed to them both before retreating, closing the door firmly behind him and leaving the two ladies alone.

Glancing across to Lady Chilton, Livie noted she was dressed immaculately as usual in a tailored day dress made of black silk crepe to reflect her period of mourning, and her golden hair was artfully piled atop her head at exactly the right angle to showcase her classic profile. But there was worry on the woman’s face as she stood and motioned Livie over to her. “Please, come and take a seat and do have some tea.”

“Is everything all right, Lady Chilton?” Livie asked as she walked over to her.

For a brief moment it looked as if Lady Chilton didn’t quite know what to do or how to reply. But then the woman seemed to collect herself. She glided over to where Livie now stood and took Livie’s outstretched hands in her own and air-kissed her cheeks.

“Forgive me, Lady Olivia,” Lady Chilton said. “I’m not quite myself since my sister’s death. I do grieve, as I’m certain you also must.”

Yes, Livie did. Every time she thought of Alice an almost overwhelming sadness gripped her. She could only imagine how much worse such feelings would be for Alice’s sister. “You’re upset. It’s only to be expected.”

“Well, this new pamphlet doing the rounds certainly didn’t help.” Lady Chilton nodded over to a side table, and Livie immediately recognized the gazette’s pamphlet sitting there. “Have you seen it? It was all anyone could talk of last night at the Barrington ball.”

A sense of satisfaction filled her with the news. “Yes, I saw it this morning.”

“It seems everyone is either thrilled or terrified at the prospect of who is to be critiqued. Speculation is rife as to who the three bachelors will be.” Lady Chilton’s gaze turned curious, great intensity in its depths. “You were talking of trying to expose the man who ruined Alice. Is this what you had in mind?”

“No. Not at all,” Livie lied.

“No, of course not,” Lady Chilton agreed with a nod of her head. “Not that I am in any way suggesting you have anything to do with such a publication. You are a duke’s daughter. Obviously, you have no involvement in such a scandal sheet. But it must please you that a publication has arisen with its sole purpose being to expose scoundrels.” She stared off into the distance. “I suppose if it had been around sooner and exposed the man who seduced Alice, she may well still be alive today. And I wouldn’t be in such a predicament.”

Livie hadn’t seen such vulnerability or worry on the woman’s face before. Normally, Lady Chilton was the epitome of aristocratic arrogance, seemingly impervious to everything. But today she looked worried as Livie had never seen her before. Livie sat in the chair the lady gestured to her to take.

“Anyhow, enough talk of the gazette. Would you like some tea?” Lady Chilton picked up the pot from the table, her hands slightly shaky.

“Yes, thank you. And if you’ll forgive me for saying so, you mentioned a predicament? Is there something amiss?”

Uncharacteristically, Lady Chilton nearly dropped the teapot, hastily placing it onto the table with a clatter. “’Tis that obvious, is it?”

Livie smiled gently. “I am afraid so. Is it something I can assist with?”

Instantly, relief seemed to replace the concern. “I certainly hope so. Though I must ask for your word of honor that you will not reveal to another soul what you’re about to learn. Alice’s memory is already tarnished enough. I have no wish for it to be any more so.”

Livie leaned over and squeezed Lady Chilton’s hand briefly. “I will do my utmost to ensure discretion, though I cannot promise something until I know what I am truly promising not to disclose. And like I have told you before, I fully intend to find out who it was that ruined her, and I believe murdered her. Then I intend to ruin him in turn and have him locked up for life. Perhaps I shall send in his name to the gazette once I learn of his identity.”

“If what you say is true, about Alice being murdered by the man who seduced her, then you have no idea of the sort of pain I wish to inflict upon him, too—and I do hope you send his name to this gazette. Here, I got you the guest list and I’ve put an asterisk behind the three men I remember as paying her particular attention that weekend.” She handed the paper to Livie. “But this isn’t the only reason I agreed to meet with you again. Or rather, not directly.” Lady Chilton took in a deep breath. “Do you recollect I told you Alice’s maid fled after Alice’s death, taking several items of jewelry and silver with her?”

“I do.” It had been a frustration to Livie, as she’d wanted to talk to Alice’s maid, for who better would know of any secret liaison than her maid? But no one had known where the maid had fled.

“I will trust your discretion with what I’m about to tell you.” Lady Chilton pressed her lips together, looking like she’d just swallowed a slug. “You see, I received a note from Alice’s maid yesterday afternoon. It would appear her maid is not only a thief but is also now trying her hand at blackmailing me!”

Blackmail? Livie hadn’t been expecting that. Though she’d had little to do with Alice’s maid, Mary, Alice had only ever had positive things to say about the girl. It seemed somewhat strange for