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

conceded after a moment. “And if you really cannot find a place in that world within the three years, then I will happily keep my promise about supporting you in your medical journey. As much as I might question your choice.”

There was complete silence for a moment as they all processed his words.

“In that case, I shall agree to your proposal,” Charlotte said, then she turned to Livie. “So, it would seem I am to meet the duchess then, yes?”

“You certainly will,” Livie said. “I shall collect you Monday morning, and be sure to wear your best dress. And I do mean best dress. You shall need to make an excellent first impression with Aunt Demelza. And then I will take you to my modiste after and order you a new wardrobe.”

“And how much extra am I meant to pay for this wardrobe?” Sebastian asked, crossing his hands over his chest and looking at her with wariness.

Livie smiled. “Oh, there’s no need for you to worry about that part, I assure you, I know you are well able to afford it.”

“That doesn’t fill me with the greatest confidence.”

With a shrug of her shoulders Livie had the audacity to wink at him. “You’ll be paying a small fortune, of course, but you do want to launch her into Society and a wardrobe fit for a princess is exactly what she, and Aunt Demelza, will require. You’re well aware of how my world works, and it’s all about appearances, unfortunately.”

“Indeed, I am,” Sebastian said. “Tell the dressmaker to invoice the bill to the Duke of Dalkeith.”

“Your half brother, the new duke?” Livie had no idea the two men had anything to do with the other, let alone had some sort of arrangement in place relating to finances. “I didn’t realize the two of you were on speaking terms…”

“After our father’s death, he and I came to an understanding.” He shrugged, looking for all the world as if this was a rather usual occurrence. “When I don’t wish my name to be linked to any transactions, I have the invoice billed to him, and he will in turn forward them on to me.”

“Oh…” Livie got the sense there was a great deal more to that story than he was saying, but she didn’t wish to press him for further details, at least not here.

“Obviously, I have no need to remind you both of the utmost importance in keeping my name out of any conversations.” His eyes turned cold, hard, and serious. “And be on your best behavior when meeting the duchess, Charlotte. You must make a good impression on her.”

Charlotte sighed. “Meaning, I shall have to act all demure and say nary a word.”

“Goodness, no!” Livie exclaimed, liking the girl already. Charlotte was honest and open, and so completely opposite to her half brother. In fact, if it wasn’t for their strikingly similar eyes, she wouldn’t have realized they were at all related. “My aunt can’t stand those sorts of debutants. Be yourself, speak your truth, and she will like you greatly. Of course she will grumble and groan about her arduous task of turning you into a proper lady, but underneath she will be delighting in your candor. And do mention your aspirations of being a doctor. She will criticize them, but she’ll be impressed, too.”

“Your godmother sounds…complicated?”

Sebastian barked in laughter while Livie cringed slightly.

“That’s a very tame word to describe my aunt,” Livie allowed.

“I’ll say,” Sebastian seconded. “She’s the most feared bloody woman in Society. And the only one I’ve enjoyed having a conversation with, apart from Livie.”

“You’ve had a conversation with my aunt?” She couldn’t imagine Demelza agreeing to speak with the Bastard of Baker Street. The fact that he’d thrown in he enjoyed conversations with Livie, too, sent an unexpected wave of pleasure through her.

“Many in fact.” Sebastian shrugged. “She’s the only lady with enough clout and lack of fear to speak with me without worrying over the consequences. Your aunt and I have had many interesting conversations over the years. In fact, I’m invited to her ball in a fortnight.”

“She’s invited you to her ball?” Demelza’s annual ball was the ball to receive an invitation to, and subsequently invitations were highly selective and even more highly sought after. Clearly her aunt did enjoy speaking with Sebastian if she had invited him to her ball. “If you are on such good terms with my aunt, why did you not ask her yourself to sponsor Charlotte?”

“I don’t know if I’d say we’re on such good terms. I think it more the case she delights in doing things others cannot, such as speaking with me without fear of ruin, and she does enjoy my bluntness when we speak. But I couldn’t ask her to sponsor Charlotte, as she cannot know we are related.” Sebastian’s deep voice rumbled across the room and Livie felt like sighing, the timbre of his voice sending a little thrill of anticipation through her. “Do remember that, Charlotte.” He turned to face his sister, his expression suddenly fierce. “No one must know you are my half sister. No one. Do you understand?”

Charlotte nodded. “Of course, I know. You’ve been ramming on about that fact to me my entire life. I’m not likely to forget it, even if I don’t entirely understand your concern.”

“Our mother was killed because she was related to me!” he roared. “I will not have the same happen to you.” He stalked over to the window and stood rigidly facing out into the street, his fists clenching by his side.

Livie glanced at Charlotte. The girl was looking both furious and sad at the same time. But then a loud clatter of dishes echoed loudly from the hallway, breaking the terse atmosphere.

“That will be Mrs. Mayton, I’m afraid,” Charlotte declared with a sigh as she headed for the door. “She’s slightly clumsy when it comes to the dishes and is always dropping them. If you will both excuse me for a moment.” She paused at