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

The information stopped her short for a moment. “At Lady Milbury’s ball?”

Seb nodded. “Lord Milbury owes me several favors. And, like I said, I want to ensure my investment is protected.”

Sebastian walked over to her and regardless of Charlotte standing there beside her, he bent down and swiftly placed a firm kiss on Livie’s lips. Livie could only blink in shock, while she heard Charlotte’s audible gasp of surprise beside her.

“Plus, if I am there, it will hopefully ensure no more foolish escapades from you,” he murmured.

And with that, Sebastian strode down the hall and left the residence without a backward glance.

“How is it that you know my brother?” Charlotte asked, curiosity rife in her voice.

“We will have a lot to talk about on the ride to my godmother’s on Monday, won’t we?” Livie replied, before she said goodbye to Charlotte and took her leave.

For the entire ride back to her house, her thoughts were consumed with the fact that Sebastian would be at the ball tonight… Though she’d seen him at some balls in the past, she’d never actually known him then. Nor had she kissed him either…

Thank goodness it was Justin’s turn to escort her. Of all her brothers, he was the least observant or suspicious and would happily retreat to the library for most of the ball. Because she rather suspected that Seb wouldn’t let a little thing such as Society’s edicts dictate whether he could or couldn’t speak with her tonight. And Livie was actually considering letting him. Society and the rumors in doing so, be damned.

Chapter Twenty-Six

The dancers swirled across the ballroom in perfect harmony with the orchestra, looking so magical as they spun about, that for a moment Livie wished it was she being whisked across the marble tiles, held in the arms of her dance partner.

And for some reason, it was Sebastian’s face that came to mind as being that partner. She could almost feel his strong arms around her as he effortlessly held her while they glided around the space. But such an image was only a dream. She had never danced at a ball and never would.

Though it was fun to imagine, if only for a moment. Especially as she’d always loved to dance as a young girl, constantly begging her brothers to dance with her in their sitting room, wanting to pretend she was dancing at a ball just like she’d seen her mother and father do when she’d spied upon them as a child.

Until the accident, of course.

Livie had never danced again after that day. It was part of the reason why she wasn’t particularly fond of attending balls; seeing everyone having such fun on the dance floor, knowing she could never participate.

Sighing, Livie turned away from the tableau. She had much more important things to focus on than dancing or her lack thereof.

For what felt like the thousandth time, her gaze scanned the assembled crowd, looking for any sign that either Sebastian or Lord Daverell had arrived. But neither had, and it was nearing midnight.

“Dear girl, I’ve never seen you so keenly assessing a crowd before.” Demelza’s crisp voice spoke from Livie’s right, with a decided note of inquisitiveness that did not bode well for Livie. “Almost as if you are eagerly expecting someone.”

Spinning around, Livie plastered a smile on her face, knowing Demelza would most likely see through it, but trying all the same to allay her suspicions. The last thing she needed was for her aunt’s annoyingly accurate powers of observation to be directed upon her. “Good evening, Aunt.” She leaned forward and placed a kiss on each of her aunt’s cheeks.

Demelza was dressed in a rich burgundy gown, with pearls sewn along the neckline and woven into the chignon of her dark brown hair, which was laced with white strands. As always, her godmother was the epitome of elegance and power, with an air of complete certainty radiating from her far-too-observant gaze.

“So? Who is it you are eagerly awaiting?”

“Actually, I’m looking for Etta,” Livie improvised, hoping that would satisfy her aunt.

As soon as Demelza raised a perfectly sculptured eyebrow in reply, Livie knew it had not.

“You may be able to pull the wool over your father’s and brothers’ eyes, dear girl, but I, on the other hand, am not so easily fooled. Nor am I so easily deterred.”

Facts that were, unfortunately, quite correct. “Very well,” Livie conceded. “If you must know, I am looking for Lord Daverell.” It was the truth, or at least partially, but one her aunt was certain to find intriguing.

“Why on earth are you seeking out that bounder?”

Now, it was Livie who was intrigued. Demelza was a veritable fount of information; she should have thought to ask her aunt sooner about the man. “Why do you call him a bounder? He’s not generally considered so.”

“Hmph, Society knows nothing of the truth of matters.” Demelza’s fingers tapped the top of her cane in a rather militant fashion. “Daverell is titled, attractive, can sweet-talk the ladies, and has a decided lack of morals. Such a combination guarantees a bounder. In fact, I would be rather impressed if he is one of the three bachelors named in this Bachelor Bounty Gazette, especially considering he is well-respected, when it is the last thing he should be.”

“The gazette?” Livie didn’t know whether to be happy or terrified Demelza was taking an interest in it. “You’ve heard of it?”

“Well of course I have. I haven’t been living under a rock, my girl. You know I pride myself on knowing what is going on in Society. And the gazette is a bit hard to miss when it’s all anyone has been able to speak of.”

“I have heard the teaser pamphlet proved to be exceedingly popular,” Livie replied. “I just didn’t anticipate you would take an interest in it.”

“I take an interest in everything, my dear. And I am to be