Page 26 of Read To Me, Lyon

His friend rose and bowed. Julia didn’t curtsey or give him a greeting; instead, she frowned at him. She, like Oliver, had known Carrington and Winthrop since childhood and could easily conclude this visit wasn’t a happy one. “Is something wrong with Peter?”

Carrington remained silent, and Kitty turned to Hazel and Anna. “Why don’t you both go freshen up?” Her sisters departed quickly, obviously sensing the heaviness spreading throughout the room.

Julia didn’t drop her gaze from Carrington. She said, “Tell me.”

Carrington sighed. “He hasn’t been well since returning from France. His staff in the country said he has hidden himself away in his bedchamber and is refusing all visitors. I plan to call on him, and I want your brother to go with me.”

Oliver looked at Kitty. “I apologize. We are supposed to be spending time together—”

She held up her hand. “No, go help your friend. I will have your mother and our sisters move back in here to keep me company.”

He shot her a grateful look and turned back to Carrington. “When do you plan to leave?”

“The day after tomorrow, in the morning. I figured we’d stay for at least three days, but up to a week if needed.”

He glanced at Kitty first, who nodded, reassuring him it was fine. “I will meet you at your townhouse.”

“Thank you. I wouldn’t go or request you join me so soon after your wedding unless I was truly concerned. I will depart now and prepare for our trip,” Carrington said.

He and Oliver discussed a few more travel plans, and then he made his goodbyes. Once Carrington was gone, Julia’s eyes became watery. “You must not allow any harm to come to Peter.”

“I won’t,” he said, determined to help his friend even if he didn’t know how, yet. He wasn’t even sure exactly what was wrong, though he suspected it had to do with their time in France, for what else could it be?

His sister’s lips trembled. “I think I will rest for a bit before dinner.”

She rushed from the room, and his mother rose, smiling apologetically at him and Kitty. “I will make sure your sister, who swears she doesn’t hold a tendre for our family friend, is fine.”

Once his mother was gone, Oliver pulled Kitty into his arms. “I’m sorry I’m leaving you.”

She brushed her mouth across his. “He is your friend. I would think less of you if you didn’t care. I will have plenty to do. There are a few balls to attend and much work to do at the bookshop.”

He nuzzled her neck and was gratified when she gave a gasp of delight. “Just know I will be thinking of you constantly.”

Kitty bowed into him. “Perhaps we should…um, rest before dinner?”

“I like the way you think, Lady Everly.”

Chapter Eleven

Kitty picked up the letter from her desk and read,

My dearest niece,

I stopped by as we arranged, and you were not at the bookshop. My patience will only last so long. I’ve been doing my own research on your work, and I’m not sure the Marquess of Everly would be happy to discover his wife is the printing press for the scandalous books written by that so-called writer, B. Martin. Shall I call on your husband and ask? Meet me here in four days, in the evening, or I will arrange an appointment with him.

Uncle Dominic

She balled up the missive and tossed it across the room. She was angry and frustrated that her uncle kept threatening her. She hated that he held any power over her. Still, it was Kitty’s secrets that allowed him to blackmail her. She needed to tell Oliver and deal with the consequences.

She’d hoped that when she didn’t show up for her appointment with Uncle Dominic, he would have given up, but it was clear that wasn’t going to happen. But Oliver was focused on preparing to visit his friend. She didn’t want to reveal all the details about the illicit publications right before he left.

No, Kitty would pay Uncle Dominic this one time, and when Oliver returned, she would tell him the truth. Oliver was a good man, and he cared about her. He would understand. He had to—though her heart quaked with fear. Deep down, she was terrified he would be furious and that she’d lose him forever. What if he was so scandalized he wanted nothing to do with her ever again?

It was too terrible an idea to be borne.

Kitty scribbled out a note for her uncle and rang the bell on her desk. Shannon responded.

“How may I be of assistance, Kitty?”