Page 35 of Read To Me, Lyon

As if reading her thoughts, her mother-in-law turned and winked at her. “We Everlys are good at keeping our secrets quiet.”

Oliver sat in Benton Smith’s office as the man paced back and forth. He’d just come from Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s establishment. She’d provided him with information on Dominic Larson and an investigator who could look into him further. What he learned was that Kitty’s uncle had been spending money at an alarming rate. He would be back to bother her.

“I can’t believe she didn’t tell me he was blackmailing her. We talk about everything,” Smith exclaimed. His words were mixed with hurt and anger. Oliver wasn’t the only one Kitty had kept secrets from.

“I think she hoped he would go away permanently, but I just visited the Lyon’s Den and spoke with the proprietor. She had a great deal of information on him. He is known to spend at an outrageous rate. I’m certain he will ask Kitty for more.”

Smith poured two glasses of brandy, handing him one. “I have no doubt. He was always harassing Kitty’s father for money. Where is Kitty?”

“We are not on the best of terms after she revealed everything.” Oliver hated saying the words aloud. It caused a searing ache in his chest. His wife had not trusted him enough to share something that meant so much to her.

Smith took a sip of his drink and frowned. “Kitty worried that the books would create a great scandal for your family. I’m sure even more so with Dominic skulking around.”

“The Everlys are rather adept at keeping secrets. I wish she had told me.”

“Are you quarreling?”

He wasn’t sure what they were doing. “I suggested we shut down the line of illicit books.”

Smith shook his head. “You will break her heart. It means everything to her.”

“My suggestion might have been ill-informed and certainly not what she wanted to hear.”

Kitty’s solicitor smirked. “You need to see the books and understand how much good it provides. If you do, shutting it down would seem irresponsible and reckless.”

“I said it out of anger, if I’m being honest. I was hurt she kept something she cares about so deeply a secret from me.”

“My lord, I can assure you it was only to protect your family name.”

He nodded, agreeing with Smith. “Please call me Oliver. I hope we can be friends.”

Kitty’s lawyer and trusted family friend smiled at Oliver. “Call me Benton, then.”

That evening, Oliver arrived home much later than he anticipated. He’d visited with the investigator and stayed much longer than he’d planned. As he strode down the hallway, he was shocked by how quiet it was. Everyone was likely at some evening event somewhere in Mayfair. He almost walked past the drawing room, but caught a glimpse of Kitty curled up on a sofa.

Oliver stepped into the room, and she sat up. His wife was a beautiful sight. She still wore her day dress, and some of her dark hair fell down her back. She bit her lip and studied him, ready to fight if he wanted to, but he could see the sadness in her eyes. She didn’t want to argue any more than he did.

Sighing, he sat on the edge of the sofa, wanting to be near her even though they were not on the best of terms. “I don’t want to fight, Kitty. Yes, I am hurt that you kept something from me. But I would never try to stop you from doing something you believe in so strongly. I just wish you had told me earlier.”

She seemed to sink a little into the sofa, as she released the tension she must have been holding. “I’m sorry. I worried about your family’s title and the impact this would have if it was revealed. Then Uncle Dominic was around, threatening to go to the papers.”

He nodded. “We barely know each other. In some ways, I understand why you kept it a secret, but know, Kitty, that I love you. Scandal be damned.”

She smiled at him. Oliver reached for Kitty, pulling her into his lap. “I mean it. Even if it does come out, I would endure any scandal for you.”

“I love you,” she said, cuddling into his chest with her head under his chin. She fit there perfectly, and he was glad he’d made the decisions he had instead of just responding in anger. He could have lost this wonderful woman.

He kissed the top of her head. “I met with several people today, including your solicitor, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, and an investigator. I should have taken you with me. I’m sorry.”

Kitty shook her head. “No, I trust you.”

“Your uncle is spending money at a rapid rate. According to Benton, especially, he will most likely be back to bother you. But this time, I plan to meet with him and put a stop to his blackmail schemes.”

She burrowed into him further. “I should have told you sooner.”

“I hate that you and your sisters’ last living relative is so awful.”

Kitty lifted one of his hands and kissed the knuckles. “You are my family now. I couldn’t want for more than you, your mother, and Julia.”