Page 4 of Read To Me, Lyon

She didn’t respond, only shaking her head. Oliver firmly said, “He loved you dearly.”

“I know. I am just so bloody furious with him right now.”

Julia joined her on the sofa, hugging her. “We will get through this, and you are allowed to grieve him and also be angry.”

He nodded in agreement and asked, “What happened to Mr. Devons?”

“He was killed by an associate of his. I’m not sure if it had anything to do with the mine,” Julia provided.

He grimaced, knowing that meant all legal recourse had died with the man.

His mother added, “We have enough to pay the staff for the rest of the year as long as we live frugally. Next year’s proceeds should help, but if another business goes under or the crops don’t do well, we will be in a bad way.”

Oliver rose and poured himself a brandy, pacing and sipping it. Julia assured, “We will be fine.”

“I’m so sorry you came home to this,” his mother said tearfully.

They could likely right the situation over time, but his mother wasn’t wrong. If something else went badly, life for them and the people they employed could become very difficult. He would visit Mr. Hancock and see if he had any recommendations on a new man-of-affairs. Why had his father hired Mr. Devons and not checked any of his references?

He supposed it didn’t matter now.

Oliver detested the idea of being broke. He didn’t like it for his family or those they cared for. No, he wouldn’t allow it. Oliver would have to do something to ease the heavy burden his family was carrying, and he would do it in the way all broke gentlemen did—he would marry. “I will find a bride with a dowry who can replenish the coffers.”

Julia frowned at him. “What about love?”

His mother sniffled, and he knew it destroyed her that he would be marrying for the practical reason of needing money.

Love had brought her and his father together. The dowager marchioness played the part of the perfect society lady, but his mother hadn’t always been destined for her role. The ton had no idea that she was not originally from their world. No, his family was quite adept at hiding scandals and had been for generations.

“Perhaps I will find love with my bride. Let’s be optimistic.”

His sister seemed skeptical, but he gave her a pointed look when his mother wasn’t looking. Now was not the time to reflect on what he’d be giving up. Oliver understood his duty and would do it.

His mother took a deep breath. “I will create a list of ladies that may be an option.”

Oliver shook his head. “There is a club called the Lyon’s Den—”

“I know of it. Why can’t you woo a lady properly?” his mother said, shocked.

“Gossip will swirl if he weds the lady with the biggest dowry of the Season,” Julia pointed out.

The Lyon’s Den was a club frequented by some of his friends and very popular for its unique bets, but the proprietor, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, also assisted in quietly finding brides for gentlemen. “Julia is right, and the club is known to discreetly handle these types of situations.”

His mother bit her lip. Oliver knew she hated this idea for him.

“This is the best way forward,” he emphasized.

His mother and sister reluctantly nodded. Oliver took a large sip of his brandy. He would do his duty, but deep down, it burned to know that his future bride would be chosen for the financial means she brought to his family and not for love.

Chapter Two

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Benton asked her as they waited in one of the private drawing rooms of the Lyon’s Den.

He’d asked Kitty the question more than once in various ways during their carriage ride over to the club. Kitty suspected he hoped she would change her mind, but she couldn’t risk the chance of Uncle Dominic gaining control of her family’s company. She couldn’t and wouldn’t allow it.

She smiled at him. “Benton, I’m content with my decision.”

“I feel protective of you girls,” the older man said gruffly.