The Bachelor Bargain (Secrets, Scandals, and Spies) - Michaels, Maddison (an ebook reader TXT) 📗

she could be used as a weapon against him. He knew Charlotte thought he was being overly dramatic in doing so, but she’d been too young when their mother died to realize that is exactly what happened, and something Seb would never allow to happen again.

“Well, actually, I have a bit of a surprise for you…” On his way here, to ensure he hadn’t been followed, he’d gone a long route, using a combination of different hansom cabs, so he’d had ample time on the journey to think about exactly what it was he was going to tell Charlotte.

He hadn’t broached the subject of marriage with her before, and he certainly hadn’t discussed his wish she be presented to Society. But he couldn’t imagine her having any issues with that. After all, what girl didn’t want to be given a whole new wardrobe and be launched into Society? Even if this one did want to become a doctor, and having a female as a doctor was a concept that Society was only just barely accepting.

She’d likely thank him after he told her. At least that’s what he was trying to convince himself of, especially as his sister, sweet and kind though she was, did have a temper when she got riled up.

“A surprise? Oh, how wonderful! You know how I love surprises, brother.” There was such eager anticipation on her face at the prospect. “Do tell me, what it is?”

“You are to be sponsored and presented to Society by the Duchess of Calder herself, and she will also teach you some etiquette lessons.” Seb didn’t like the look of annoyance replacing the enthusiasm in his sister’s expression. “You will also have a whole new wardrobe and a friend of mine, Lady Olivia Haliford, who is a duke’s daughter and also goddaughter to the duchess, will arrive here shortly to meet you, and then on Monday shall take you to the duchess to meet with her.”

“You wish me to be presented to Society?” She took in a deep breath.

“I do.”

“And have etiquette lessons?”

“Yes.”

Her eyes looked like a tempest was swirling in their depths, the gray deepening dangerously. “Why would you think I would want to do any of those things when you’re perfectly aware I intend to study medicine? I have no need to be launched into Society to do that. All I have need of is to obtain a place at the London School of Medicine for Women, which I know you can help me attain if you have a mind to.”

Seb walked across to the front window overlooking the street. “I want you to have a better life than I ever did.”

“I already have a wonderful life, Sebastian. And becoming a doctor, like my father, will make it even better.”

She walked over and stood beside him, both of them staring out the window. They were the same in that regard; ’twas far easier dealing with emotions when you weren’t looking directly at the person stirring them up.

“I want more for you.” He turned and glanced across at her profile. “I don’t want you to have to work for a living.”

“I already have all that I need.” She wrinkled up her nose. “And don’t for one minute think I don’t know what you are trying to do.”

“I’m trying to give you opportunities, Charlotte.”

“You are trying to marry me off to the highest bidder!” She swiveled around and glared accusingly at him.

“If something ever happens to me, you need a man who has the position and the power, not to mention the wealth, to ensure you never have to struggle for a moment of your life.”

“What is wrong with struggle?” She stomped across the room to the side table and poured herself a glass of cordial. “Look at how well you’ve turned out. You’re one of the wealthiest men in England, and you have had to struggle more than any single person I know.”

“You have no idea, sister, of what struggle actually is. Of all that I’ve had to do to get to where I am.” Seb followed her across to the side table and poured himself a stiff whiskey. “If you did, you would not be so blasé about it. In any event, it’s been decided. I’ve discussed the matter with your father, and we are in agreement that you will be launched into Society and you will make a suitable match.”

“How dare you treat me as if I do not have a say in my own life!”

“In this world, a woman rarely has a say in her own life. You know that.”

Absolute shock tore across his sister’s face before a black rage replaced the emotion. He’d never seen Charlotte so upset before, and a part of him did feel guilty over dictating her life to her, but her dreams of becoming a doctor were simply unrealistic. “I’m sure you will thank me when you’re older.”

“Oh, but why wait until I’m older?”

Seb did not like the expression in her eyes one bit.

“Let me thank you now, brother.” And with that pronouncement, she threw the contents of her glass straight into his face.

Red cordial engulfed his head, soaking his hair and dripping down onto his shirt.

Feminine laughter at the doorway had both he and Charlotte swiveling around, equal glares of annoyance on their faces.

His whole body braced in anticipation upon seeing Lady Olivia standing there, the biggest grin he’d seen her wear fixed firmly on her lips. Lips that were rosy and luscious, and all but begging to be kissed again.

“The butler let me in,” she said by way of greeting. She peeked behind her and then back at them both. “Though I think the yelling may have scared the poor fellow off.”

“Charlotte, this is Lady Olivia Haliford, the Duke of Beresford’s daughter, and she will be taking you to visit the duchess, where you will behave and comport yourself with care. Or else I will see that you are sent to a nunnery!”

Chapter Twenty-Five

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