The Mysterious Miss Flint (Lost Ladies of London 1)

Asprey dug deep into the inside pocket of his coat, removed a folded note and handed it to Oliver. “The price reflects the distress we’ve suffered upon learning of our poor sister’s fate.”

“I’ve had enough of this nonsense,” Nicole cried. “We are not marrying, and I am not leaving this house with you. Talk to your friends, tell them of the disgrace I have brought upon you. But leave me the hell alone.” She exhaled loudly. “Now, I shall return to my room.”

Oliver raised his hand to calm her. “Wait, Miss Asprey. Grant me a few more minutes of your time, and we will bring this matter to a speedy conclusion.”

Nicole stared at him, pursed her lips and then inclined her head.

Oliver peeled back the folds and read the short missive. It was his father’s signature scrawled at the bottom. Then again, perhaps Asprey knew Mr Wild and Mr Burrows. The amount settled on her family upon marriage was certainly more substantial than the sum Lord Mosgrove had offered.

He handed the note to Nicole.

Her eyes grew wide as she scanned the words. “Ten thousand pounds? Is that the going price for a girl of good breeding?”

Rowena adjusted her turban. “It is the price to atone for the humiliation caused to your family.”

“And what price may I deduct for the years of abuse?”

The thought that Nicole had suffered at the hands of this sorry pair was almost Oliver’s undoing.

“Allow me to give my perspective on the situation,” he said having made up his mind. “If it were up to me you’d not see a penny. I do not give in to demands, do not bow down to blackmail. And yet I would pay a hefty sum if I thought it would make Miss Asprey happy. To know she is no longer beholden to you, Mr Asprey, would please me no end.”

Mrs Asprey’s expression brightened, and she rubbed her hands together. “You won’t regret your decision, my lord. And I can assure you there’ll never be a dull moment with Nicole around.”

“Indeed.”

But Nicole sought independence, not to break free from one man and shackle herself to another. The lady was not an object for sale or barter.

“After some deliberation, I find I cannot, and will not, pay you ten thousand pounds.” Oliver took great pleasure in watching their ugly grins fade.

Mrs Asprey’s face blanched. She gulped. “What do you mean?”

Oliver ignored the comment and Mr Asprey’s horrified expression and turned to Nicole. “Miss Asprey, I wish to make you a gift of ten thousand pounds. You may do with it what you wish. I impose no conditions.” He jerked his head towards her wastrel of a brother. “You can pay your family so that they may never darken your door again. Or you can keep the money, on the understanding that they will not remove you from this house while I am still breathing.”

Nicole stared at him, open-mouthed. “I … I can’t possibly accept such a gift.”

“It is not open to negotiation. As a gift, you must accept it in the manner in which it is given.”

Tears appeared in her eyes. “I’m lost for words.”

“That was not the agreement,” Mr Asprey countered.

“Then sue me.” Oliver would love nothing more than seeing this pair rotting in debtors’ prison. “I am certain the gossips would love to hear that you sold your sister to pay your creditors.” He cleared his throat. “Now, Miss Asprey, what do you want to do?”

“Remember your family,” her sister-in-law blurted, drawing a handkerchief from her reticule and dabbing her eye. “Remember those who’ve fed you and cared for you and provided for your every need.”

They were desperate. It wouldn’t surprise him to learn that her brother had spent Lord Mosgrove’s five thousand pounds and needed the funds to repay him.

“I shall remember my family,” Nicole said. “I shall remember that they beat me when I opposed their plans.”

A growl of a curse left Oliver’s lips.

“Wait!” Mr Asprey stepped forward. “Your treatment of my sister will reflect badly on your kin. You know how cruel the gossips can be.”

A black mist descended. “Do not dare threaten me. Your petty effort to intimidate will not work here.”

Nicole cleared her throat and straightened. “I have made up my mind. I have decided to keep the money.”

“Excellent.” Oliver didn’t bother to ring the bell. “Bradbury! Bradbury!”