A Bluestocking Christmas by Monica Burns Read Free Book Online Page A

thing he was certain of at the moment, it was that he intended to have Ivy in his bed within the week. If only to prove to Anthony and himself that Ivy was no different that Elizabeth had been.
    “I’m delighted to see that you’ve come to your senses.”
    “I never lost them you arrogant bastard,” Anthony snapped. “I was never in love with Miss Beecham. She simply helped me find the means of writing poetry to Olivia.”
    “Who in the hell is Olivia?” Simon stared at his nephew in amazement.  
    “The woman I intend to marry. In two months, I’ll be of age, and we’ll be married a few months afterward.”  
    “Where the devil did you meet this woman?” Simon glared at his nephew. “The very fact that you’ve not mentioned her before makes me believe you’re worried your mother and I will disapprove of her.”
    “Olivia is more than suitable, which is beside the point. Mother needs to learn her place when it comes to my personal matters as do you, Simon. Would you allow me to meddle so liberally in your own affairs?”  
    Anthony arched his eyebrow with obvious disdain as he calmly met Simon’s gaze. Again, the youth demonstrated a maturity Simon hadn’t seen before. And the boy was right— no one would dare to interfere with his personal matters. He frowned with displeasure. It didn’t change things. He was still Anthony’s guardian, and he was determined to make sure the boy would make a match appropriate to his station in life.
    “We’re not discussing me. We’re talking about you and the fact that the family has yet to meet this Olivia of yours. We know nothing about her, whether she’s suitable or not.”
    “I’m more than capable of determining whether Olivia is suitable for me to marry,” Anthony said calmly. “And you and mother will meet her when I deem it appropriate.”
    “When you deem—”
    “Yes, Simon. When I think it’s the right time.” Anthony’s expression wasn’t that of a stubborn boy hell bent on having his way. Instead, the look on his nephew’s face was that of a man resolute in his decision. “I refuse to let you intimidate Olivia the way you did Miss Beecham.”
    Simon almost laughed out loud at the comment. Ivy Beecham hadn’t been afraid of him. She’d been ready to roast him and serve him up for supper.
    “I can assure you, Anthony, your Miss Beecham was far from intimidated by me.”
    “No, you’re correct on that score. I can’t see her being all that overwhelmed by your presence,” Anthony said with a nod, and a small smile touched his lips before his expression hardened. “I expect you to apologize to Miss Beecham.”  
    “Apologize.” Simon stared at his nephew, caught off guard by his authoritative demand. “Why the devil would I apologize for doing my duty as your guardian? What was I supposed to think about your Miss Beecham when you so profusely shared your admiration for the woman over and over again?”
    “Don’t be a horse’s ass, Simon,” Anthony growled his impatience. “You thought the worst and didn’t even bother to discuss the matter with me. Now you’ve insulted my friend, and that’s all she is, a friend.”
    “I’m still not convinced Miss Beecham was only eager to be your friend.” Simon’s jaw tightened at the growing realization that he might have actually misjudged Ivy.
    “Miss Beecham did nothing more than help me research poetry at the library so I could impress Olivia.” Disgust darkened Anthony’s expression. “She was quite helpful, nothing more.”
    “I’m certain she was.” Simon found it impossible to keep a note of cynicism out of his voice. “I imagine she saw you as the fatted goose all trussed up for the taking when it came to your finances and social stature.”  
    Once more, Simon experienced a nudge of misgiving when it came to Ivy’s motives. Perhaps he’d been too hasty. Doubt took a small bite out of him. What if Anthony was right? What if Ivy had simply been acting in the way a