Seducing the Siren of Seven Dials (Secret Wallflower Society Book 4) by Jillian Eaton

Author:Jillian Eaton [Eaton, Jillian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-11-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

“I don’t understand,” said Percy, her dark brow furrowed as she stood to the side and watched Artemis stuff her belongings into a battered leather valise. “What do you mean, you’ve struck a deal?”

Tossing in a final pair of breeches, Artemis squeezed the valise shut and tucked it under her arm. It wasn’t heavy; given that she was only going to be away for seven days, she’d packed just a handful of clothes. All shirts, and pants, and two of her favorite waistcoats she’d had specifically tailored to fit over her breasts.

She imagined the staff at Warwick Park were going to be in for a shock when she sauntered into their midst dressed like a man, but she didn’t care. The duke had brought this upon himself, and she was counting the hours to her arrival with a strange sort of delight.

Not because she wanted to see Warwick again.

That was ridiculous.

She just wanted to win their bet, collect her money, and finally put this unfortunate chapter behind her once and for all.

“It’s simple, really,” she informed Percy as she made her way downstairs to where the hackney she’d rented to take her to Warwick Park was already waiting. “I have to stay under the same roof as that man”–she didn’t want to say ‘fiancé’ out loud–“for one week, and then he’ll give me a thousand pounds and I never have to see him again.”

“A thousand pounds?” Percy gasped. “That’s a fortune! Although for a man of Warwick’s wealth and stature, I suppose it’s only a mere pittance.”

It may have been a pittance to the duke, but for Artemis it meant freedom. True, unencumbered freedom to do whatever she pleased and travel wherever she wanted. She wouldn’t have to take jobs for Molly. She wouldn’t have to take jobs for anyone.

If she combined the thousand pounds with the money she had already saved, she’d have enough to comfortably see herself through the next twenty years without having to lift a finger. Oh, she could still nick a painting here and there if she wanted to. But she wouldn’t have to. And that distinction made all the difference in the world.

“Thank you for helping me when I needed it,” she told Percy. “I owe you and Lucas a favor.”

The brunette gave a firm shake of her head. “As I said, friends don’t owe friends. And you are our friend, Art. Even though you have Calliope hiding all her knives.”

Artemis grinned. “You know I was having a bit of fun.”

“Yes, and so does she.” Percy paused. “I think, anyways.”

Shifting her weight, Artemis gave her brown felt cap an absent tug. She wasn’t good at goodbyes, as evidenced by the way she’d fled from her parent’s house in the dead of the night. There was something about them that dug under her skin, like a splinter burrowing in. But after everything Percy had done for her, she owed the duchess more than a dismissive farewell.

“Thank you,” she repeated. “I don’t know when, or if, I’ll see you again…but I…I want you to know that I am appreciative of your friendship.

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