showing interest, most of them are rather upstanding.”
“Upstanding?”
“They have a good reputation for caring for their courtesans, plus they have wealth, and power. They’re all in the market for a wife for their eldest son, so should you be purchased by one of those families, you have quite the future ahead of you. If you have any grudges, well, you’ll be in a good position to have them dealt with. I do recommend you pick your battles well, and if the grudge isn’t something the rich and influential will readily understand, be subtle.”
It would take a miracle for me to be subtle. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“The auction will take anywhere between twenty minutes to two hours. It depends on how active the bidding gets and how lengthy the question and answer section is if there is one. The buyers will be given a chance to question you. Should they, be honest. You’ll win a great deal more if you say you don’t know something rather than pretend you do.”
“Like a rather expensive job interview.”
“That’s a great way to think about it. In good news, some of those eldest sons don’t even need to use an auction to win a wife.”
“How so? I thought this whole system came to be because they’re awful people who can’t get a wife any other way.”
“They’re a little older, handsome, and often shy. In our terms, a little older is over the age of twenty-five. The rich folks want their sons married early and producing children to continue the family line. Often, they can’t find a wife because they’re too shy with women despite being rich, influential, and handsome. In a few days, when I come to do your check up, we can talk about their assets, and I’ll bring pictures. In some cases, the eldest son is slow and his mother is tired of watching him not get a move on. In several cases in particular, the eldest son wanders off and does what he wants. Don’t get me wrong. While their mothers view them as useless at finding love, they’re accomplished young men who want to make a name and life for themselves. I think there are four families bidding tonight with sons who are inflicted with wanderlust. A vixen is perfect for men like them, as you’ll wander with your new husband without a complaint about it.”
My eyes widened, as I could see the appeal of such a lifestyle. “They just run away from home and stay on the road all the time?”
“And they love it. It’s not all bad, so look for those little silver linings, Jade. They’re there. And in better news for you, the ones I think are worthless? They can’t afford you even though they got an invite to your auction. Those attendees are here as witnesses. The auction house wants them to come back with the money they do have for the auctions they can afford, but if we have space after we’ve invited the serious buyers, we invite those from lower tiers. I think you’ll do well at the auction and end up in a good situation. And if the man isn’t ideal? Whip him into shape, and I’m sure his mother will thank you.”
I stared at the woman and turned my ears back, astonished at her implication I was being purchased to whip the eldest son of some rich family into shape. “Are you aware of how crazy that sounds?”
“Oh, yes. Every damned day, Jade. Every damned day. It’s a common problem. Rich snobs raise rich snobs, and then they discover their child’s upbringing has left something to be desired, so they want some tough jewel of a man or woman to fix the problem, and they’re willing to spend a fortune to fix the problem and make sure someone sensible keeps the family from falling apart.”
I raised my hand and rubbed my temple. “Why would anyone think some vixen who has lived in the Alley for years might be the solution to that problem?”
“You’re a hard worker. The intel we have on you indicates you juggled two jobs and survived in a very hostile environment. You’re stubborn. You’re adaptable. You’re from a decent enough bloodline, and you’ve definitely gotten more than your fair share in the looks department. Whomever wins you will get quite the treasure.” Dr. Dorothy paused before shrugging. “In my opinion. The eldest son might not think so by the time you’re done with him.”
Damn. The bounty hunters had likely