Page 16 of Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library
“I would be delighted.” The marquess gallantly extended his arm.
As Lord Ashford led Charlotte away from the alcove, she hoped the marquess hadn’t felt her fingers tremble when she placed her hand on his forearm.
“I see you have your own version of a bow window,” her companion said with a glance at the front windows.
She laughed softly. “I never thought of it that way. The windows do allow for quite a pleasant view of the street.”
“And Gunter’s is close by,” he added, a smile in his voice.
“It is! A selling point for sure.” Charlotte didn’t look at the marquess. She was inordinately happy to see the man and was afraid her feelings would show on her face.
Today she thought she smelled sandalwood mixed with his cologne. Perhaps the scent was from his shaving soap. She felt an overwhelming desire to rub a hand along his clean-shaven chin.
Shaking herself out of her musings, Charlotte guided Lord Ashford to Mr. Thorne’s sales desk to properly introduce the two gentlemen. After the two men exchanged pleasantries, she removed her hand from the marquess’s arm and presented him to Robbie at the subscription desk.
“I imagine you wouldn’t want a subscription, my lord?” the boy asked hopefully. “You probably have a grand library at home.”
She was surprised when the marquess replied, “I might. Please describe the fees if you would.”
Robbie launched into his speech about the cost of a monthly subscription and the number of books one could take out on loan each month.
When the boy paused to take a breath, Lord Ashford said, “Let us come to terms on six months.”
“Thank you, my lord. I will draw up the paperwork. I won’t be a moment,” Robbie replied, grinning from ear to ear.
The patience with which the marquess listened to Robbie had been her undoing. If she were to touch Lord Ashford right now, she might very well find herself hugging him. “Shall we continue with the tour?” she asked the man beside her, her hands clasped behind her back.
“Let’s,” he replied.
When they moved away from the front counters to inspect a tall bookcase full of nautical and military tomes near the door to the backroom of the shop, she said in a low voice, “You don’t have to sign up for a subscription, Lord Ashford.”
“I think I do.” He turned to look down at her. “The young man was so exuberant in his sales pitch I was completely bowled over.”
As Charlotte looked up into his striking blue eyes she completely understood for she was bowled over herself. “Robbie and his older brother work to support their mother and four younger siblings. If the shop closes, Robbie will lose his position.”
The marquess looked at her closely. “I can’t imagine you would allow the young man to be unemployed for long.”
She flushed under his intense regard. “You’re right, Lord Ashford. I wouldn’t.”
Charlotte proceeded to point out bookshelves full of brand-new books available for purchase and another bookshelf with used books. Next to the sitting alcove were shelves full of writing supplies and a table displaying assorted sundries.
“I recently visited The Temple of The Muses in Finsbury Square.” Lord Ashford glanced at the shelves of newly released novels. “There was a whole section of books devoted to female authors.”
“That is an excellent idea.” Charlotte would have to suggest it to Mrs. Thorne. Or perhaps she should leave it to Edith. Mrs. Thorne liked Edith best if she liked any of the girls at all.
The closed door in the back of the establishment led to an office, Mrs. Thorne’s domain. They were at the end of the tour.
“Although it is a small shop, that could work in your favor,” Lord Ashford observed as they returned to the alcove. He added softly, “Intimacy has its advantages.”
She felt heat on her cheeks at his words but merely replied, “I agree. After all, a crush is the aim of every hostess.”
Louisa was still seated, and now Edith occupied the other chair. The lumpy sopha would have to do for Charlotte and Lord Ashford. She took a seat and the marquess followed.
“Thank you for meeting with me today,” she said to the man seated too close beside her. “Did you find out what the gossip is about Thorne’s Lending Library?”
The marquess sat forward, his hands on his knees. “A man named James Landry is interested in purchasing the land the library occupies. Evidently, he wants to acquire as much of the square as he can to expand his business as a grocer.”
A glance at her friends assured her they looked as stunned as she felt. “Is this man trying to close the shop?”
