Page 11 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

Rachel caught his eye and he realized he’d sounded a bit too flirtatious. He’d need to tone it down in order not to scare off Lady Caroline.

“I’m interested in a busy thoroughfare,” she continued. “One where a large number of customers would pass. I’d pressed Aunt Evie to carry newspapers and created a reading circle where people stopped by each day and not only purchased their news sheet but remained to read it.”

“That’s a lovely idea,” said Rachel.

“I did more. I started carrying candies—licorice, toffee, sometimes chocolates. I think here in London, with everyone’s great love of tea, I will combine my bookshop with a tearoom, as well. People can shop for their books and then stay for a spot of tea or even a baked scone. If I can find the right property, I can rearrange the shelving to suit my purpose and have both inside one establishment. If not, I will look into buying an adjacent building and knocking out a few walls in order to create the tearoom addition.”

“That an ambitious enterprise,” Evan noted. “You will need a business manager. And a solicitor to handle the contracts.”

Lady Caroline sniffed. “Well, I won’t be using Mr. Morrow. Before he’d even shared his name, he was already telling me that I had no roof over my head and that I wasn’t allowed to take even one small item of remembrance since everything was going to pay off my father’s enormous debts.” Her cheeks flushed with anger, only making her look all the more appealing to him.

“Forgive me for getting so worked up,” she apologized.

“That’s unnecessary. The man should be tarred and feathered for treating you so abominably, Caroline,” Rachel said.

“I have a few names I can recommend to you,” Evan said.

“I’d be interested in getting those from you, my lord. I’d like to get moving on this project as soon as possible. With the Season about to begin, London will be full of extra people. I want to appeal to them and becometheplace to shop for their books.”

“I have an idea,” Luke declared, trying to find a way to ingratiate himself with her. “What would say to a book signing?”

Lady Caroline frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Our sister-in-law, Catherine, is an author. A quite famous one. She’s the Duchess of Everton and writes children’s books. I know if we asked her, she would happily help you out and appear at your new store to autograph copies of her books. Possibly at your opening.”

The radiant smile she gave him sent Luke to the heavens and beyond.

“What a wonderful idea,” she said brightly and then bit her lip. “I don’t know her, though.”

He waved away her comment. “Catherine would love to help you out. Don’t worry, I know her. She cannot refuse a request from her brother-in-law.” He caught Rachel grinning shamelessly at him.

“I must ask, Lady Caroline, if you have the capital to see your plans through,” Evan said. “If not, I’d be happy to become an investor in your venture.”

Luke wanted to pinch himself, wishing he’d thought of that first.

“Aunt Evie had no children so I received her entire inheritance. From my experience, I know I have the funds to see this through.”

“It might be difficult for you to do this and partake in the Season,” Rachel said.

“Oh, I have no plans to be a part of the Season,” Lady Caroline said airily. “I never even made my come-out.”

“Why not?” Rachel asked, curiosity written on her face.

“I was very close to my sister, Cynthia. We were less than a year apart and decided we’d do our come-outs together. Unfortunately, Cynthia’s health was never good. When we would have made our debut, I was nursing her instead. She passed away and Papa suggested that Mama and I travel to visit Aunt Evie.” She shrugged. “You know the rest. Mr. Madison declared war upon the kingdom and I was stuck in Boston for the duration of the war.”

“So you’ve never been introduced to society,” Rachel said.

“No. And I don’t plan to ever do so. My clothes are too American and out of date. I’m not going to waste good money that could go toward my bookstore on something as frivolous as clothes. Besides, I can assume thetonthought little of my father, amassing the kind of debts he did. No one knows I’m back in the city, much less will they issue invitations to their social events.”

Caroline looked around the room. “And why would I want to take part in the Season? I don’t ever plan to marry.”

“You can’t be serious,” Luke sputtered.

“Oh, I’m quite serious, Lord Mayfield,” she said with utter certainty. “Everyone around me has died. My sister. Mama. Aunt Evie. My father. I fear I am somehow cursed. What man would wish to take a wife under those circumstances? I believe I’ve done well without a husband for my first twenty-three years. Thetonwould consider me already on the shelf as it is. No man of quality would wish to be saddled with a woman whose father had such a dubious reputation, much less one who is homeless. I’m better off making my own way in the world. I can care for myself, Davy, and Tippet quite nicely.”

Luke was flabbergasted by her words. How could she think she was cursed? Or too old to wed?

Rachel stood. “We need to check on Seth in the nursery. Luke, could you entertain Caroline for a few minutes?”

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