Page 15 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“I don’t know, Duke. He does entertain the children quite well. I’d hate to lose him.”

Jeremy kissed his wife’s hand again. “Then I suppose I’ll allow him to remain.” He released Catherine’s hand and turned to Luke. “Would you like to stay for an early dinner? We’re used to keeping country hours and only arrived in town yesterday.”

“I’d like that.”

They went downstairs to a small parlor and Luke got right to it.

“I’ve met someone,” he announced. “Someone I’m very interested in.”

Catherine clapped her hands in glee. “It’s about time you got rid of Catarina and thought about finding lasting happiness.”

Luke sighed. “Did all of London know about Catarina? I thought I’d been careful. Almost secretive.”

She snorted. “You bought the woman a house. The entiretonknew you as her protector. Is it over?”

“It is.”

“Good,” his brother said. “It’s about time you followed the shining example of your brother and sister and found love. Who is this someone you’re interested in?”

“Lady Caroline Andrews. The Earl of Templeton’s daughter.”

Fortunately, Luke didn’t have to hesitate in naming Caroline. Though her father was still the subject of gossip days after his death, Luke knew Jeremy and Catherine were the last people to judge anyone. They were fair and open-minded and would never look down upon the daughter for the sins of her father.

“I don’t know her,” Catherine said. “Tell us about her. How you met. What she’s like?”

Briefly, Luke described how they’d met Caroline soon after her return to London and how she’d been in America visiting her aunt when war broke out and what occurred during her stay in Boston.

“How awful to be so far from home and unable to return,” Catherine said. “And the fact that her mother and aunt died while she was there. Poor, lonely girl.”

“She made good use of her time. Worked in her aunt’s bookshop and then ran it upon Lady Evangeline’s death. When news arrived about the Treaty of Ghent, she sold the shop and home that were bequeathed to her and returned to London.”

“I don’t remember her from before. I’m usually good recalling girls who make their come-out,” Catherine said.

“Lady Caroline never did.” He explained why she’d delayed it and saw sympathy in Catherine’s eyes. Knowing how close she and Leah were, he couldn’t imagine one of them dying, leaving the other behind.

“I suppose it’s never too late to make a come-out,” Jeremy said. “At least being in social situations, you’ll get to be around her. I’m assuming you wish to court this woman?”

“That’s the problem—she isn’t interested in that kind of thing. In fact, she doesn’t want to get married at all.”

“What?” the happily married couple both cried.

Luke explained how mature Lady Caroline was and that her focus was on opening her own bookstore and tearoom so she could provide for herself, an orphan, and her dog.

“She’s learned quite a bit about business from having run one in America. She’s bright and articulate. I think she would be reluctant to turn the reins over to a husband, who would, by law, immediately own her property and claim all monies that belonged to her.”

“And this is the woman you’re so taken with?” Jeremy asked, his lips twitching in amusement.

“I know,” Luke lamented. “It seems hopeless, doesn’t it? But I’ve made up some ground there. I’ve told her she must attendtonevents to get to know her customers and their tastes.”

Catherine chuckled. “You are a sly one, Luke St. Clair. What can we do to help?”

He grinned. “I’m glad you asked. Since you are holding the first ball of the Season, I’m asking that you invite Lady Caroline to it. No one knows she’s back in London after being exiled in America. If the Duchess of Everton invites the lady, everyone else will, too. She’s staying with Rachel and Evan since Templeton’s solicitor practically threw her out of the house. It and its contents all go up for auction tomorrow and Lady Caroline had nowhere to stay.”

“How convenient that she’ll be staying with your sister so you can visit frequently,” Jeremy noted.

“We can certainly invite her to our ball. I can also mention her to others. The invitations will pour in.”

“That’s what I was counting on, Catherine. And something else.”

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