Page 28 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“There would also be access to other customers from off the street, as well, ones who merely want a spot of tea and something sweet to eat. Your cakes and scones are the best I’ve ever tasted, which is why I thought of you. Business would be brisk, though, so it might take two of you to bake everything needed.”

“What if customers wanted a full tea?” she asked. “More like a meal?”

He considered her words. “That’s certainly a possibility down the line. For now, I think Lady Caroline would only be interested in serving sweets with tea.”

“Lady Caroline?” the cook asked.

“Yes. It is her enterprise, though I and two of my friends are investors in her new business. She owned a bookstore in America and now that she’s returned to London, she’s eager to open something similar here.”

“Is that even allowed?” Mrs. Withers asked, doubt on her face.

Luke held back his mirth. “Lady Caroline is far smarter than most men of my acquaintance, Mrs. Withers. She has experience running a bookstore and a strong will.”

“You seem to think a lot of the lady,” she noted.

“I do. And of you, as well. Would you consider coming to work for her? I know her tearoom would be a success because your scones alone will draw people from far and wide.”

His flattery had worked, though Luke wasn’t exaggerating. He could see he’d won her over.

“When would I start?”

“Most likely within the next two weeks. I’d be happy to meet with your sister and explain to her.”

“No, if I’m wanting to do it, Bessie will, too. No worries there, my lord.” She frowned. “There’s the mistress to tell, though.”

“Why don’t you let me take care of that?”

“Would you?” she asked hopefully.

“Go pack your bags, Mrs. Withers. I fear once I’ve spoken with Catarina, she’ll throw both of us out,” he said cheerfully. “You can have a room at my townhouse. Bessie, too.”

“Oh, thank you, Lord Mayfield,” the cook said, beaming from ear to ear as she dusted her hands against her apron. “It won’t take me long. I’ll meet you out back with my bag. Good luck to you.”

She left the kitchen and Luke braced himself for the confrontation ahead. He headed from the kitchen and as he reached the bottom of the staircase, he caught a whiff of Catarina’s strong perfume. He remained where he was, deciding how to approach her.

Suddenly, she appeared at the top of the stairs and swore when she saw him, rushing down to face him.

“What are you doing here?” she hissed. “I have someone here.”

“I needed to speak with you.”

“He’s aduke. And he’s already given me my own carriage and horses.” She looked over her shoulder. “He cannot find you here, my earl. I have told him we are through. If he thinks I lied, I am doomed.”

“Give me Mrs. Withers and I’ll never set foot in this house again.”

“You want mycook?” she asked.

“Yes.”

Catarina shoved him. “Go. Take her. Just get out,” she whispered, her rage obvious.

“Thank you,” he said, hurrying away and out the front door.

Luke told his driver to move around the corner, not wanting to cause trouble with Catarina’s new duke. He waited outside less than five minutes until Mrs. Withers appeared. Taking her bag, he led her to his carriage.

Their next stop claimed Bessie Baker, who was eager for a new opportunity that would allow her to work alongside her sister. She resigned on the spot, leaving the housekeeper with her jaw hanging to her knees. Luke dropped the sisters at his townhouse and told them his housekeeper would see them made comfortable.

“When will we meet Lady Caroline?” Bessie asked.

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