Page 29 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“Soon,” he promised and then hopped back inside the carriage.

His next step was the office of Mr. Sanderson, his solicitor. Though he had no appointment, Sanderson made time for him. Luke explained his newest investment opportunity and that a location for the bookstore needed to be found quickly.

“In a fashionable area. I’m not worried about the rent.” He described the dimensions he needed, based upon what Caroline had revealed she required, and added that if a place for the tearoom was available next door, the size of the bookstore could be slightly smaller.

“I don’t care if it’s an existing bookstore or somewhere large enough to start a new business. Time is of the essence,” he concluded.

Mr. Sanderson nodded. “I understand, Lord Mayfield, and I may have exactly what you are looking for. A client of mine recently passed. His widow is ridding herself of all of his rental properties and retiring to the country. I have an appointment in half an hour but I am free from two o’clock on. Might I show you and your investors the property then?”

“Place us on your calendar, Sanderson. Give me the address and I’ll meet you at two with Lady Caroline and possibly the other gentlemen involved in this venture.”

“Very good, sir.”

Luke left the solicitor’s offices. Since it was close to eleven, he doubted Caroline would be finished. He decided to go to White’s, where he hoped to find Evan and Alex. Both men were there, reading the paper and drinking coffee.

“Just the two I needed to see,” he said, taking a seat. “We’re going to see where I believe Evie’s Bookstore and Tearoom will be located.”

Alex grinned. “Give us the details, man.”

Luke told them first about the property and then how he’d stolen away Mrs. Withers from Catarina.

“You’re lucky Catarina was entertaining,” Evan said. “She never would have agreed to give up her cook under different circumstances.”

“She must really want to hold on to this duke,” Alex said. “I wonder who it is.”

“I don’t know or care,” Luke said. “Let’s order some luncheon and then go to Jeremy’s. Hopefully, the ladies will be through with their shopping by then and Caroline will be free to accompany us to view the prospective property.”

They ate and discussed their new investment. Evan wanted the bookstore to carry a large stock of military history.

“Of course you would,” Alex teased. “You’re a former military officer, Major Merrick.”

“And gardening books for the ladies,” Evan said. “Rachel is fond of gardening. Architecture, as well.”

“Don’t forget if it’s to be a true success, Caroline will need to stock plenty of romance novels,” Alex reminded them. “I found one of Leah’s the other day and opened to where she’d placed a bookmark.” He rolled his eyes. “You wouldn’t believe what my wife had been reading.”

Luke laughed. “I’m sure whatever it was, it livened up your time in the bedroom.”

“If every woman in London read what Leah reads, there would be far more satisfied husbands,” Alex said. “I speak from experience.”

They finished their luncheon and left the club, ascending into Luke’s waiting carriage. He hoped the property was as promising as Sanderson made it seem. More than anything, Luke wanted to please Caroline. As they journeyed through the teeming streets of London, he thought back to last night when he’d spontaneously taken her hand after Jeremy’s toast. Merely joining their hands together had affected him deeply. He’d also seen desire in her eyes, probably something new and unexpected to her. He doubted she had much experience with men. She’d never made her come-out. She’d lived with her aunt in Boston and worked in her bookstore and had put in even longer hours once her aunt passed. It wouldn’t have left much time for a social life.

Luke wondered if Caroline had even been kissed—and decided she hadn’t. The thought pleased him immensely. He planned to be the first man to kiss her.

And the last.

---