Page 32 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

He lifted her from the carriage, his hands easily spanning her waist, despite the fact that she wore a thick, plain cloak. Alex and Evan followed her out. All four of them turned slowly in a circle, observing the block and surrounding establishments.

“It has the plate glass windows that I requested,” she noted. “They will make it easy to display books and wares from Madame Toufours’ shop.”

On the way there, Caroline had explained to the men her plan to offer the modiste’s merchandise. Since the goods would be exclusive to Evie’s—and since the modiste designed for the Duchess of Everton—the merchandise would move quickly. She’d also explained how she’d made an arrangement with Catherine’s publisher so that Evie’s would be the sole carrier of her children’s books for the first month of their release. Luke found his admiration growing for her business sense and knew his friends felt the same way by their enthusiastic responses.

“Lord Mayfield!” called Sanderson as he stepped from a hackney.

Luke bent and said into Caroline’s ear, “This is Sanderson, my solicitor. He helped find the property we’re visiting.”

When Sanderson joined them, Luke introduced everyone. He saw the way the solicitor eyed Caroline and didn’t like it.

Moving slightly in front of her, he said evenly, “Tell us about the property and area, Sanderson. I hope you brought keys so we could see inside.”

The solicitor received the unspoken message and didn’t glance in Caroline’s direction again. He indicated the position of several nearby, well-to-do shops and then explained how the entire row was for sale.

“Originally, four business were located here. As the leases began to run out, my client had recently passed. His widow wishes to leave London for a quieter life in the country. I feel you could get a very good deal here.”

Caroline spoke up. “Please take us inside, Mr. Sanderson. And from now on, speak to me directly. I will be the proprietor and will pay the bulk of the money for the land and its buildings. These kind gentlemen are simply minor investors. I plan to make all of the decisions.”

Luke saw Sanderson was taken aback but recovered quickly. “Of course, my lady. If you’ll follow me.”

He led them to the door in the center of the block and inserted a key.

“After you, Lady Caroline,” the solicitor said.

She entered the building, Luke following closely behind.

“The windows allow good natural light but we would need additional lighting,” she said.

Their party walked every inch of this store and Caroline began laying out plans aloud, telling them where she would place things. She asked to see the store to the east and decided it would be ideal for the tearoom, indicating where she would want part of a wall knocked down in order to allow bookstore patrons easy access to the tearoom. She showed the men where she would set up reading areas and how she would divide books.

“This area would be for books to be sold, both new and used. You’d be surprised how many people buy used books if they’re in good condition. Over here would be all the shelves containing those that would be lent to subscribers.”

“How will you know the difference?” Alex asked.

“I can request certain binding to be used. Clerks can also mark books accordingly. I have a plan in place. Don’t worry. There won’t be any confusion. If I hire the right staff with the correct knowledge, things will flow smoothly.”

Caroline wanted to see the shop to the west as well. Once again, they went outside and into it.

“If I have enough funds, this could serve as a warehouse. Inventory could be delivered here. Catalogued and marked. Repairs to binding could occur. The space is small but could be extremely useful.”

“What about the small store on the other side of the tearoom?” Evan said. “Ovens could be brought in there for baking and racks set up to cool the baked goods. Also, supplies such as sugar and flour could be kept there.”

“That’s an excellent idea, Evan.” Caroline smiled broadly.

Luke wished he would have thought of that.

They returned to the main store and Sanderson looked at Caroline expectantly. “It does seem to meet all of your needs, my lady. Do you think you’d be interested in purchasing the entire row? You couldn’t ask for a better neighborhood.”

“What is the widow asking for the lot?” she asked.

Sanderson quoted her a price.

“Bloody hell,” she murmured, endearing her even more to Luke. “I wasn’t thinking to pay that much.”

“Mayfair property doesn’t come cheap,” the solicitor pointed out. “My client is asking below market value because of her desire to leave London. If you don’t snatch up the property, it will go quickly to another.”

“I will offer ten percent less than the asking price,” Caroline stated. “In cash. No banks need be involved. Surely, your client could put all that cash to good use?”

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