Page 39 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

All he’d thought about was their kiss in the bookstore. He’d been right in assuming she’d never been kissed. He’d also been correct in thinking that a passionate woman lay buried within her. Though inexperienced, she quickly caught on. He knew, with time, she would come to understand her sensual nature. Even now, he could still taste her. He wanted Caroline Andrews more than he’d ever wanted any other woman.

Now, his job was to convince her that she needed him.

Luke didn’t think she’d allow any more kisses, at least for now. She’d totally ignored him after the one they’d shared, though he’d been pleased when she allowed him to stay with her while she met with Morrow yesterday afternoon. He was still stumped as to who her benefactor might be. It would take someone with great wealth to sweep in and purchase an entire London townhome and all of its contents. The thought caused jealousy to flare within him.

If kisses wouldn’t be allowed, he would have to reach Caroline through other means. Obviously, that meant her bookstore and tearoom. She was investing almost everything she’d inherited in these two businesses. If they succeeded, she would be happy. If Luke helped her thrive in this venture, it would be to their mutual benefit.

Thus, his presence now with Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Baker.

Luke had told the cooks what they prepared for today’s afternoon tea would be a preview of the teahouse’s menu.

“Your audience will be my family. They all are lovers of good food and highly critical. On top of that, you’ll be meeting Lady Caroline for the first time. I want her to know I made the right decision in hiring the both of you.”

“We’ll do you proud, Lord Mayfield,” Mrs. Baker said.

He’d already sampled a few items they’d baked this morning and found all to his liking but asked, “Could you make another chocolate roll and add walnuts to it? I’m fond of nuts and think others would like the addition, as well.”

“Of course, my lord,” Mrs. Baker told him. “I’m a nut lover myself.”

Mrs. Withers cleared her throat. “I know you said no sandwiches but I believe if Evie’s becomes as popular as I think it will, a full tea service will be desired. We should be prepared for that.”

“That makes sense.” He consulted his pocket watch. “We have only an hour before all arrive, though.”

“That’s not a problem, Lord Mayfield.” Mrs. Withers grinned. “Bessie and I have prepared enough sandwiches for a small army. Just in case you agreed to my proposal.”

“You are too clever for me, Mrs. Withers.”

The cook blushed at his praise and then her eyes grew wide. She and Mrs. Baker suddenly curtseyed, causing Luke to look over his shoulder. His grandmother stood there, coolly surveying the area.

“Cor, I didn’t know you’d be coming. I thought you didn’t arrive in town for a few more days.”

Luke went to embrace her but the dowager duchess held up a hand to stop him.

“I don’t want flour all over my gown, Grandson.” She looked him up and down. “When did you start baking?”

He glanced down and saw flour dusted all along the front of him. “I’ve been supervising. And tasting.”

“The tasting part doesn’t surprise me,” she said dryly. “Why the other? Jeremy told me a horde is expected and that today’s tea is important, which is why I came early to speak with you.”

He dusted off his hands and placed them on her shoulders, brushing a kiss on her cheek.

“Allow me to change and then I’ll tell you why.”

Retreating to his bedchamber, he tossed off everything above the waist as his valet redressed him. Making his way to the drawing room, he found it empty and went back to the kitchen. His grandmother was sampling a macaroon.

“The secret to a delicious macaroon is adding a few drops of rose water,” she said. “I also find a handful of slivered almonds to be a nice addition. Prepare a new batch but keep them separate from these. We’ll let those at tea decide which they prefer.”

“Cor, let’s leave our cooks to the kitchen,” Luke suggested. “Come, let me catch you up on all you’ve missed.”

He brought her to the drawing room and made sure she had a cushion placed behind her back. Though still in good health at seventy-five, sometimes she tired if she stood for too long and her back would begin to ache.

Once she was settled, his grandmother got to the point. “Who is this Lady Caroline that Jeremy mentioned? He told me it would be her and the family for tea today.”

Luke grinned. “She’s the woman I plan to wed.”

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