Page 44 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“Then I’m glad for your approval. Of course, I would assume you would approve of my voracious appetite for reading since I will be a frequent customer at Evie’s.”

She frowned. “Don’t think you have to do that. You or any of your family.”

“We all enjoy reading. Cor taught the three of us how to read before we ever had a governess or tutor. And you’ve heard how Leah is a subscriber to a circulating library. Be glad we are such a large bunch and will patronize Evie’s. We can talk it up with all of our friends.”

“Thank you.” Sincerity shone in her warm, brown eyes. For the first time, he noticed the flecks of amber in them.

“Are there any other books in the house or should we search for pieces of furniture now that would be appropriate for the bookstore?”

“There may be a stray book or two. I’m sure I left a couple in my room while packing for Boston.” She paused. “I haven’t been to my room since I left.”

“It was cruel of Morrow not to let you claim your personal things. At least you have access to them now.”

“Let’s go upstairs.”

Luke went with her and Caroline pointed out things missing from the corridor. They reached her room and entered. She was quiet as she looked about, running her hand along the bed and opening the wardrobe.

“Just as I left it,” she murmured.

She led them across the hall to another bedchamber. When he opened the door and then entered, she gasped.

“Everything’s gone!” she cried, spinning in a circle.

Without being told, he determined this was her sister’s room—and that her father had sold all the contents.

“How could he have done this?” she said angrily. “I have nothing left to remember Cynthia by.” Her hands fisted and her cheeks heightened with color. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to forgive him.”

“He must have been in dire straits to strip the room in such a fashion, as well as sell off other pieces throughout the house,” Luke said, trying to soften the blow.

“Sometimes, I don’t think he cared a whit for any of us. Me. Mama. Cynthia. He was a very selfish man who only cared about himself and his pleasure. His card games. His mistresses.”

Guilt filled Luke. Caroline could have been describing him a short time ago. But that was before he decided what was important in life and rid himself of things—and people—he didn’t want in his life.

“I must go to Mama’s room,” she said and hurried away.

His longer strides easily caught up to her and they entered a chamber that was larger than the ones they’d been in. From the looks of it, about half of the furniture had been taken away.

Caroline went to the dressing table and opened a jewelry box.

“Empty,” she said dully.

He could feel the waves of disappointment emanating from her and wanted to comfort her, deciding to speak of something he’d buried deep within.

“I’m sorry your father was so rotten, Caroline. I can relate—for mine was cut from the same cloth.”

She slowly closed the jewelry box and met his gaze.

“My father’s life revolved around being merry,” Luke revealed. “He gave no love to his children and devoted not one whit to the three of us. He would only partake in whatever gave him pleasure. That meant drinking to excess and bedding every available woman he could find. And gambling—the same as your father. When Jeremy inherited the title, the estate was almost bankrupt, thanks to Father’s losses at the tables. It took years for Jeremy to pull us out of debt.”

“I had no idea. I’m sorry, Luke.”

“We don’t talk about it,” he said. “It’s in the past.”

“I wish I could say the same,” she replied. “Having only come home and now being confronted with all of this is disheartening. I feel so alone.”

Luke hated the hurt in her voice, all due to a despicable man, one just like his sire. To witness such a lack of love in Caroline’s life brought him deep pain.

“Jeremy became a father to me and Rachel once our father passed. I am fortunate that he and Cor lavished us with attention and love. I cannot fathom you returning to England and feeling so isolated, with no loving family members to turn to.”

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