Page 66 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

*

Caroline followed theexotic beauty, wondering who she was. Luke hadn’t introduced them, which made her think he’d possibly forgotten the woman’s name. She had met so many people at the Everton ball last night and could see how easily not remembering a name might be. She did know with certainty that she hadn’t met this woman last night because she would remember such an attractive woman.

Both women stepped behind a screen and made use of the chamber pots provided and then returned to a large mirror. Since no servant was in attendance, Caroline poured water over her hands as she held them over a bowl and then offered the same for her companion.

“Thank you,” the woman said. “I am Catarina.”

She replaced the pitcher and reached for a small towel to dry her hands, wondering how to introduce herself. Was this Lady Catarina? Should she mention her own title? She’d abandoned it in Boston but was unsure what to do here.

“You are Lady Caroline Andrews,” the woman said, studying her a moment and then turning to the mirror to fluff her hair.

“How do you know me?” she asked.

“I hear things,” Catarina said vaguely and then added, “from my protector.”

Oh...

Now, Caroline understood who this woman was. A sick feeling washed over her as she realized how Catarina knew Luke.

“You were his mistress,” she said, their eyes meeting in the mirror.

“I was his lover. He was very good to me.”

“Were you... together long?” Caroline asked, hating that she did.

“Almost a year,” the dark beauty said and then faced her. “He tired of me. He will tire of you. He has a roving eye. He is not one to settle down yet. By the time he’s ready, you will have wed and had a good three or four children.”

Irritation swept through her. Did no women ever speak kindly of Luke? The Luke she knew was sweet-tempered and generous. Kind to a fault. He might have been a rogue in the past but she knew he was looking for a wife now. He was a man who loved children. She’d seen it firsthand when he played with his nieces and nephews.

Or was that the man his family saw? Was Luke different away from them? Was he actually the scoundrel other women proclaimed him to be? The woman before her claimed to have been his mistress. Caroline had no doubt she spoke the truth. But had Luke ever revealed his true self to Catarina?

Whether he had or not, Caroline knew she didn’t hold a candle to the alluring woman beside her. This stunning beauty was the kind of woman Luke St. Clair coupled with. Caroline felt pale and washed out standing next to Catarina. She’d only fooled herself by thinking Luke had been slightly interested in her when he kissed her. After all, Luke himself had told her they were only friends. No other kisses had followed.

She pushed aside any notion of ever kissing him again. No more fantasizing. No more daydreaming. She was Caroline Andrews, businesswoman. Levelheaded and focused on everythingbutLuke St. Clair.

Her shoulders went back and her chin rose a notch. “First, I am not interesting in Luke that way. We are merely friends, out after an evening with other friends at the theatre. And as for marrying and having children, that is the one thing I don’t plan on doing, Catarina. You see, I’m a businesswoman. About to open my own bookstore and teahouse. Luke is one of my investors. I will have no time for any husband, whether he’s faithful or has a wandering eye. And I certainly won’t have children.”

Caroline smoothed her own hair and then said, “Good evening.”

She returned to their table, an anxious-looking Luke pushing the table back and rising.

“It’s been a long evening. I think I’m ready to go home now,” she told him.

He grimaced. “Let’s go to the carriage.”

They rode in silence on the way home. When the horses stopped in front of the Merrick townhouse, Luke handed her down and kept her hand in his.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what? Not introducing me to your lover?” she said more sharply than she should have.

He winced. “I never claimed to be an angel, Caroline, but Catarina is in my past.”

She patted his arm and pulled her hand from his. “It’s fine, Luke. I told her you were my investor and that I had no claim on you.”

With that, Caroline marched to the front door and entered. Kent closed it behind her and she hurried up to her bedchamber. Once there, she flung herself on the bed.

She had no claim on him—but he’d claimed her heart without even knowing it. Caroline was more determined than ever to break ties with Luke.

For good.

---