Page 74 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Luke had beenpresent the entire day but he made sure to stay out of Caroline’s way. He’d spent the first hour in the tearoom. Though some patrons had come from the bookstore through the connecting arch, a larger portion had walked in off the street. He’d gone back and forth between both establishments, noting how each did brisk business on this opening day. His sister-in-law’s reading and book signing proved to be popular and he hoped Caroline would think to ask other authors to make an appearance, as well.

In the hours that unfolded, Luke thought about the reasons why Caroline had fled their encounter. He’d intended to speak to her alone at last night’s ball when Merrifield informed him Caroline thought she and Luke were no more than friends. He cursed himself, remembering how he’d told her that very thing after previously kissing her. His intentions had been good, wanting to wait and declare his affection for her until she’d gained confidence by standing on the success of her new establishments.

Instead, his silence had only complicated matters. She believed he wasn’t interested in her, which was the last impression he’d wished to give. By God, he loved her! He needed to let her know of his feelings.

Before it was too late.

He cursed himself for not telling her the circumstances surrounding her father’s death. Learning about the circumstances of Templeton’s demise through vicious gossip had undone Caroline. He still ached at the memory of hearing her wrenching sobs last night. It hadn’t occurred to him to bring up the matter to her and if he had, what would he have said and when would he have spoken about it?

Luke also knew there had to be more that she wasn’t telling him. True, she’d eavesdropped and learned of the gossip surrounding her father’s death. She had the impression thetonwouldn’t frequent Evie’s because of it and the fact that she was a woman in business. The failure of her venture weighed heavily upon her—yet it shouldn’t have been tied to rejecting him. Something more had been said, something she hadn’t shared, that drove her from his arms. The connection between them was too great. He’d kissed a good many women but none of them had the effect on him that Caroline Andrews did. She’d lied about her feelings toward him.

He was determined to learn why.

Biding his time, he waited until near the end of the day before he approached her. The crowd had begun to thin in the bookstore as closing time approached. He’d observed Higgins arrive with a man in tow and then leave half an hour later. Luke wondered who the stranger might be and what business he’d conducted with Caroline. Perhaps it was in regard to the money she said she’d come into though he was reluctant to believe her about that, thinking it was another way she was putting him off.

He watched from behind a tall bookcase as she made her way toward the teashop for the first time today. She paused in the doorway, observing how the room still bustled with customers.

It was time to join her—and find out the truth.

As he came to stand beside her, her stomach growled noisily.

“It seems you’re in need of one of Mrs. Withers’ sandwiches,” he said pleasantly. “Have you eaten anything today?”

“No,” she admitted. “I was too nervous before both places opened. Once they did, I haven’t had a moment to myself.”

“Then it’s a full tea for you.”

She shook her head. “There are no places to be had. I’m not going to unseat a paying customer merely because my stomach growled.”

“I have an idea.”

Luke left her and went to the kitchen, where their two cooks bustled about. He took one of the serving trays and set it aside before taking two plates and filling them.

“For Lady Caroline,” he told Mrs. Baker when she glanced his way. “Could you also have a pot of tea sent over to her office?”

“Of course, Lord Mayfield,” the cook replied.

He returned with the tray. “Your office is the perfect place to end your day.”

As they wound their way through the bookstore, Mr. Stinch approached.

“It’s almost closing time, my lady. Any instructions?”

“Everyone has worked so hard today. Release the clerks as soon as they tidy up. All unbought books need to be placed back on the shelves and then they can leave for the day. Have them return two hours before opening tomorrow to label and stock the books Mr. Bellows is having delivered.”

“They just arrived. I had them taken next door and placed with our surplus inventory.”

“Excellent. The only other thing will be to bring the money box to me. Normally, I will let you count it at the end of each day but I’m curious as to how our opening went.”

“I’ll see it brought to you,” Stinch said and left.

Luke carried the tray to her office and placed it on top of the desk.

“Sit. You’re famished and look tired.”

Kitty arrived with a smaller tray containing a teapot and two cups and saucers, along with cream and sugar. Luke thanked her and took it, setting it next to the tray with food. He poured Caroline a cup and added the splash of cream and one cube of sugar that she preferred and handed it to her.

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