Page 8 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

First, she would check to see if any bookshops were for sale and what areas they might be located in. Foot traffic was important. Aunt Evie’s shop had been on a busy street with many people passing by its doors each day. Caroline didn’t want to locate her store along a street where few ventured. If she couldn’t find an existing shop in a preferred location for sale, then she would start from scratch. Her inheritance from Aunt Evie would allow it. In fact, it might be wise to invest in a small house, as well, instead of renting rooms. She’d learned to be frugal during her time in America. She could do the same here. Ideally, if she could find living space above the shop, that would be the perfect solution.

Satisfied that she could make a go of things, Caroline left her house for the final time. She didn’t need the clothing from her bedchamber. The styles would already be outdated and the gowns probably wouldn’t even fit her. She’d left London quite slender. Though still thin, she’d developed curves during her time in Boston. Her bosom definitely was larger. That would keep her from wearing anything she’d left behind. Let Mr. Morrow sell it all.

She closed the door behind her and found Davy still sitting on the trunk, humming a tune. Tippet thumped his tail against the pavement, happy to see her once again. She stroked the dog lovingly and then patted the boy on the head.

“Can Tippet and I stay in the stables?” he asked.

“No, we are going elsewhere,” Caroline said, sitting down on her other trunk. Before she could continue, her eyes were drawn to the same three riders that approached the square. They were talking and laughing, two men and a woman.

One of the men caught her eye. He sat quite tall in the saddle and was very handsome. He turned his head in her direction and nodded politely.

They trotted up to the house sitting opposite and two grooms claimed the horses from the trio. The woman waved and smiled brightly, making her way across the square. The two men fell into step behind her.

Caroline stood. “Good day,” she called out as the party approached.

“Hello,” the woman said. “I’m Lady Merrick.” She indicated the man who stepped up on her left. “This is my husband, the Marquess of Merrick. We live just across the way.” Lady Merrick gestured toward the second man, the one who’d caught Caroline’s attention. “And this is my brother, Lord Mayfield. He lives but a few blocks from here.”

“It’s very nice to meet you. I’m Lady Caroline Andrews. This is Davy. And Tippet.”

Lady Merrick knelt and held out her hand. “Good to meet you, Davy.”

The boy’s eyes widened. “Pl-pleased to meet you, my lady.”

The marchioness petted Tippet. “Hello to you, Tippet. I’ve been wanting a dog.” She rose and shot her husband a pleading look.

“You have a new baby,” the marquess said, his arm slipping around her waist. “I would think Seth would keep you more than busy. If he doesn’t, I can think of a few ways to occupy your time.” He kissed her cheek and looked as if he wished to do much more than that.

Caroline saw the affection between the two as the couple smiled at one another, though she blushed at Lord Merrick’s suggestive words. It was obvious what he meant. She wasn’t used to hearing something like that voiced aloud, not even in America where people freely spoke their minds.

Lord Mayfield laughed easily and said, “They are disgusting, aren’t they? So much in love that they sometimes ignore all those around them. My brother and his wife are the same way.”

She was immediately drawn in by his eyes. They glowed as emeralds did and seemed to hold more than a hint of mischief. His jet black hair was a stark contrast to them. Caroline couldn’t get over how appealing his face was, only rivaled by his tall, athletic frame. Something stirred within her that puzzled her. Confused her. She pushed it aside, thinking she would address it later.

“Are you Lord Templeton’s daughter?” the marquess asked.

“I am. Mama and I went to visit my aunt in Boston three years ago. The war broke out and there was no way to safely return to England. Once word of the peace treaty arrived in Boston, I decided to return home.”

“Is your mother with you now or did she remain behind?” Lady Merrick asked.

“Mama passed away shortly after we arrived.”

The noblewoman looked at her with pity. “I am so sorry to hear that, Lady Caroline. That must have been difficult. And then to have to remain in America all this time.”

“My aunt was loving and kind to me. It was the first time I remembered meeting her. She’d left England with her husband, an American ship captain, when I was barely walking.”

Lady Merrick took Caroline’s hands in hers. “It’s good that you had her then. I suppose you have learned of your father’s recent death?”

“Oh, indeed. Mr. Morrow, his solicitor, is inside preparing for an estate sale that begins tomorrow. It appears Papa accumulated tremendous debts and everything is to be sold off, the townhouse and all its contents. You see, he had no relatives, and so the crown will reclaim the title.”

“That is distressing news to receive just as you’ve arrived back in England,” Lord Merrick said. He glanced at his wife and Caroline saw something unspoken pass between them. “You’ll need a place to stay,” the marquess told her. “We’d be delighted if you remained with us for as long as you’d like.”

His generosity struck her. “Lord Merrick, I am a stranger to you. Your offer is much too generous.”

Lady Merrick squeezed Caroline’s hands. “Please. We insist. Unless you have somewhere else you’d rather go.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “I have nowhere,” she admitted. “No relatives. Even my aunt in Boston is now gone.”

“That is what neighbors are for,” the marquess said. He bent and lifted the trunk she’d sat upon, easing it onto his shoulder. “Luke, fetch the other if you will.”

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