Page 80 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“I am at your service. Please, have a seat.”

She perched on the edge of a chair. “I’m looking to leave London indefinitely. Mr. Stinch will manage my stores in my absence. I’d like to be by the sea. Do you know of anyone who might have a cottage for sale?”

“Not for sale, but my wife’s aunt has one for let. It’s in Dover.”

“I’ll take it.”

Shock filled him. “But I haven’t even told you about it,” he protested.

“You would not have mentioned it to me if it were unsuitable. I trust that you would recommend it?”

“I would. It’s in pristine condition and a short walk to the beach.”

“Then I’d like you to handle the details for me. Could I take charge of it come Monday?”

“Monday? That’s only two days from now. Is there a reason you’re rushing to let it?”

Caroline gave him a long look. “I’ll be frank with you, Mr. Higgins. I returned from America to learn my father was dead. I recently discovered he was murdered under dubious circumstances. That has affected me more than I would have thought, along with the gossip associated with it. He left me destitute and I have to earn a living for myself. Thetonis not a forgiving group and I fear Evie’s success might be tainted by my presence.

“Thus, I would like to retreat from society for now and lick my wounds. I long for peace and solitude. I’ve hired capable workers and an excellent manager and feel I can allow them to run Evie’s for me. For now, at least.”

“I understand, my lady.” His eyes looked at her in sympathy. “I will take the mail coach down to Dover and make the arrangements for you. I’ll deliver the key to Lord Merrick’s.”

She didn’t want that. “Could you bring it to the bookstore instead on Monday morning?”

“If that’s what you prefer.”

“I do. You’ve gone above and beyond, Mr. Higgins. I can’t thank you enough.” She handed over the key to her father’s townhouse. “Expect a generous bonus once the sale goes through.”

Caroline left his office and returned to her waiting cab, directing the driver to take her to Mayfair. Once at Evie’s she walked through, noting the number of customers and that the new shipment of Catherine’s books had been placed on the shelves. She ventured to the tearoom and saw it was already doing brisk business at only half-past ten, even though it wasn’t scheduled to open until eleven. Mrs. Withers must have taken the initiative to open early. Returning to her office, she placed the references she’d written yesterday in a bottom drawer of her desk. She doubted her employees would need them now.

Caroline left her office and found Walton hard at work ringing up customers’ purchases. She saw Stinch and motioned him over.

“I see Mr. Walton is back at work today.”

“He was most helpful during yesterday’s opening, my lady. I know you’d said you had no more need of his services but I’m grateful he showed up yesterday—and again today. I don’t know what we would have done without an extra pair of hands.”

“You think he’s needed on the floor?”

“For now. If business levels off, then we could use him for a few hours a day.”

“I want to hire Mr. Walton as my bookkeeper. That wouldn’t occupy all of his time and leave him available for when you needed him in the store.”

Stinch studied her. “I thought you’d planned to keep the ledgers, Lady Caroline.”

“I think it best for Evie’s if I take a step back.” She took a deep breath. “I learned how Father was murdered.”

He winced. “I am sorry. I didn’t think it my place to tell you. I’d hoped it would never come up since he was already dead and buried.”

“It did—through gossip, theton’sfavorite pastime. I feel Evie’s has a better chance if I remove myself from the day-to-day affairs. You have proven to be an excellent manager. Mr. Walton would be an asset regarding the bookkeeping and could even make the bank deposits. I plan to go away for a while.”

He frowned. “Where would you go?”

“I’m thinking the country. I need time to myself. I trust Evie’s will be in good hands.”

Determination filled Stinch’s face. “I will not let you down, my lady.”

She thanked him and asked that he send Mr. Walton to see her when things slowed a bit. Caroline returned to her office and a quarter-hour later, Mr. Walton appeared in the doorway.

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