Page 12 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

Rachel grabbed Evan’s hand and led him from the drawing room, leaving the two of them alone.

“Do you think I shocked your sister?” Caroline asked hesitantly. “She’s already been so welcoming to me. Perhaps my outspokenness offended her.”

“Far from it,” Luke assured her. “If anything, Rachel’s admiration for you has only grown during our conversation.”

As has mine.

Luke couldn’t tell her that his sister vacated the room so that he could have time alone with Caroline, hoping to change her mind. How was he supposed to do that? She seemed confident and opinionated, more than any woman of his acquaintance.

Bloody hell. He actuallylikedthat about her. He liked everything about Caroline Andrews. How could he convince her to take part in the Season—and become a part of his life?

Then it came to him. Something scathingly brilliant. Lady Caroline would not be able to turn his proposal down.

“Might I accompany you on your search for a place for your bookstore? We could start tomorrow since you’re eager to locate somewhere and get it set up if at all possible before the Season begins.”

“Would you, Lord Mayfield?” She gave him a brilliant smile, one that would have brought Luke to his knees if he’d been standing.

“I’d be delighted to. One can never be too careful about the location for a business.” He lifted his saucer. “Might I have more tea?”

“Of course.” She took the cup and saucer from him and poured a full cup.

“Two lumps of sugar, please.” He smiled. “I’ve a sweet tooth.”

“So do I,” she confided and returned the saucer to him.

They talked pleasantly for a few minutes about her time in America and her return across the Atlantic and then he paused, mid-sentence.

“What is it?” she asked, concern in her voice.

“I’ve just had an idea,” he said, speaking slowly. “May I share it with you?”

“Of course. Is it where my bookstore should be located?”

Oh, this woman would be the death of him.

“No,” he said. “But it does involve it. I know you said you weren’t interested in participating in the Season.”

“I’m not. I have no time for frivolity and, as I mentioned, no need of a husband. If I married, I’d have to turn over all of Evie’s inheritance to him—and my bookstore, as well.”

“I know you’re against it but...” He let his voice trail off.

“But?” she asked, sitting up, her interest piqued.

“I merely thought that if thetonis who you wish to patronize your bookstore, then it might be wise to get to know some of them. Go to their events. Through conversation, see what their tastes are.”

Luke saw the seed he’d planted begin to bloom in her mind’s eye.

“I hadn’t thought of it quite like that,” she said thoughtfully.

“It’s just an idea,” he said modestly, hoping his words would slowly reel her in.

“It’s a good one,” she said with enthusiasm. “To get to know my clientele in a social situation. To subtly recommend they shop at Evie’s.” She brightened. “It’s a very worthwhile idea, Lord Mayfield. Very much, indeed.”

“What idea?” Evan said as he and Rachel reentered the drawing room.

Briefly, Lady Caroline explained what Luke had come up with. Rachel nodded with approval, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea,” his sister proclaimed.

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