Page 17 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

Chapter Six

Caroline dressed carefully,knowing she would be seeing Lord Mayfield today. Seeing what Rachel had worn yesterday made her realize just how informal her wardrobe had become while living in America. Boston claimed to be the cradle of freedom and boasted of its classless society. Caroline had quickly adapted to her temporary home and enjoyed wearing less fussy clothing.

Being back in London, though, and wanting to become not only a businesswoman but one who could effortlessly blend intotonevents meant a total revamping of her wardrobe. Though she hated to part with the coin, she would have to do so and have several outfits made up for everyday wear, as well as social occasions. Hopefully, Rachel could recommend a modiste to her. Caroline would need to see one soon in order for there to be enough time for new clothing to be made up.

She ventured downstairs and found Rachel and the marquess at breakfast, though their roles seemed reversed. Rachel had the newspaper open and was reading aloud from it, while Merrick bounced Seth in his arms, cooing softly to his son.

“Good morning,” she said.

“Plenty to eat on the sideboard,” the marquess said. “Help yourself. Mornings are casual.”

As Caroline fixed her plate, Rachel said, “I cannot believe Bonaparte. This is outrageous!”

“What of him? We had very little news about him and the war in Europe.”

“That’s right,” Merrick said. “You’ve been isolated and then traveling at sea. Tell her, Rachel.”

His wife’s nose crinkled in disgust. “Boney was captured last year and exiled to Elba, an island in the Mediterranean. The fools in charge allowed him to keep a personal guard of over six hundred men. He remained three hundred days and escaped to France less than a month ago.”

Caroline placed her plate on the table and took a seat opposite Rachel. “Oh, no.”

Rachel snapped the newspaper in her hands. “This says he entered Paris five days ago. The little idiot will start the bloody war all over again.” She closed the paper and thrust it aside. “Let’s talk of more pleasant things.”

The marquess handed his son over to his wife. “Let Seth soothe that hot St. Clair temper of yours.”

Immediately, Rachel’s features softened as she smoothed the baby’s hair.

Caroline decided to broach the subject. “Could we speak of clothes? I’m going to be in need of a modiste. Very little of what I brought back from Boston is appropriate fortonevents. I also need some day dresses to go about town, ones I can wear when I open my shop.”

“I have just the modiste for you,” her new friend said. “She’s quite busy at other times of the year but in the weeks leading up to the Season, she works exclusively for Catherine. By extension, Catherine allows Leah and me to use Madame Toufours, as well.”

“You think she will take me on?”

“Of course. Madame Toufours is always eager to please the Duchess of Everton and her two sisters, though I’m merely one by marriage. Catherine releases her from obligation usually two weeks after the Season has begun and then ladies beat a path to Madame Toufours’ door, wanting to be dressed in a similar fashion to the Duchess of Everton.”

“I’m almost afraid to meet her. She sounds so grand.”

“Not at all. Catherine is unpretentious and quite kind.” Rachel indicated a pile of correspondence sitting next to her. “In fact, she’s invited us for tea today.”

“Oh, I’m supposed to be out with Lord Mayfield all day, looking for a place to locate my bookstore.”

“Even if you’re on the hunt all day, you’ll be ready for some tea and cakes by late afternoon. Have Luke bring you there. It will be an ideal way to meet Jeremy and Catherine.”

“I’ve never met a duke or duchess before.”

Merrick snorted. “They’re just the same as you, Lady Caroline.”

“Evan, please call her Caroline. Caroline, you do the same to Evan.”

She frowned. “I’m not sure that’s appropriate.”

“I’m already Rachel to you. We are going to be close friends. I insist.”

Caroline looked to the marquess and he nodded. “Very well,” she said.

“And that means calling Luke by his Christian name,” Rachel added.

She felt her face flame. “Oh, I couldn’t do that.”

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