Page 18 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“Of course, you can. He’s family, too.” Rachel frowned. “Although I’ll need to have one of the maids accompany you today.”

“Why?” Caroline asked, puzzled.

“You must be chaperoned.”

“No. That’s not necessary. I went all over Boston on my own without needing a chaperone. Besides, I have no plans to marry Lord Mayfield or any other gentleman. We’ll be out together today strictly on business.”

Rachel gave her a dubious glance but didn’t protest further. Instead, she said, “Spend your day finding a proper location. Then at tea this afternoon, we’ll talk about your wardrobe. I’ll check with Catherine and see if Madame Toufours can see you tomorrow. She’ll need your measurements so she can start on a few pieces for you.”

“Is she very expensive? I mean, if she’s creating gowns for a duchess, I’m sure she must charge quite a bit.”

Rachel waved away her concerns. “Don’t worry about that.”

Caroline remained silent. She would have to pull aside Madame Toufours and obtain prices from the woman and then limit the number of garments to be created.

“I think I will go visit Davy and Tippet in the stables. I want to see how Davy’s getting along and I missed Tippet’s company last night. He usually sleeps with me.”

“Then he should continue to do so,” Rachel said as Evan grunted.

“No, I think Davy needs the company more than I do. He’s been uprooted several times in his young life. Tippet will be a good companion to him until I find a place of my own and become settled.”

“There’s no rush,” Evan said. “You are welcome to remain for the entire Season and beyond.”

“Thank you,” she said. “Both you and Rachel have been so kind to me. Opening your house and offering me your friendship.” Caroline rose. “I’ll be back soon.”

She left the house by the nearby front door and circled around to the back, quickly spying the stables. Entering them, she saw a man in his mid-forties with merry eyes and graying hair.

“You must be Lady Caroline,” he said jovially. “I’m Brimley. Let me take you to young Davy. He’s quite a boy. Eager to learn and fast at it. A bit small for his age but already a hard worker.”

They found Davy mucking out a stall. He turned as Brimley called his name and grinned.

“Lady Caroline! I’m already working for the marquess. Mr. Brimley says he’s glad I came to London because he needed someone like me.”

“You may visit with Lady Caroline, Davy, then it’s back to work for you.” The groom tipped his cap to her and left them to speak in private.

“How is everything?” she asked.

Davy talked without coming up for air, excited to share with her everything he’d been doing. He showed her his new clothes and where he and Tippet were sleeping. The dog lay curled up on the boy’s bed and Caroline went and loved on him briefly. She let Davy show her around the stables as he told her everything he would be learning about in the coming days and weeks. She wondered if this might be a better place for him than if she took him to work at her bookstore. It would require some thought on her part and she would definitely ask the boy’s opinion about what he’d rather do.

Davy led her back to the front of the stables and told her he needed to get back to work. She stepped out into the cold morning and ran smack into Lord Mayfield.

He caught her elbows to steady her. Caroline experienced a wonderful rush of excitement whirling inside her. The earl smiled down at her and then released her.

“I heard you’d come to check on Davy and Tippet. How are they managing?”

“Quite well,” she said, surprised to hear her voice sounded normal. “Davy already seems to be an expert on horses.”

“Did you plan for him to remain with Merrick or take him with you?” Mayfield asked.

“I’ve some time to make that decision,” she said, trying to calm the butterflies beating about her belly.

“I’ve brought my carriage today. We’ve a lot of ground to cover and I’ve learned things that I must share with you before we start viewing properties.” He offered her his arm. “Are you ready?”

“I don’t have my reticule with me but I doubt I’ll need it today. I don’t plan on buying any property without sleeping on the decision.” She placed her hand gingerly on his forearm. “Lead the way, Lord Mayfield.”

He took her to the square, where a magnificent carriage awaited them. She deliberately averted her eyes from gazing at her former home, knowing today was the day the property and its entire contents would go on sale. She listened as Mayfield gave instructions to his driver and then assisted her inside. She thought he would seat himself opposite her. Instead he sat directly beside her. His thigh brushed against her skirts, sending a frisson of pleasure rippling through her.

“I want to discuss with you what I’ve discovered since we spoke yesterday afternoon and compare it to how things are done in America. Or Boston, in particular, since that is what you are familiar with.”

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