Page 26 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“Definitely,” Caroline said, pleased with the bargain they’d struck.

Once all fittings had been completed, the duchess told Madame Toufours that she would send over the gowns to be remade. She reminded the Frenchwoman that the first event Lady Caroline would attend would be the very ball she and Everton would hold and emphasized the need for Caroline to look her absolute best that night in order to make a lasting impression on the women of theton.

“I can assure you both that Lady Caroline and the gown I design for her will be one of the most spoken about the next day, as will yours, Your Grace,” the modiste said.

With that guarantee, they left the shop. Rachel insisted they go next door to her favorite milliner’s. Unlike gowns, Caroline was able to buy three hats immediately and she ordered another four that her friends thought would go well with the clothes that had been commissioned this morning.

By now it was noon and the women boarded the ducal coach to return home.

“I’m exhausted,” Leah proclaimed. “I think I will go home and nap with Rose.”

Rachel laughed. “I plan to do the same with Seth.”

“Are you tired, Lady Caroline?” the duchess asked.

“Not a bit,” she admitted. “It was stimulating being back in London and shopping for a new wardrobe. I’m still hoping to look at properties this afternoon for my bookstore.”

“Would you be able to have luncheon with me first?”

“I’d enjoy that,” Caroline replied.

They dropped Leah off first and then drove a few blocks further and left Rachel at home before traveling another block to the Everton’s London residence.

As they entered, she asked, “Is the duke home?”

“No. He’s at his shipping business today.”

Caroline couldn’t help but react. “His... business?”

The duchess chuckled. “Oh, I know. Thetonfrowns upon any talk of business. Gentlemen are to refrain from dirtying their hands by it and never discuss it.” She led Caroline into a small parlor and indicated for her to take a seat. “Jeremy is different, though.”

“How so?”

“His father almost bankrupted the family. When Jeremy became the Duke of Everton, he had very little wealth. He was forced to use his business acumen in order to restore the St. Clair fortune. He found he was quite shrewd at investing and almost everything he touched turned to gold. Within a few years, he’d repaid all his father’s debts and his investments had tripled. Even quadrupled. We are quite comfortable now. He understands thetondisapproves of flaunting business connections and so he tries to be discreet in visiting his businesses. He has a wonderful manager and solicitor who both act on his behalf but he is still the one in charge, making the decisions.”

The duchess studied her. “I know you must have wondered why Jeremy did not leap at the opportunity to invest in your bookstore, as the other three did.”

Caroline had thought that very thing. Now hearing how the duke was so wise regarding business, it disappointed her that he didn’t feel her venture to be a solid investment.

“If Jeremy had become involved, Luke, Evan, and Alex would have sat back and deferred to his experience. He and I discussed how he wanted the three of them to begin to learn about business on their own, without any direct influence from him.”

The duchess leaned forward. “My husband very much believes in you and what you are wanting to accomplish. He told me how very much he admires you and your fortitude. You have had to deal with disappointment and death. Instead of succumbing and crumbling, you have remained strong and confident.”

She felt tears sting her eyes. “Thank you, Your Grace, for sharing that with me. It means a great deal, knowing how successful the duke is in his finances, to think so highly of me.”

“You must call me Catherine. I am about as unduchesslike a duchess as you will find.”

“Then I am to be Caroline to you.”

“Agreed.” Catherine smiled. “I have a surprise for you. I think you’ll rather like it.”

“What? You’ve already done so much for me. Helping me with my wardrobe. Agreeing to come to my bookstore. Offering me your friendship.”

Catherine rose. “There’s a guest waiting for you at luncheon. He’s quite eager to meet you.”

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