Page 47 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“I’d plan to do all of that,” she said gently. “I inherited my aunt’s bookstore in Boston and am quite familiar with how to run one.”

Disappointment crossed his face. “I see.” He paused. “It’s just... so hard finding another position at my age. Your father dying suddenly left me without any references. Even then, I feel others are reluctant to hire me because of the sad state of the earl’s affairs. I am blamed merely by my association with him, though none of the debt was my doing.”

He nodded brusquely. “Thank you for your time, Lady Caroline. I wish you the best of luck in your venture.”

Her heart ached as she watched him walk away. “Wait!” she cried before he reached the door.

Walton turned and came back to her. “Are you willing to write a reference for me, my lady? That would certainly be appreciated.”

“I can offer you something temporary,” she began, formulating in her mind what he might do. “I need to acquire a list of bookshops in London, especially the smaller ones. I must find out if any sellers wish to be rid of some of their inventory. I’ll need helping buying inventory, a good variety because I want Evie’s to be known for having whatever a customer needs and if we don’t, getting that particular book as quickly as we can. I also need a list of publishing houses and which ones sell direct to booksellers. And if they give a discount if a large volume is purchased. It would require a great deal of investigation.”

Walton’s face brightened at the prospect. “It sounds exactly like something I could do.”

“Once I have it and I begin buying, I’ll also need someone to record each book and the number purchased. Some books will be designated for sale, whether new or used, while both new and used volumes will become part of my circulating library. It will take a great many hours to get all of this done.”

“Time is something I have on my hands, my lady.”

“Once that’s done, I can take over since I won’t be buying in such great volume. Would this temporary job suit you, Mr. Walton?”

“It would, indeed, Lady Caroline.” He smiled shyly. “I may even make myself so indispensable that you might want to keep me around. Especially if your bookstore becomes a success.”

“That would be ideal for both of us,” she said, returning his smile.

“I’ll start now, making the rounds,” he proclaimed. “Shall we meet here tomorrow morning?”

“Yes, Mr. Walton. That would be a fine idea. Concentrate on booksellers first.”

“I will. A very good day to you.” This time, the former secretary left with a spring in his step.

Caroline hoped she would be able to keep Mr. Walton on.

*

“That’s cut alittle low, don’t you think?” Caroline asked Catherine.

Immediately, Madame Toufours tsk-tsked her comment. “Lady Caroline, you have a wonderful bosom. It should be shown.”

She looked to Catherine, her eyes pleading.

“I agree with Madame,” the duchess said. “Besides, you can always wear a fichu to fill in the low neckline if you’re uncomfortable.”

“I suppose. I’ve just never shown so much of my bosom before.”

“The women of thetonwill be envious,” the modiste said and then smiled. “And the men will be enamored.”

Caroline felt her face flaming.

“Not all are cut so low,” the modiste assured her. “Let’s try another. Marie-Therese, bring the lavender.”

The assistant went to fetch the next gown and the Frenchwoman helped Caroline from the garment she wore. After another hour, her fitting was completed.

“I must say, I didn’t even recognize some of my former gowns,” Catherine said. “You are a genius, Madame Toufours.”

“I am,” the modiste agreed. Looking to Caroline, she asked, “Do you have time to stay behind, my lady, and discuss the merchandise to be placed inside Evie’s? I’m ready for it to be moved.”

She looked to Catherine, who said, “I must return home. Mr. Bellows is coming to show me the final version of my book. I’m to check it for any errors before it goes to press. It will definitely be ready for the opening of your bookstore. Let me send the carriage back for you since you may be here a while.”

“That’s very thoughtful of you, Catherine.”

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