Page 48 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“Keep it for as long as you need today. I will be home for the rest of the day.”

“Thank you.”

“Let me have Marie-Therese and Genevieve carry out your gowns, Your Grace,” Madame Toufours said.

As the assistants took the gowns to the waiting carriage under Catherine’s supervision, Caroline said, “I have several gowns to donate to your shop. They belonged to my mother, who passed away. Perhaps you would be able to remake some of them as you have the duchess’ gowns for me. If not, I’m sure you could use bits and pieces of them as material for other gowns you create.”

The modiste’s eyes lit with interest. “When can I have them?”

“As soon as you’d like.”

“May I send a wagon tomorrow morning?” Madame asked eagerly.

“What time? It’s at my father’s house, the Earl of Templeton’s. I’m staying with the Marchioness of Merrick. Her townhome is directly across from my former home.”

“Is nine too early?”

“Not at all,” Caroline said easily. “If anything, it’s late for me.”

She’d been busy day and night for the past week. Already, she’d purchase many books, including the entire stock from a bookseller that had planned to retire early next year. Caroline had convinced him the opportunity to rid himself of the contents of his bookstore wasn’t to be passed up and they’d struck an agreement on the spot.

In a week, Rachel had seen to the minor construction projects at Evie’s, including having the wall knocked down to join the bookstore with the tearoom. The entire place had been cleaned and painted and, only yesterday, furniture had been delivered. This afternoon, Rachel and Leah were meeting Caroline at Evie’s to organize the placement of various reading areas. They were using furniture from her father’s townhouse to begin and would see if more would be needed.

“What of the goods you wish me to carry?” Caroline asked.

“They are ready to be transported, as well, once you give your approval.”

“Then let me see them.”

The modiste led her down a hallway and through a door to a storeroom. She turned to her left and indicated a large group of items.

“These are what I wish to bring. Marie-Therese has a list of everything, along with the prices to be charged.”

“I’ll go to Evie’s now and send my driver and a clerk to load them. Marie-Therese can come with them and arrange things. If you’d like to stop by after your shop closes, you can see how things were laid out and make any suggestions on placement.”

“These are exciting times,” the modiste said, a satisfied look on her face.

“They are, indeed,” Caroline agreed.

She left in the ducal carriage, which now waited for her with her own gowns from her fitting. It conveyed her to Evie’s. She asked the driver to deliver the gowns inside to the Merrick townhome and then dismissed him. She spoke to Stinch about picking up the wares from Madame Toufours and he told her he would see to it immediately. Her friends arrived and with the help of two clerks, they arranged and rearranged the furniture to their liking, deciding what they had was adequate for now. Shelving would come in tomorrow and be placed. That was a good thing since, next door, stacks of books filled the small warehouse and she still hoped to purchase more before the grand opening.

Marie-Therese arrived with the goods from Madame Toufours and Rachel and Leah decided to help the clerk arrange the wares for sale. Caroline let them know the modiste would be by in a few hours to approve of their work.

Mrs. Withers came and asked if everyone in the bookstore might like to sit for a spot of tea. Nobility and workingmen alike filed into the teashop, where the cook and her sister lavished them with sweets and hot cups of tea. Caroline looked around, glad they’d finally gotten in the tables and chairs she’d ordered. Everything was falling into place nicely.

Everything—except her heart.

It, unfortunately, dangled from a precipice of her own making. It didn’t help that Luke, once the ovens had arrived, had made himself scarce. She’d only seen him once. He’d informed her that he was working on the font to be used for the teahouse’s menu and how items would be grouped and priced. He assured her he had everything in hand and had found a printer for the work.

After that, nothing. She’d seen the three husbands, as she’d begun to call them, several times. Evan and Alex dropped by with helpful hints, while Jeremy had asked to meet twice with her, wanting updates on her progress. He’d made a few subtle recommendations that she’d pounced upon, knowing his experience in business far outweighed hers.

“Lady Caroline, a message has come for you,” Stinch said, handing her the note.

“Thank you.”

She opened it and saw it was from another bookstore owner that she’d tried to meet with. He’d been out of town on a buying trip and, now, he agreed to see her if she were currently free. With the furniture already placed and Rachel and Leah aiding Marie-Therese, Caroline decided she wasn’t needed for the rest of the day. She told her friends goodbye and explained to Stinch and Walton where she’d be and that she would see them in the morning.

“May I come with you, Lady Caroline?” Walton asked. “This is one of the few shops I haven’t investigated yet.”

“Of course.”

Outside, Walton hailed a hackney and told the driver, “Netherby’s Bookshop,” and then helped her into the vehicle.

She was curious to meet Leland Netherby. Walton had told her the man had a reputation among the book community for being persnickety and demanding. Most booksellers avoided dealing with him when they could. Caroline didn’t mind.

She liked a challenge.

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