Page 51 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“We do, Your Grace.”

“Let me see it.”

Proctor excused himself. Caroline continued to peruse the shelves until he returned and handed the list to the duke. Everton, in turn, gave it to her.

“Here is a list of books to be added to your bookstore and circulating library.”

Shock filled her. “Your Grace... I cannot... I mean...” Her voice trailed off.

“You can pay me a fair price.” He paused, a devilish smile crossing his handsome face. “A pound, let’s say.”

“What?” she exclaimed.

“I have three thousand books in my library at Eversleigh. I can transport some of those volumes here. Or perhaps, I may just buy books for a new library here in London. At a new establishment that I will patronize and recommend to all of my friends.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “Your Grace, you’re being far too generous. Let me pay you for your library. You have so much here that with what I’ve already accumulated, it will be more than enough to open Evie’s. I want to buy it at fair market value.”

“No. I’ll sell it all for a pound. Not a penny more.” His jaw set in determination.

“I can’t—”

“If you don’t buy it, I’ll sell it to Netherby for that same price.”

Caroline gasped. “You wouldn’t.”

He grinned. “Oh, I would.”

She brought fisted hands to her waist. “You are fighting quite dirty, Your Grace. And very proud of that fact.”

The duke chuckled. “I am, aren’t I?”

“Then I suppose you’ve left me no choice.” She opened her reticule and withdrew a pound note, handing it to him. “My driver and wagon will appear first thing tomorrow morning to begin transporting my purchase to Evie’s.”

“I can have my—”

“You may not, Your Grace,” Caroline said firmly. “I’ve bought the books. I will see them delivered to my store. Even if you decide you’re going to buy every single book back.” Her chin rose a notch.

He nodded in approval as he pocketed the note. “As you wish, Caroline. And please, no more of this ‘Your Grace’. I am Jeremy.”

She blinked back the tears that threatened to fall. “Thank you, Jeremy.”

“You look as if you could use a cup of tea.”

“Tea would be lovely,” she said as she folded the list he’d given her and placed it inside her reticule.

“Matthew, care to join us?”

“No, Your Grace. I have other things to attend to.” Proctor excused himself.

Jeremy led her from the study and they came across Catherine.

“Did your book pass muster?” Caroline asked.

“It was perfect,” her friend said. “Do you have time to stay? I’ve a few things to discuss with you. First, though, I was going to go see the children. You haven’t met them yet, have you?”

“No. I’d like that very much.”

“Then let’s go visit them a bit and then we can have some tea.” Catherine looked to her husband. “Coming?”

---