Page 62 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

Caroline joined him and he explained the process to her since they hadn’t spoken of it.

“So ‘PC’ is pound cake.”

“Yes, plain pound cake,” he said. “And ‘LPC’ is lemon pound cake. The women all know what to use.”

“It’s brilliant, Luke,” she praised.

“I’ve also mapped the room, placing the tables on a page, and the chairs there, as well. It will help Kitty and Daisy keep straight what order is to be delivered to which table and even chair position.”

“I can’t believe you thought of all of this.”

“I’m happy to have been of service.”

Everyone ordered a full tea, including sandwiches. Luke knew Mrs. Withers now wore an “I told you so,” look upon her face back in the kitchen. He was glad he’d given in to her demand to serve more than sweets.

As they watched, Caroline said, “I think everyone is enjoying their tea and the food.”

“Once they’ve finished, you should ask again which items were favorites and why. And the same for anything that doesn’t strike their fancy. Those few items could be stricken from the menu,” he suggested. “For now, you need to sit, though. You’ve been working all day and could use some refreshments.”

“Only if you join me. I insist.”

He smiled. “I’ve never been one to turn down a scone or cup of tea.”

Luke led her to a table for two and held the chair for her.

Kitty came over, her smile in place. “Good afternoon, my lord, my lady. What may I get you to eat and drink?”

Luke decided to challenge the girl and asked, “What would you recommend?” thinking she might become flustered with the question.

Smoothly, she said, “I’m partial to the bread and butter pudding with currants. And if it’s a sandwich you want, I’d try either the roast beef or ham.”

He nodded approvingly. “Good girl. You may get questions like that sometimes. You answered perfectly.”

He and Caroline placed their order and received it in a handful of minutes. He looked about and saw the smiles and lively conversations at the other tables.

“Is this another dream come true?” he asked. “Seeing tables full as people chat and sip their tea?”

“It is,” she said softly. “You have been a big part of this, Luke. By taking over the tearoom, you’ve allowed me to concentrate on the book side of things. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Maybe I’ll be able to get a free cup of tea once a week?”

“And a scone. No, two,” she said, laughing, taking a last bite.

Luke glanced around. “It looks as if everyone has finished.”

He looked back and saw a small bit of clotted cream in the corner of her mouth. Before he could say anything, Caroline dabbed her mouth with a napkin. Immediately, he wished he’d been able to lick it from her lips.

Soon, he promised himself. Once Evie’s opened and became a success, he would woo Caroline, sweeping her off her feet. He decided they would honeymoon after, just the two of them, no one else. He greedily wanted her all to himself for a good two weeks or more. He idly wondered how many times he could make love to her in that amount of time.

She addressed the group and asked for their opinions. Luke noticed Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Baker had come out from the kitchen to listen to the comments. Everything was positive, though both the blueberry scones and all of the cakes were definite favorites.

Caroline was swarmed as everyone told her goodbye, showering her with compliments.

“I will definitely purchase a subscription to your circulating library,” Amanda said.

“So will I,” Catherine chimed in. “Mr. Bellows also said he will have my latest book delivered to you tomorrow morning. He’s hoping you’ll sell out of the copies he provides.”

“That’s exciting news,” Caroline said. “Let me show you the area you’ll do your reading at and where you’ll sign the purchased books afterward.”

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