Page 67 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

Chapter Twenty-One

Caroline dressed forher second ball, again in another original creation from Madame Toufours. She had attended a garden party yesterday afternoon, meeting several new women and making sure she brought up the topic of books so she could hear what they had to say. Many of her new acquaintances had strong opinions on what they liked to read and she was pleased that she carried all but one of their suggestions.

The topic of the Duchess of Everton’s books had come up. They seemed to be a favorite of children, making Caroline eager to see if sales of them at Evie’s would be tied to the popularity the books seemed to have in theton. Before the garden party, she’d spent the morning supervising the delivery of Catherine’s books, devoting an entire round table to displaying copies, as well as two large bookshelves of the newest release. She’d made sure to stock all of her friend’s previous books, too, hoping they would fly off the shelves when Catherine made her appearance and signed copies on Friday.

Tonight’s ball was the only other event she’d accepted an invitation for. With Evie’s opening tomorrow, she planned to put in a full day both Friday and Saturday at the bookstore and tearoom. After that, she’d have to gauge whether or not her presence would be accepted or if disapproval of her running her own business kept her away from other events during the Season.

She dismissed the lady’s maid that had helped her dress and arrange her hair and sat before the mirror, admiring her reflection. Tonight, she wore a pair of borrowed earrings from Rachel, who insisted the emeralds would go beautifully with Caroline’s dress. She’d refused the necklace that matched the earrings. The large stones flashed with fire and would have been too recognizable. It was already bad enough that she lived on the Merricks’ generosity. She didn’t want to be seen as a hanger-on, using her friendship with the marchioness for personal gain.

A knock sounded at the door and Caroline bade them enter. A footman carried a silver tray with a note on it.

“Thank you,” she said and removed it.

Once he left, she broke the seal and opened it. A small part of her wanted it to be from Luke. She hadn’t seen him at yesterday’s garden party. They’d left with things strained between them. She needed to make it up to him at tonight’s ball and then ease away from him on good terms. If he thought problems existed between them, he would pursue the matter. Caroline wanted to end things on a cordial note with Luke. She would delve deeper into her business and he could return to making his choice from the Marriage Mart.

Instead, the note was from Higgins, her solicitor. He wrote that he’d been approached with an offer for her father’s home. It was from a well-to-do merchant who offered the price Higgins had advised her to set on the property. He wrote that the merchant would like to meet with her Monday morning at eleven o’clock. Though it would add to the gossip, her selling the townhome to one not of the nobility, it would mean an instant flow of cash. She could reimburse Luke, Evan, and Alex and have plenty left over to rent decent rooms and buy additional books for Evie’s.

Caroline wrote a brief response to Higgins, telling him she would accept the offer and informing him he needed to be prepared to complete the sale come Monday. She left the room and went downstairs, giving the message to Kent and asking that he see it delivered to her solicitor.

Evan and Rachel came down the staircase together. He held his son in his arms. They reached the bottom and Evan kissed Seth’s forehead. Rachel covered the baby’s face in kisses of her own and then the nursemaid who’d followed them down took Seth and returned upstairs with him.

“He smiled at me today,” Rachel told her. “Don’t believe it when others say that babies that young don’t smile because Seth did. Twice. He’s absolutely brilliant.”

Her husband’s arm encircled her waist. “Maybe we should think about having another one,” he said playfully and kissed her cheek.

“Later, Major,” she told him, her voice seductive.

“Did you serve in the army?” Caroline asked Evan, vaguely remembering someone had mentioned him selling his commission.

“I did,” he said, his smile fading. “It’s seems like a hundred years ago now.”

“Have you ever thought about writing a book about your experiences?”

Rachel laughed. “Oh, Caroline. You’ve got to think of something else beyond books!”

She shrugged. “I can’t help it. They are my life.”

They arrived at the Teasley ball, going through the receiving line. Once again, her programme filled up quickly. Some faces she recognized while others were newly introduced to her. Luke arrived with Merrifield and asked for her card.

“You may view it but there are no open slots,” she informed him.

His eyes darkened. “You didn’t save a dance for me?”

“I didn’t know I was supposed to.”

“May I see it?” Merrifield asked.

Caroline handed it over as he studied it. “Thank you,” he said and returned it to her, smiling to himself. “If you’ll excuse me.”

“Then you must sup with me,” Luke said.

Exasperation filled her. “I can’t do that. Though I may be new to balls, I know good manners insist I’m to attend supper with my partner from the dance prior to supping.”

“Break tradition,” he urged, giving her a bone-melting smile.

“No. I won’t. Go find yourself some lovely girls to dance with.” She glanced around and her eyes locked on the Three B’s, who studied her from across the room. “I see Lady Bettina staring at you. Or perhaps you wish to dance with Lady Bethany or Lady Betsy.”

He burst out laughing. “I’ve learned my lesson. Next time, I will arrive earlier.” He leaned down and whispered into her ear. “Unlessyouchoose to save a dance for me.” His breath tickled her ear.

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