Page 71 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“You thought wrong,” she said coldly, ignoring the surprise and pain that crossed his handsome face. “I was happy to have your friendship and to have you invest in my bookstore. I want nothing to do with you beyond that. In fact, I’ve come into a bit of money and will be able to reimburse you, Evan, and Alex early next week.”

Caroline stepped back a few paces, knowing if she didn’t put some distance between them she might weaken and fall into his arms again. “I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, Luke. My feelings won’t change regarding this matter. I think it best if we no longer have contact with one another. I would not want to be accused of leading you on.”

She wheeled and hurried away, ignoring him calling after her.

And ignoring her heart shattering with every step that took her further from him.

*

Caroline gathered heremployees around her. Both the bookstore and tearoom would open in ten minutes’ time. She hadn’t been able to eat or drink anything all morning. The aroma of freshly-baked sweets wafted through the arch joining her two businesses, causing her stomach to turn queasy.

She hid her misery with a smile. No one must suspect how she felt today.

Looking out over the small group she’d grown close with over the last few weeks, Caroline lamented that they would soon be out of work. She would make time today to write each of them references, hoping that her name attached to the document would not detract from what she wrote.

She’d already sent word to Higgins, asking that he contact the buyer and have them meet her this afternoon instead of waiting until Monday morning in order for the transaction to take place. The sooner she could cut ties with London, the better it would be. She’d already hurt Luke deeply. Leaving London quickly would be best for them both. He still had the entire Season ahead of him in which to find a bride. She prayed he did just that. He deserved a good life with a woman he could love and the children she would give him.

For now, Caroline addressed her staff, reminding them of small things to do and say. She doubted they would have any business at all, beyond a few curious gossips who might come to browse and see what the fuss was all about. She wished she could cancel Catherine’s reading, which was scheduled for eleven o’clock, but didn’t see how she could do so without causing more questions than she was willing to answer.

“Everyone is ready, Lady Caroline,” Stinch said after she dismissed her employees and they began taking their stations.

“You have done a wonderful job, Mr. Stinch. You should be proud of what you have accomplished.”

“I never saw myself in the book business, my lady.” The former butler smiled. “I only wish I could have started in it from the beginning. I’ve never been happier than I have been these last few weeks.”

Tears stung her eyes. “I’ll be in my office. Please fetch me when the Duchess of Everton arrives.”

“Of course.”

Caroline retreated to the back and closed the door to the small office. She didn’t want to be out on the floor for people to stare at, as if she were some monstrosity.

She decided to write out the references since she had nothing else to do. Everything had been so well organized. It would be a good use of her time.

She’d almost completed them when a knock sounded at her door and Catherine popped her head in.

Her heart hurt seeing this wonderful friend she’d made, hoping her quick departure from town would help save Catherine’s reputation.

“What are you doing, hiding here in the back?”

“I had correspondence to attend to.”

“You are so disciplined, Caroline. I could never have done so when I had a store full of customers. Why, books are flying off the shelves!”

“Truly?”

“If what I saw continues, Evie’s will be a rousing success.”

It didn’t change anything. Her little venture was a novelty. Something for thetonto visit and then gossip about. Even if it did prove successful, which she doubted, she knew she couldn’t stay. She couldn’t chance running into Luke. When she’d spoken so harshly to him, Caroline had felt a good chunk of her shrivel and die. The best, decent parts. She had nothing left to give to anyone and she certainly would never heal from her emotional wounds, knowing Luke might pop into Evie’s at any moment if she stayed.

She rose. “Let’s get you situated.”

Caroline had taken advertisements in the morning papers for the past three days, wanting to publicize Catherine’s reading. When they stepped into the bookstore, shock rippled through her.

The place was jammed full of people. She heard the bell continually ring as the door opened and shut. Clerks rang up purchases to deep lines of customers and she saw Mr. Walton had shown up. Even though she’d told her father’s former secretary she had no more need of him, he had come to the opening and now pitched in alongside the other clerks. A huge group of children and their mothers gathered where Catherine would speak.

“See? I told you. I hope we can make our way through this mob.”

Suddenly, Jeremy appeared. “Might I lend a hand to two beautiful ladies?”

---