Page 82 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

Chapter Twenty-Six

Caroline took breakfastin her room. Rachel had suggested it, saying neither she nor Evan would be down for breakfast. Evan had returned late last night and Rachel said they would be sleeping in. From the hungry look in Evan’s eyes, Caroline believed sleeping was the last thing that would occur in the Merrick bed.

She wore her favorite day dress today, one of the new ones Madame Toufours had made up. It was a cornflower blue. Her trunk with some of her clothing was already at Evie’s in her office. She would attend to any last details there and then leave for Dover and her new life.

As she arrived at the bookstore, she saw her solicitor climbing from a cab.

“Good day, Mr. Higgins.”

“The same to you, Lady Caroline.”

He withdrew a key from his pocket and passed it to her. She placed it inside her reticule as he gave her the address of the cottage that would become her new home.

“I checked the mail coach schedule for you. One leaves for Dover at noon today. If you can’t make that one, another departs at half-past three. It’s the last one of the day.”

“Thank you, Mr. Higgins. I apologize for rushing you.”

“I was happy to arrange everything for you, my lady. The deed will be transferred to Mr. Studley today and the funds deposited into your account.”

“Take ten percent for yourself,” she said.

His eyes widened. “That’s far too generous.”

“I insist. You have been a godsend these past few weeks. I couldn’t have accomplished nearly as much without your speed and discretion.”

She gave him the key to the London townhouse. “Give Mr. Studley my best. Will you also see that my three investors receive their compensation in full once Mr. Studley’s funds are placed in my account?”

He tapped his temple. “I have it all here, my lady. Lords Mayfield, Merrick, and Alford. They will be taken care of.”

“And Mr. Higgins, would you do me one last favor?”

“Yes, my lady.” He waited expectantly.

“Tell no one where I am. As I mentioned, I’m in need of solitude. If any of my friends wish to contact me, tell them I will write to them soon.”

A frown creased his brow but he nodded. “If that’s your wish.”

“It is. Thank you again, Mr. Higgins. You’ve been most helpful.”

He departed and Caroline entered the store. It was already a little past ten and she saw four customers, which she thought was a good sign. She waved to Stinch and found Walton in the office, papers scattered across the desk.

“Good morning, Lady Caroline.”

“The same to you, Mr. Walton. I hope you have everything you need.”

“I do. I plan to spend a few hours each week browsing at other bookstores. It will help decide what needs to be ordered.”

She thought of one thing Luke had mentioned to her and said, “You saw how well the Duchess of Everton’s reading went.”

“Indeed. I heard her say she would be willing to do so again in the future.”

“Since it proved popular, you might want to contact other authors to see if they would be interested in doing the same type of event at Evie’s.”

“Excellent idea, my lady.” Walton made a note on a piece of paper.

“I suppose that’s all. Would you help bring my trunk outside? It’s in the corner there.”

The bookkeeper lifted the small trunk with ease and followed her through the store. She said goodbye to Stinch and then opened the door to allow Walton access to the sidewalk, where he rested the trunk.

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