Page 41 of Suddenly a (The St. Clairs 5)

Although it would cut into her work time, Mia said, “I’d be delighted to.”

“Hopefully, you’ll have time to stay afterward and have luncheon with us,” Lady Merrifield added. “Evie’s Tearoom is known for quality food.”

“Did I hear Evie’s mentioned?” a voice called out.

Mia’s heart skipped a beat as she saw Mr. St. Clair crossing the drawing room, a white box in his hand.

“What are you doing here, Hudson?” Lady Merrick asked as he came and kissed her cheek.

“I thought I would drop by for tea and stopped at the tearoom to bring you some fruit tarts. I didn’t realize you would be entertaining guests.”

He sat in a chair next to Mia and opened the box. “Would you care for a tart, Lady Mia? I have two different kinds. Mrs. Baker thought the cherry ones turned out best, while Mrs. Stinch favored the apple ones.” Mischief lit his eyes. “I’d take one of each if I were you.”

She felt her cheeks heat and quickly took one, not knowing what kind it was. “One will suffice, Mr. St. Clair.”

He offered the box to the rest of the guests and everyone took a tart. After biting into hers, Mia realized how good it was and murmured her approval.

“See?” Lady Merrifield said. “You must stay for luncheon tomorrow, if only to try another tart.”

“Are you going to the famous book club?” Mr. St. Clair asked.

“I have been invited to attend tomorrow’s meeting.”

“It’s full of St. Clairs and all their friends. I think you’ll enjoy it.”

They finished their tarts and Lady Alford said she needed to get home. They said their goodbyes, extracting Mia’s promise to come to the meeting tomorrow, and then Mr. St. Clair escorted her downstairs. The other two ladies waved goodbye and went to a waiting carriage. She frowned. George wasn’t there. Only an odd-looking vehicle stood there.

“If you’re looking for George, I dismissed him,” Mr. St. Clair said.

“What?”

“I saw no point in him waiting around when I could return you to your aunt’s.”

“In that?”

He laughed. “Yes.That, is a curricle. Here, let me board first and I’ll help you up.”

He climbed up easily and bent forward, holding his hands out. “Come here.”

She moved closer and he caught her by the waist, lifting her as if she weighed nothing. He eased her to the seat and then released her, sitting beside her and taking up the reins. The bench was quite small and the entire length of her left side pressed against his right. Those tingles shot through her as the horses took off, her body rubbing against his. It made her grow warm all over, despite the cool wind that blew.

“Did you enjoy tea today?” he asked.

“Very much. Your sister is an excellent hostess. I appreciated getting to see her designs. And Lady Alford and Lady Merrick were so friendly. Just as your sisters were yesterday.” She paused. “You have a lovely family, Mr. St. Clair.”

“I am quite fortunate to have supportive siblings.”

Mia thought it a bit odd to say supportive. Maybe he meant they supported the investments he made on their behalves.

“I suppose we won’t be able to meet tomorrow morning to discuss what you’ve been working on since you committed to attending the book club.”

“Oh, no! I am so sorry. I had forgotten our appointment. I’m not used to meeting with people. I suppose I should start noting my engagements, especially with the Season almost upon us. I will write to Lady Alford and tell her I cannot come tomorrow.”

“Why don’t you merely switch things around?” he suggested. “Work tomorrow afternoon so that you can spend the morning with your new friends.”

“I suppose I could.” She didn’t know what Aunt Fanny would think of the change in schedule but she knew it would please her aunt that she had been invited to attend the book club. “Would you be free sometime tomorrow afternoon, Mr. St. Clair?”

“I will always make time for you, Lady Mia.”

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