Page 5 of Starlight Night (The St. Clairs 5.50)

Chapter Three

In the morning,Luke awoke to a very frisky Caroline, obviously rejuvenated after their night of lovemaking and eager to put to practice things they’d read about in the book. She covered him in kisses. Everywhere. In return, he did the same, making sure she was breathless and panting for him. It led to a rather lengthy time in bed, with both his valet and her maid knocking on the door jointly, pleading with the couple to unlock the door so they could attend to the earl and countess and make them presentable for the appearance at the bookstore.

Luke gathered Caroline to him. “Do we really have to go to Catherine’s reading? Stinch is there. He always has things in hand and they run smoothly. Catherine’s publisher will also be in attendance. And the author herself. I don’t see that we’re really needed.” He kissed her. “I think our time would be more productively spent right here. Reading some more.”

She framed his face in her hands. “You may stay in bed all day if you like but as the owner of Evie’s Bookstore, I plan to attend the reading in support of my visiting author and sister-in-law.”

When she tried to leave the bed, he locked his arms around her. Caroline tried prying his fingers from her but when one was freed, the others only latched on more tightly to her.

“Luke!” she admonished. “Let me out of this bed.” Then a light came to her eyes. “Ah. I know what will get you up and out the door.”

He kissed her throat, feeling the pulse leap at the contact. He cupped her breast, lazily dragging his thumb over the nipple.

“Macaroons!” Caroline declared. “Tea cakes. Sandwiches. Hot scones with clotted cream.”

He released her and she scrambled from the bed, throwing on her dressing gown, her smile triumphant.

“You don’t fight fair, Wife,” he grumbled good-naturedly as he tossed the covers aside and shrugged into his own dressing gown.

“I knew mentioning Mrs. Baker’s and Mrs. Stinch’s baked goods was the only way I could get you there. I can’t help it if you have a sweet tooth, my love. It’s your one weakness in life.”

He pulled her into his arms. “No, sweetheart. You are my one weakness. And my strength.” With that, he released her and patted her bottom fondly.

She tied her sash and pattered to the door, unlocking it and swinging it open.

Luke didn’t know who looked more relieved, her maid or his valet. Without a word, the maid whisked Caroline through the dressing room door to her own bedchamber, which was only used for dressing. All undressing, bed sport, and sleeping took place in this room. He ignored the surly looks his valet gave him as the man shaved and dressed him.

Once he had the valet’s approval, Luke joined his wife downstairs. At this point, they had no time to eat, which suited him. He’d preferred lounging in bed with Caroline and would easily devour enough sweets at the tearoom, which would more than make up for missing breakfast. Their cook tried to press them to stay to eat a few bites but he knew they needed to leave. Caroline would become nervous if they didn’t reach the bookstore soon.

“We’ll eat at the tearoom after the reading,” he promised Cook as he hustled Caroline out the door to their waiting carriage.

Once inside, he kissed her for a good three minutes straight, careful not to muss her hair. In their years together, he’d learned she was up for love play anytime—as long as she didn’t appear in public afterward with undone hair. He saved removing the pins and braids for the times they were alone and would stay that way. No one could say he wasn’t a well-trained husband.

They arrived at the bookstore. A long line already waited outside. Caroline waved to several friends and their children as Mr. Stinch, the manager, unlocked the door and let them slip inside.

“The window displays are lovely, Lady Mayfield,” Stinch praised. “You have a special touch when it comes to design.”

“I’ve learned a lot from Lady Merrick,” Caroline told the older man. “It’s all about balance and catching the eye in a certain manner.”

“Will Lord and Lady Merrick be here today?” their manager asked.

“No,” Luke told him. “They remained in the country, readying for all the St. Clairs and their children to descend upon them for the Christmas holiday.”

“Please give the marquess and marchioness my best,” Stinch said.

By now, Mr. Walton came to greet them. The tidy man served as their accountant for both the bookstore and tearoom. They chatted a few minutes with him, asking about his family and discussing orders for the new year, and then Luke excused himself to go visit with the two masters of all baked goods—Mrs. Stinch and Mrs. Baker. He’d brought the two women to Caroline years ago when she was first starting out and their delicious concoctions had made the tearoom a roaring success. It could be entered from the bookstore itself but also had a separate entrance from the street. Over the years, the tearoom had become a place for London society to come for special occasions, adding to its prestige and that of Evie’s Bookstore, which was now in the top three bookstores and circulating libraries in London.

He made his way through the large archway that connected the bookstore to the tearoom. The tables were being set by Kitty and Daisy, longtime servers, and he greeted them. Kitty had recently wed and Daisy was engaged to be married. He asked about their respective men and then went to the kitchens.

“Lord Mayfield!” exclaimed Mrs. Stinch, a pleased look on her kind face.

He hugged her and then did the same to Mrs. Baker. “It’s grand to see you both.”

“We’ve been adding several new items to the menu,” Mrs. Baker shared. “You can taste them after the reading today and tell us what you think.”

“I think I will adore whatever you put before me,” he declared.

“My guess is you’ll find the toffee cake to your liking,” Mrs. Baker replied. “Mrs. Stinch thinks the chocolate torte will be your favorite, though.”

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