Page 6 of Starlight Night (The St. Clairs 5.50)

“I must try both—perhaps several times—before I’ll make a decision,” he said lightheartedly.

Luke returned to the bookstore and beamed when he saw Rachel and Evan had arrived. He kissed his sister’s cheek and shook hands with Merrick.

“What brings you to town?” he asked. “I thought you were busy preparing for the horde to descend upon Edgemere in less than two weeks.”

“Rachel said she’s never missed a reading by Catherine and wasn’t about to start now,” the marquess proclaimed. “We’ve only come for the day and will return home after taking tea with the family.” Evan smiled. “Rachel might be here for Catherine’s reading. I, however, come for the special treats from Mrs. Stinch and Mrs. Baker.”

Luke laughed heartily. “I’ve already learned there’s some creation involving toffee and a chocolate torte we’re to try.”

Evan beamed. “Then I’m doubly glad we decided to come.”

By now, Stinch had opened the doors and floods of people entered Evie’s. Children ran and settled themselves on the rug in front of the lone chair that awaited the Duchess of Everton while mothers and nannies gathered in the rear, gossiping away. More children streamed in and three ran to Luke, latching on to his legs as they cried out for his attention.

“Hello, my lovelies,” he said, kissing all of his children. “Did you have fun with your cousins? I’m sure Delia bossed you around,” referring to his niece who had a will stronger than a prime minister going against members of Parliament.

“I heard that, Uncle Luke,” Delia said, coming to stand before him. “I’m not bossy. Just highly organized and willing to tell people what they need to do.”

He kissed his niece’s forehead. “If women could be generals, then you would lead England’s army, Delia.”

She glowed at his compliment and, for a moment, he stared at the eight-year-old girl. She was named after his grandmother, Cordelia, and he saw more of Cor in Delia as the years progressed. Luke realized that his niece, already pretty, would be a true beauty one day.

Jeremy joined them, looking dapper in gray. He held out his hands. “See? I survived a night with that mob of children. I played hide and seek twice and read two stories before I had to retire from exhaustion.”

“You enjoyed every moment,” Evan said, shaking the duke’s hand. “I’m surprised Catherine’s not with child again.” He paused. “Or is she?”

Jeremy’s brows arched and he shrugged. “We’ll have to wait and see. How are you treating my sister?”

“Extremely well, Your Grace,” Evan replied. “If I didn’t, I believe you mentioned you’d have my head. Actually, Rachel is very content these days. She’s been busy designing a new conservatory for some viscountess. Can’t remember her name. The woman has a love of flowers and more money than she knows what to do with so Rachel is creating a wonderland for her.”

Luke noticed the crowd beginning to quieten and glanced to where Catherine now stood. “It looks as if it’s time to begin,” he told the others.

The three men moved to the side, each finding their children and making sure all were accounted for, as Caroline introduced the Duchess of Everton. Catherine smiled graciously and moved gracefully to the seat, picking up the book resting there and placing it in her lap.

“How many of you are ready for Christmas?” she asked, her eyes bright.

As always, the duchess quickly won over the large group gathered. She opened her latest book and began reading about a very nice caterpillar who wanted to celebrate Christmas every day by being kind to all he encountered. Luke’s gaze met Caroline’s and warmth flooded him. He’d made a wonderful life with her and their children.

Then his thoughts turned once again to the young girl from the previous evening. He wondered where she was now and thought how much she would have enjoyed sitting with these children and listening to Catherine read. Sadness engulfed him. He didn’t know why one small girl had touched his heart so much, only that she had.

And he was determined to find her.

Catherine turned the last page in the book and read the final lines. For a moment, the children in attendance sat mesmerized and then they broke out in enthusiastic applause. Catherine acknowledged their praise with a brief nod before she moved to the author’s table Stinch had set up, where she would sign copies of her books purchased by the adults. Many of the children moved to the play area that had been created especially for these times, filled with books, puzzles, and toys. Luke spent the next hour keeping a watchful eye on his children while visiting with customers, many of them old friends, catching up on the latest gossip since he’d last been in London several months ago.

Finally, the line in front of Catherine evaporated and she rose. That was the signal for the fathers to gather all their children and they followed their wives into the tearoom, where Stinch had reserved space for the three growing families.

Daisy and Kitty brought out numerous trays for the large group, filled with a variety of sandwiches and then all kinds of sweets. Mrs. Baker herself came out from the kitchens, something she rarely did, in order to deliver the chocolate tortes and toffee cakes to the table.

She watched Luke carefully as he bit into the first. The rich taste of chocolate filled his mouth and he groaned.

“Finish all of the torte first,” Mrs. Baker instructed. “Then try the toffee. I’ll bring you more if you wish to sample it.”

“My dear Mrs. Baker,” Jeremy said. “Are you only bringing Lord Mayfield extra sweets? If so, what do I have to do to get in your good graces?”

The older woman blushed. “You may have all you like as well, Your Grace.” She scurried away.

As they ate, Rachel touched his arm. “I hear we need to talk about ponies.”

They kept their voices low so as not to be overheard by any of their children at the two nearby tables and hatched a plan to have ponies delivered to Edgemere so they would be waiting for the older children on Christmas Day. Their plans finalized and all of the food now gone, Luke bid all his relatives goodbye and gathered up his children. Caroline spent a few minutes giving Mr. Stinch last minute instructions since she wouldn’t be seeing him for a few months and then they left Evie’s.

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