Stars are Brightly Shining

by Quinn, Paula

  “You know about that?” he asked.

  Catherine laughed. “Where do you think Rachel learned about it?” She gave him a knowing smile.

  “Your Grace!” he scolded mockingly. “And here Caroline and I looked up to you as the epitome of propriety.”

  Jeremy wrapped his arms around Catherine. “She may look demure as a lamb but my Catherine is a tigress in—”

  “Jeremy!” Catherine squeaked. “Enough.” She looked to Caroline for help. “Would you please take your St. Clair home? It’s time we separated these two.”

  “With pleasure. Come along, Luke,” Caroline said, slipping her arm through the crook of his. “We’ve got reading to do. Especially since the children will remain with His Grace tonight.”

  Jeremy roared with laughter. “That’s it. Leave us with bedlam here. Nine children under our roof. Oh, well, what’s a few more? After we hit four, I barely notice new additions.”

  Luke escorted Caroline home and after trying some very interesting things from the book, he finally nestled her in his arms, enjoying the feel of the warm woman who made every day more interesting than the one before. As he drifted off to sleep, though, his last thoughts were of the small child he’d seen peering into Evie’s window, knowing she would never have the happiness he had, wishing he could change just one life for the better.

  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.”

  “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 laugh
ed 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.

  As the carriage pulled away from the bookstore and he balanced his youngest on his lap, Luke caught a glimpse of the young girl from the night before, walking away from the bookstore. When they arrived at the townhouse, he allowed Nanny to take charge of the children and then took his wife’s hand. Leading her to the library, he closed the door.

  “I have something to discuss with you,” he said.

  Caroline slipped her arms around his neck. “I love a good discussion,” she murmured.

  “No, love, I really mean to talk.”

  Luke removed her arms and saw the hurt appear on her face. He swept her into his arms and sat in a wing chair, keeping her in his lap. She appeared slightly mollified.

  “I want to tell you about someone I met last night when I returned for your reticule.”

  With that, he shared with his wife the brief conversation he’d had with the innocent-looking child who had most likely seen far too much for her years.

  “I want to help her, Caroline. I’m not sure how. I don’t understand how one little girl has captured my mind and heart so.”

  She placed her palm against his cheek. “Because you have a kind heart, my love. Just like Catherine’s sweet little caterpillar.” She kissed him. “We’ll go look for her tonight. After we put the children to bed. And I know exactly what to do when we find her.”

  Chapter Four

  Lucy didn’t know why she’d returned to the book place today. Maybe it was because of the man she’d talked to last night. He’d been nice and even told her he wanted to give her a book. She’d never held a book before, much less owned one. She didn’t even know how to read. But she’d spent a long time looking at the books in the store’s windows. They had beautiful covers. Some of the books’ pages were open and she could see the pictures inside. Of animals and trees and houses. Green grass and a shining sun. Lucy wished she could climb into the pages of one of those books and then have someone close it. She’d belong inside the book then and would never have to leave.

  At first, she’d thought the man wanted something from her. Something bad, like what Jem wouldn’t tell her about. That’s why she ran from him. The more she thought about it, though, she thought maybe she’d misunderstood. Maybe there were nice people in the world and he really did want to give her a book. That’s why she’d returned today. Hoping she might see him and that he would remember who she was and give her a book. He said his wife owned the store. Lucy didn’t know women could own anything. She was curious as to what his wife looked like and if she was as n
ice as the man. Luke. That was his name.

  When she arrived, there had been so many people waiting in a line outside. It ran down the entire block and around the corner. Children everywhere, all dressed in fancy clothes. Their mamas and servants looked after them, also dressed up so nice and pretty. Lucy felt ashamed, knowing her cloak had gotten dirty and her clothes rumpled. She’d slept in an alley last night, her back pressed against the bricks, rats scurrying nearby. The ground was wet, thanks to the melted snow, and she’d sat on her cloak in order to keep her clothes dry. That had gotten it muddy and wet, though, and the slush had seeped through to her dress. Her stockings also had dirt running along the back of them now. She must have stretched her legs out while she slept.

  Knowing she didn’t belong with this crowd, she crossed the street and watched. Sure enough, she saw the man climb from a fancy carriage. He helped a beautiful lady from the vehicle and Lucy wondered if she might be his wife. They went inside the book place before everyone else did. She waited and watched as the store finally opened and all those who waited eagerly crowded inside. With the sidewalk in front of the store now empty, she felt brave enough to cross the street and peered inside. She could see all the children sitting in front of a chair. The adults stood talking.

  Then a carriage pulled up, the biggest Lucy had ever seen, with a colorful crest on its side. A tall man jumped out and helped a whole bunch of children down. They all ran inside the store as if they knew where they were going and she decided they must come here a lot. Then another beautiful lady stepped from the carriage. The man grabbed her by the waist and swung her down. They looked at each other and smiled. And he kissed her! Right there on the street. Lucy had never seen anyone do that. The man took the woman’s arm and they went inside.

  She pressed her nose against the glass and saw the woman go stand by the book lady who owned the place and then she sat in a chair that was in front of all of those children. It looked as if she read the book to all the people inside. Lucy picked out Luke standing to the side with the man who’d kissed the woman and thought how handsome he was. She looked from Luke to the other man and thought that they might be brothers because they looked a lot alike.