Embracing The Earl

by Aston, Alexa

“That’s unnecessary. The man should be tarred and feathered for treating you so abominably, Caroline,” Rachel said.

  “I have a few names I can recommend to you,” Evan said.

  “I’d be interested in getting those from you, my lord. I’d like to get moving on this project as soon as possible. With the Season about to begin, London will be full of extra people. I want to appeal to them and become the place to shop for their books.”

  “I have an idea,” Luke declared, trying to find a way to ingratiate himself with her. “What would say to a book signing?”

  Lady Caroline frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “Our sister-in-law, Catherine, is an author. A quite famous one. She’s the Duchess of Everton and writes children’s books. I know if we asked her, she would happily help you out and appear at your new store to autograph copies of her books. Possibly at your opening.”

  The radiant smile she gave him sent Luke to the heavens and beyond.

  “What a wonderful idea,” she said brightly and then bit her lip. “I don’t know her, though.”

  He waved away her comment. “Catherine would love to help you out. Don’t worry, I know her. She cannot refuse a request from her brother-in-law.” He caught Rachel grinning shamelessly at him.

  “I must ask, Lady Caroline, if you have the capital to see your plans through,” Evan said. “If not, I’d be happy to become an investor in your venture.”

  Luke wanted to pinch himself, wishing he’d thought of that first.

  “Aunt Evie had no children so I received her entire inheritance. From my experience, I know I have the funds to see this through.”

  “It might be difficult for you to do this and partake in the Season,” Rachel said.

  “Oh, I have no plans to be a part of the Season,” Lady Caroline said airily. “I never even made my come-out.”

  “Why not?” Rachel asked, curiosity written on her face.

  “I was very close to my sister, Cynthia. We were less than a year apart and decided we’d do our come-outs together. Unfortunately, Cynthia’s health was never good. When we would have made our debut, I was nursing her instead. She passed away and Papa suggested that Mama and I travel to visit Aunt Evie.” She shrugged. “You know the rest. Mr. Madison declared war upon the kingdom and I was stuck in Boston for the duration of the war.”

  “So you’ve never been introduced to society,” Rachel said.

  “No. And I don’t plan to ever do so. My clothes are too American and out of date. I’m not going to waste good money that could go toward my bookstore on something as frivolous as clothes. Besides, I can assume the ton thought little of my father, amassing the kind of debts he did. No one knows I’m back in the city, much less will they issue invitations to their social events.”

  Caroline looked around the room. “And why would I want to take part in the Season? I don’t ever plan to marry.”

  “You can’t be serious,” Luke sputtered.

  “Oh, I’m quite serious, Lord Mayfield,” she said with utter certainty. “Everyone around me has died. My sister. Mama. Aunt Evie. My father. I fear I am somehow cursed. What man would wish to take a wife under those circumstances? I believe I’ve done well without a husband for my first twenty-three years. The ton would consider me already on the shelf as it is. No man of quality would wish to be saddled with a woman whose father had such a dubious reputation, much less one who is homeless. I’m better off making my own way in the world. I can care for myself, Davy, and Tippet quite nicely.”

  Luke was flabbergasted by her words. How could she think she was cursed? Or too old to wed?

  Rachel stood. “We need to check on Seth in the nursery. Luke, could you entertain Caroline for a few minutes?”

  Rachel grabbed Evan’s hand and led him from the drawing room, leaving the two of them alone.

  “Do you think I shocked your sister?” Caroline asked hesitantly. “She’s already been so welcoming to me. Perhaps my outspokenness offended her.”

  “Far from it,” Luke assured her. “If anything, Rachel’s admiration for you has only grown during our conversation.”

  As has mine.

  Luke couldn’t tell her that his sister vacated the room so that he could have time alone with Caroline, hoping to change her mind. How was he supposed to do that? She seemed confident and opinionated, more than any woman of his acquaintance.

  Bloody hell. He actually liked that about her. He liked everything about Caroline Andrews. How could he convince her to take part in the Season—and become a part of his life?

  Then it came to him. Something scathingly brilliant. Lady Caroline would not be able to turn his proposal down.

  “Might I accompany you on your search for a place for your bookstore? We could start tomorrow since you’re eager to locate somewhere and get it set up if at all possible before the Season begins.”

  “Would you, Lord Mayfield?” She gave him a brilliant smile, one that would have brought Luke to his knees if he’d been standing.

  “I’d be delighted to. One can never be too careful about the location for a business.” He lifted his saucer. “Might I have more tea?”

  “Of course.” She took the cup and saucer from him and poured a full cup.

  “Two lumps of sugar, please.” He smiled. “I’ve a sweet tooth.”

  “So do I,” she confided and returned the saucer to him.

  They talked pleasantly for a few minutes about her time in America and her return across the Atlantic and then he paused, mid-sentence.

  “What is it?” she asked, concern in her voice.

  “I’ve just had an idea,” he said, speaking slowly. “May I share it with you?”

  “Of course. Is it where my bookstore should be located?”

  Oh, this woman would be the death of him.

  “No,” he said. “But it does involve it. I know you said you weren’t interested in participating in the Season.”

  “I’m not. I have no time for frivolity and, as I mentioned, no need of a husband. If I married, I’d have to turn over all of Evie’s inheritance to him—and my bookstore, as well.”

  “I know you’re against it but . . .” He let his voice trail off.

  “But?” she asked, sitting up, her interest piqued.

  “I merely thought that if the ton is who you wish to patronize your bookstore, then it might be wise to get to know some of them. Go to their events. Through conversation, see what their tastes are.”

  Luke saw the seed he’d planted begin to bloom in her mind’s eye.

  “I hadn’t thought of it quite like that,” she said thoughtfully.

  “It’s just an idea,” he said modestly, hoping his words would slowly reel her in.

  “It’s a good one,” she said with enthusiasm. “To get to know my clientele in a social situation. To subtly recommend they shop at Evie’s.” She brightened. “It’s a very worthwhile idea, Lord Mayfield. Very much, indeed.”

  “What idea?” Evan said as he and Rachel reentered the drawing room.

  Briefly, Lady Caroline explained what Luke had come up with. Rachel nodded with approval, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

  “I think it’s a brilliant idea,” his sister proclaimed.

  “Of course, I don’t have any invitations,” Lady Caroline said glumly.

  “Oh, Evan and I can remedy that,” Rachel promised. “You are our houseguest. Of course, you’ll be invited to the same events we are. We would refuse to leave you at home. Our attendance depends upon your attendance,” she said loftily.

  “I think you’re both quite clever,” Lady Caroline proclaimed. “I am fortunate to have made such good friends on my first day back in London.”

  “Would you like to meet Seth?” Rachel asked out of nowhere. “I gave birth to him less than a month ago but he’s already my entire life.”

  “Seth is your priority—but don’t forget about me,” Evan called out as the women stood and left the room. Turning to Luke, his brother-in-l
aw said, “That was a close one.”

  “You mean the fact that the woman I’m dying to kiss proclaimed she wasn’t interested in ever marrying? And that I was able to turn the situation around so that she’ll attend most every event of the upcoming Season, where I will be able to woo her? As well as take her around London, scouting for places to locate her bookstore?”

  Evan roared with laughter. “Yes. Exactly that. Well played, Luke. Well played. But you’ll have your work cut out with that one.”

  “Just as you did with Rachel?”

  “Touché.” His brother-in-law grinned. “I can’t wait to watch this unique romance unfold.”

  “Neither can I, Evan. I’m already half in love with the woman—and haven’t even kissed her yet.”

  Luke snagged another scone and settled back in his chair, a smile playing about his lips.

  Chapter Five

  Luke finished his scone and told Evan to make his excuses to the women. Rachel was used to him dropping in and out so it wouldn’t surprise her that her brother was gone. He had a most important errand to run and then research to conduct. He retrieved his horse and only had to ride a few blocks to the St. Clair townhouse. It was fortunate the three siblings lived so close to one another in London and that Leah and Alex were also located nearby. He’d enlist their help in his endeavor to win Caroline Andrews’ hand—after he spoke with Jeremy and Catherine.

  He arrived and handed his horse off to a groom and then knocked on the front door. Barton, the Everton butler, invited him in.

  “It’s good to see you again, Lord Mayfield.” Barton cleared his throat. “The Duke and Duchess are . . . indisposed at the moment.”

  Barton’s words were code that let him know his brother and sister-in-law were upstairs frolicking in their bedchamber.

  “I’m here to see the children first,” he said. “Hopefully, they will see fit to come out before I leave.”

  Knowing that Catherine must have been recently cleared by her doctor to resume marital relations since Philip had been born just over eight weeks ago, Luke knew his brother was making up for lost time. If the couple didn’t appear within an hour, he would make a nuisance of himself and pound upon their door until they answered.

  He climbed to the top floor of the house, where the nursery and schoolroom were located. Opening the door, he saw Sara, the nursemaid, rocking young Philip. Jenny played with two dolls while the twins were building something with blocks. They’d both gone block mad after Merrifield had brought new blocks to Timothy. His nephew was kind enough to share with his sister, though Luke knew the headstrong Delia would have barreled her way in and demanded to play if her brother hadn’t been so accommodating. Sometimes, Luke thought Delia would be the most stubborn St. Clair of them all.

  She was the first to see him. “Uncle Luke!”

  Both twins ran to him, wrapping their arms around each of his legs. Jenny glanced up and smiled sweetly before returning to her dolls.

  “Play with us,” Timothy insisted.

  “I will,” he promised. “As soon as I spend a few minutes with your little brother.”

  They released him and returned to the floor, where he supposed two hundred blocks had been spread out. Delia began stacking them while Timothy started counting some.

  He went to Sara and held out his arms. “May I?”

  “Of course, my lord.”

  She rose and carefully handed the baby to him. Luke took her place in the chair and gazed down at the boy. Though he supposed all babies looked somewhat alike, he thought Philip and Seth favored each other. He envied them, being so close in age. They would be sent to school together after forming a close bond in their early years. Jeremy had been years older than Luke, having been the result from the duke’s first marriage, and so they hadn’t spent much time together in childhood. Luke had been closer to Rachel, who was four years his junior and came from their father’s third wife. All three women had died in childbirth, giving birth to the three St. Clair children. Thank goodness Catherine, Rachel, and Leah were made of hardier stock.

  Philip opened his eyes and yawned sleepily. Luke proceeded to tell his nephew a story, one which he borrowed from a book Catherine had authored just last year. The other three children gathered at his feet as he did so, entranced at his use of different voices for the various characters. When he finished, Delia demanded it was her time with Uncle Luke and so he reluctantly returned Philip to Sara. Jenny went back to her dolls and Luke sprawled on the floor.

  “What are we building?” he asked.

  “The Tower of London,” Delia proclaimed.

  “We better start with Tower Bridge then so people can get to it,” he said.

  For half an hour they worked on the structure. Both twins declared the bridge sound. While Timothy was content to go on building, Delia, who was the more active of the two, demanded a horsey ride. Luke said only if everyone shared in a turn, which his niece agreed to—as long as she went first. As he got down on all fours and she climbed onto his back, he knew this St. Clair would be one who always got her way.

  Delia was on her third ride when Luke noticed Jeremy and Catherine standing in the nursery’s doorway. Timothy and Jenny went to greet them but not Delia. She had her hands fisted in his hair and was determined to make the most of her ride.

  “Enough, Delia,” Catherine said. “It’s time for your supper. Let poor Uncle Luke up.”

  She released her hold on him and slid from his back. “Thank you, Uncle. Will you come back and help finish the Tower?”

  “I certainly will. And I might bring a friend,” he added.

  “Merrifield?” Timothy asked, his face lighting up.

  “Maybe,” Luke said mysteriously. “Enjoy your meal.”

  He pushed himself to his feet and ran his fingers through his hair before joining Jeremy and Catherine in the corridor.

  “I notice you’re also combing your fingers through your hair,” he told his brother. “I suppose you’ve also been giving rides this afternoon.” Luke winked at Catherine, who blushed to her auburn roots.

  “Duchess, should I throw out this rude bastard?” Jeremy asked, capturing her hand and bringing it to his lips for a kiss.

  “I don’t know, Duke. He does entertain the children quite well. I’d hate to lose him.”

  Jeremy kissed his wife’s hand again. “Then I suppose I’ll allow him to remain.” He released Catherine’s hand and turned to Luke. “Would you like to stay for an early dinner? We’re used to keeping country hours and only arrived in town yesterday.”

  “I’d like that.”

  They went downstairs to a small parlor and Luke got right to it.

  “I’ve met someone,” he announced. “Someone I’m very interested in.”

  Catherine clapped her hands in glee. “It’s about time you got rid of Catarina and thought about finding lasting happiness.”

  Luke sighed. “Did all of London know about Catarina? I thought I’d been careful. Almost secretive.”

  She snorted. “You bought the woman a house. The entire ton knew you as her protector. Is it over?”

  “It is.”

  “Good,” his brother said. “It’s about time you followed the shining example of your brother and sister and found love. Who is this someone you’re interested in?”

  “Lady Caroline Andrews. The Earl of Templeton’s daughter.”

  Fortunately, Luke didn’t have to hesitate in naming Caroline. Though her father was still the subject of gossip days after his death, Luke knew Jeremy and Catherine were the last people to judge anyone. They were fair and open-minded and would never look down upon the daughter for the sins of her father.

  “I don’t know her,” Catherine said. “Tell us about her. How you met. What she’s like?”

  Briefly, Luke described how they’d met Caroline soon after her return to London and how she’d been in America visiting her aunt when war broke out and what occurred during her stay in Boston.

  “How awful to be
so far from home and unable to return,” Catherine said. “And the fact that her mother and aunt died while she was there. Poor, lonely girl.”

  “She made good use of her time. Worked in her aunt’s bookshop and then ran it upon Lady Evangeline’s death. When news arrived about the Treaty of Ghent, she sold the shop and home that were bequeathed to her and returned to London.”

  “I don’t remember her from before. I’m usually good recalling girls who make their come-out,” Catherine said.

  “Lady Caroline never did.” He explained why she’d delayed it and saw sympathy in Catherine’s eyes. Knowing how close she and Leah were, he couldn’t imagine one of them dying, leaving the other behind.

  “I suppose it’s never too late to make a come-out,” Jeremy said. “At least being in social situations, you’ll get to be around her. I’m assuming you wish to court this woman?”

  “That’s the problem—she isn’t interested in that kind of thing. In fact, she doesn’t want to get married at all.”

  “What?” the happily married couple both cried.

  Luke explained how mature Lady Caroline was and that her focus was on opening her own bookstore and tearoom so she could provide for herself, an orphan, and her dog.

  “She’s learned quite a bit about business from having run one in America. She’s bright and articulate. I think she would be reluctant to turn the reins over to a husband, who would, by law, immediately own her property and claim all monies that belonged to her.”

  “And this is the woman you’re so taken with?” Jeremy asked, his lips twitching in amusement.

  “I know,” Luke lamented. “It seems hopeless, doesn’t it? But I’ve made up some ground there. I’ve told her she must attend ton events to get to know her customers and their tastes.”

  Catherine chuckled. “You are a sly one, Luke St. Clair. What can we do to help?”

  He grinned. “I’m glad you asked. Since you are holding the first ball of the Season, I’m asking that you invite Lady Caroline to it. No one knows she’s back in London after being exiled in America. If the Duchess of Everton invites the lady, everyone else will, too. She’s staying with Rachel and Evan since Templeton’s solicitor practically threw her out of the house. It and its contents all go up for auction tomorrow and Lady Caroline had nowhere to stay.”