by Aston, Alexa
The three of them went upstairs and into a large library.
“Look over the shelves, Lady Caroline,” the duke encouraged. “See what you think of my collection.”
As she did so, Everton asked, “Do we have a list of all the books contained here, Matthew?”
“We do, Your Grace.”
“Let me see it.”
Proctor excused himself. Caroline continued to peruse the shelves until he returned and handed the list to the duke. Everton, in turn, gave it to her.
“Here is a list of books to be added to your bookstore and circulating library.”
Shock filled her. “Your Grace . . . I cannot . . . I mean . . .” Her voice trailed off.
“You can pay me a fair price.” He paused, a devilish smile crossing his handsome face. “A pound, let’s say.”
“What?” she exclaimed.
“I have three thousand books in my library at Eversleigh. I can transport some of those volumes here. Or perhaps, I may just buy books for a new library here in London. At a new establishment that I will patronize and recommend to all of my friends.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “Your Grace, you’re being far too generous. Let me pay you for your library. You have so much here that with what I’ve already accumulated, it will be more than enough to open Evie’s. I want to buy it at fair market value.”
“No. I’ll sell it all for a pound. Not a penny more.” His jaw set in determination.
“I can’t—”
“If you don’t buy it, I’ll sell it to Netherby for that same price.”
Caroline gasped. “You wouldn’t.”
He grinned. “Oh, I would.”
She brought fisted hands to her waist. “You are fighting quite dirty, Your Grace. And very proud of that fact.”
The duke chuckled. “I am, aren’t I?”
“Then I suppose you’ve left me no choice.” She opened her reticule and withdrew a pound note, handing it to him. “My driver and wagon will appear first thing tomorrow morning to begin transporting my purchase to Evie’s.”
“I can have my—”
“You may not, Your Grace,” Caroline said firmly. “I’ve bought the books. I will see them delivered to my store. Even if you decide you’re going to buy every single book back.” Her chin rose a notch.
He nodded in approval as he pocketed the note. “As you wish, Caroline. And please, no more of this ‘Your Grace’. I am Jeremy.”
She blinked back the tears that threatened to fall. “Thank you, Jeremy.”
“You look as if you could use a cup of tea.”
“Tea would be lovely,” she said as she folded the list he’d given her and placed it inside her reticule.
“Matthew, care to join us?”
“No, Your Grace. I have other things to attend to.” Proctor excused himself.
Jeremy led her from the study and they came across Catherine.
“Did your book pass muster?” Caroline asked.
“It was perfect,” her friend said. “Do you have time to stay? I’ve a few things to discuss with you. First, though, I was going to go see the children. You haven’t met them yet, have you?”
“No. I’d like that very much.”
“Then let’s go visit them a bit and then we can have some tea.” Catherine looked to her husband. “Coming?”
“I’ll be up in a few minutes. I need to finish something first.”
“Something I interrupted,” Caroline said, chuckling. “I seem to be doing more and more of that.”
“You are a delightful interruption,” he said.
Catherine led her up the stairs to the next floor. “The nursery is this way.”
They approached the open door and Caroline immediately heard laughter, followed by a happy squeal coming from a child. She glanced inside and saw Luke there, holding a girl of about four by the waist, his back to them.
“Into the crow’s nest you’ll go, Lady Delia,” he said gruffly.
She playfully swiped at him. “No, you pirate. Put me down.”
“I’ll save you,” a young boy cried and ran across the room, a toy sword in his hand.
Luke set Delia down and she and the boy pounced on him. Luke grabbed another sword resting on the ground. They fought one another with shouts.
“Let me, Timothy,” Delia cried and took the sword from her brother, stepping into the fray against her uncle.
Once more, Luke engaged in battle and then a girl who’d been reading in a window seat calmly put aside her book and ran toward Luke. She grabbed his legs, wrapping her arms around him.
“Get him!” the newcomer cried.
Luke collapsed in play and all three children swarmed him. Caroline’s heart melted seeing him with his nieces and nephew, knowing this was no show. He had no idea others were present. She was seeing the true Luke St. Clair.
The children began tickling him, giggling all the while as he floundered and laughed.
“I give up!” he cried. “No more torture, I beg you.”
“The price is a story,” the oldest child said. She pushed herself off him and retrieved the book she’d been looking at, bringing it to him.
Luke’s back was still turned to her and Catherine as he pushed himself upright and reached for the book.
“Thank you, Jenny.”
He opened it as Jenny sat next to him. Timothy snuggled up on his other side, while Delia climbed into his lap.
“I’ll hold it, Uncle Luke. So you can make the voices.”
“Must I?” he asked and all three children pleaded for him to do so.
“If you insist,” he said.
Luke began reading and the children sat enraptured. Catherine crossed to the left and lifted a baby from the nursemaid who held him and brought him back to Caroline.
“This is Philip,” she said softly, not wanting to interrupt the story.
“Hello, Philip,” Caroline whispered, stroking the baby’s hand. He reached up and grabbed her finger and held on, giving her a gummy smile.
She let him continue to hold it as she turned her attention back to Luke and the story he read. Caroline recognized it as one of Catherine’s, a favorite of Aunt Evie’s. As the children had demanded, their uncle used different voices for various characters, drawing them into the story. She could have watched him forever but the story finally came to an end. Luke closed the book and rose, Delia in his arms.
Catherine said quietly, “He stops by a few times a week to play with them. I didn’t even know he was here.” She paused. “Luke will make an excellent father someday. Once he finds the right woman.”
At that moment, he turned around, his hair mussed from the horseplay and a beautiful smile upon his sensual lips. His eyes met hers. If Caroline hadn’t realized it before, she knew it now beyond a doubt.
She was in love with Luke St. Clair.
Chapter Seventeen
Caroline sat still as Rachel’s maid finished arranging her hair. She gripped her hands in her lap, feeling like one large bundle of nerves. Here she was, at twenty-three, only now making her debut into society. She tried to remember the lessons with her dance master years ago and found everything she’d practiced with him had fled from memory. What if she got out on the dance floor and couldn’t move? The thought chilled her.
“There, my lady. You look right nice,” the maid said, offering her a hand mirror.
She looked at her image, pleased that at least, on the outside, she appeared ready to conquer the world. Her caramel-colored hair was artfully arranged and her dark blue gown complimented both her hair and fair complexion.
“Thank you,” she told the servant, who quietly exited the room.
Caroline couldn’t help but wonder what tonight would be like. She’d never been to a ball before. She and Rachel had visited Catherine this morning and seen the ballroom. Servants scurried about with potted palms and decorations, giving her a small idea of what the room would look like tonight. Still, she had to factor in hundreds of gu
ests in their finery. Especially since this was the opening event of the Season, everyone invited would want to look their best.
Rachel entered, looking lovely in a green gown that matched her emerald eyes. Diamonds sparkled at her ears, throat, and wrist. Caroline knew from their previous conversation that these were the Drake diamonds, which Evan had bought especially for her.
Caroline had no jewelry to wear. Once again, she knew the women of the ton would judge her for that.
“You look beautiful,” Rachel exclaimed. “Madame Toufours outdid herself on your gown.”
“She is very talented. Though I’m a bit self-conscious about the neckline.” She fought the urge to yank the gown up. In her opinion, too much of her bosom showed.
Rachel placed her hands on Caroline’s shoulders. “You will shine tonight.”
A servant appeared in the doorway. “My lady, Lord Merrifield is here. Lord Merrick is with him now.”
“Thank you. We’ll be down shortly,” Rachel said.
“I’m looking forward to meeting Lord Merrifield.”
“He will be one of several gentlemen you’ll dance with tonight,” her friend revealed. “The St. Clairs will introduce you to all of our friends in attendance. In fact, I’m putting Merrifield in charge of you while we’re in the receiving line. Jeremy insists that Evan, Luke, and I join him. He is a strong proponent of family. While we’re receiving guests, you’ll be in good hands.”
“Then I suppose I should go meet him.”
“I think you’ll enjoy Merrifield’s company quite a bit,” Rachel said. “He’s articulate and handsome and puts others at ease. I feel you would have a lot in common, especially since he’s mad for books. Not only is Merrifield a gentleman—but one of the best men I know.” She grinned. “And he’s looking for a wife.”
A hot blush flooded Caroline’s cheeks. “Rachel, I’m not—”
“You’re not going to commit to Merrifield or any other man tonight,” her friend agreed. “But he’s definitely someone to keep in mind. I’ve promised to help him look for a wife since he’s done such a pitiful job up until now. Who knows? You might be Lady Merrifield one day.”
They went downstairs and Caroline saw Evan talking with a man. He had his back to her but she could see he was tall and had broad shoulders.
“There they are,” Evan said, and the man turned.
My, the earl was awfully handsome.
Merrifield had dark blond hair and high cheekbones. As they came closer, Caroline was drawn in by his penetrating blue eyes. He smiled, revealing white, even teeth. She couldn’t imagine why he’d had such a difficult time finding himself a wife.
“So, this is the mysterious bookstore owner.” He took her gloved hand and kissed her fingers. “I’m surprised it’s taken us this long to meet.”
Rachel snorted. “This is Merrifield, Caroline. He’s a terrible flirt. Get used to it.”
The earl’s eyes gleamed at her with interest. “Rachel has told me so much about you, Lady Caroline. I understand you’ve been busy night and day, preparing for the opening of your bookstore and tearoom.”
“I have,” Caroline replied. “I was able to accumulate my stock more quickly than I’d expected so Evie’s will open this coming Friday.”
“Let’s get to the carriage,” Evan said impatiently.
“We can take mine,” Merrifield said. “It’s already out front. It will be convenient for us to go together.” He offered Caroline his arm and led her outside.
Once inside the carriage, he said, “I will be one of your most loyal customers, Lady Caroline. I am a great lover of books and buy them often for myself and friends.”
“I hear you purchase many children’s books,” she said.
He laughed. “All of my friends seem to be married with children. I enjoy spoiling the little ones.”
“Books are a great window to the world. You are doing these children a favor with such a thoughtful gift.”
Rachel said, “You’re to introduce Caroline around while we’re in the receiving line, Merrifield. Make sure you have her meet the right people.”
“Of course, Rachel. Heaven forbid that I don’t do your bidding.” He looked to Caroline. “She’s a bit of a tyrant, don’t you think?”
Caroline couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Enough of that,” Rachel said, swatting Merrifield playfully. “We’re here.”
As she entered the ballroom, it looked like a spring garden. Flowers abounded, their sweet scent filling the air. They went to greet Jeremy and Catherine.
“It’s good to see you all,” the duke said.
“You’ve done a magnificent job with the ballroom, Catherine,” Caroline told her friend.
“Rachel helped with the overall design. She has a good eye for decorating and arranging things.”
“She’s done the same at Evie’s,” she confided. “Moved a few chairs. Changed the angle of some of the bookshelves. Brought in a few knickknacks to personalize the place.”
“And don’t forget the fresh flowers,” Rachel added. “Once you open on Friday, I believe having those at the circulating desk and where purchases are tallied up will make for a nice touch.”
“I’m eager to see Evie’s,” Merrifield said. “It seems everyone has but me.”
Caroline thought a moment. “I have an idea. Everyone should come tomorrow afternoon at three, not only to see the bookstore and help me make any last-minute decisions, but I could have Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Baker serve tea. We could order from the menu as customers will, in order to give them and the girls waiting some experience before our grand opening.”
By now, Luke had joined them. She was aware of his presence the moment he arrived. Her nose recognized the sandalwood soap he used. He looked beyond handsome in his dark evening clothes.
“That’s a capital idea,” he proclaimed. “It would allow the clerks and staff to work out any kinks.” He gave her a warm smile. “Excellent idea, Caroline.”
She nodded and lowered her eyes, not wanting to meet his for fear her true feelings toward him might show.
Cor joined them, using a cane. “Fetch me a chair, Evan,” she commanded. “The receiving line will be long. I don’t intend to stand for the duration.”
“At your service, Cor.” He left to find one.
“You’re joining us, Caroline,” Jeremy said. “You may stand here.”
His words took her aback. “What? No. Of course not. I’m not family.”
“You’re staying with family, though. You are a dear friend to us all. It will be a way for you to meet others. I insist.”
“And just as firmly, I’ll decline,” she said. “Lord Merrifield is going to accompany me as I meet your guests.”
As Jeremy scowled, Luke laughed aloud. “I don’t know the last time anyone told my brother no. Bravo, Caroline.”
She blushed at his praise.
“Don’t worry, Caroline,” Catherine said. “It’s good for my duke to be put in his place every now and then.”
“You better watch yourself, Duchess, or I will find a private place and put you in yours,” her husband warned playfully. Then to Caroline, he said, “I’ve already mentioned to some of my friends that you will be here. They know to sign your programme. Look for Morefield. Aubrey. Neville.”
“And she must meet Amanda,” Luke said. “She’s Aubrey’s sister. They’ve both been friends of the family for years.”
“I look forward to meeting them. Outside the receiving line,” she said with a smile.
Catherine laughed. “Oh, Duke, I do like this girl.”
“Will Amanda even be here?” Rachel asked. “She only gave birth last week.”
“Amanda loves to dance,” Luke said. “She would have to be on her deathbed to miss the opening event of the Season.”
With that, Merrifield led her away from the boisterous St. Clairs. They walked the length of the ballroom, taking in the decorations, as he asked questions about her new businesses. By the
time they started back, she saw the first guests arriving, noting that Leah and Alex had also joined the receiving line. A footman handed her a card and her escort immediately took it from her.
As he wrote his name beside the second dance, he said, “I’ve been told I may only have one dance with you tonight. Rachel insisted you meet as many people as possible.” Then he began writing again.
“Whose name are you writing in then?” she asked.
He chuckled. “I had my instructions. You’re to dance the supper dance with Luke and sit with him and his family at supper.”
“I see.” She hoped she didn’t betray her excitement at that news.
He wrote another name. “That’s Everton’s dance. You should be honored. He never partners with anyone other than his duchess.”
After that, Caroline met so many people that she knew she would never remember all of their names. Her dance card filled quickly with names of gentlemen that Merrifield introduced her to.
“You must be Lady Caroline,” a woman said and moved close to her. “Luke told me Merrifield would be introducing you around. I’m Lady Stanley but you must call me Amanda.”
Caroline noted not only the woman’s friendliness but her great beauty.
“I’m pleased to meet you. All the St. Clairs speak of you fondly.”
“My brother, Marcus, and I have been friends with them for years. I hear from Leah that you’re about to open a bookstore in Mayfair. Where is it?”
Caroline told her the location and then said, “I’m having a small preview tomorrow at three, followed by tea. Would you and Lord Stanley like to attend?”
Amanda beamed. “That would be lovely. I look forward to it.” She paused. “Oh, it looks as if Jeremy and Catherine are ready to open the ball.”
She glanced at her dance card and saw her first dance hadn’t been claimed. Then she realized no one would be dancing but the Duke and Duchess of Everton. They went to the center of the ballroom and the orchestra struck up a tune.
“Jeremy likes to dance with Catherine alone. He’s a great romantic at heart,” Amanda said. “They are the perfect couple.”
She had to agree. Catherine’s rich, auburn tresses and lilac gown were a nice contrast to Jeremy’s dark looks and evening wear. The pair moved with ease, never taking their eyes from one another as they swept around the ballroom. It was obvious this was a couple deeply in love. A tug of longing pulled at her, wishing it were her and Luke out there and that he gazed at her with such affection.
