by Aston, Alexa
She went first to the tearoom to tell Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Baker of the afternoon visitors.
“Have every item on the menu available, even the sandwiches,” she advised. “This will be our last time to tinker with the items we’ll serve on opening day and throughout the first week of business.”
Caroline left through the open arch that connected the tearoom to the bookstore and saw that Stinch and all her clerks had already arrived.
Gathering them around, she said, “Today, I want to work on the display windows. They will be what passersby see and we want them to lure customers into our store. Tell me what you’ve seen around London.”
Yesterday, Caroline had given them all assignments, dividing up the number of bookstores between them and having her staff visit each one, paying particular interest to any displays in windows or within the shops themselves. They discussed what they’d viewed and then began trying out some of the ideas, coupled with ones of their own. The morning and into the afternoon passed pleasantly, ending with every window being arranged to perfection, as well as several display tables throughout the bookstore.
“I want to go outside to see our work from that angle,” she told Stinch. “Everyone’s worked so hard. Give them the rest of the day off, including yourself. We’ll all be working long hours soon. Might as well rest while we can.”
“Certainly, Lady Caroline. I’ll inform the others.” He hesitated a moment.
“Is something wrong, Mr. Stinch?”
He shook his head. “Not a thing, my lady. I hope you don’t think me too forward, but I must say that I feel it is a great honor working for you and being a part of Evie’s. To have seen you grow from a young, curious girl to a mature woman with a strong work ethic, one who has accomplished so much on her own, why—it’s remarkable.”
Warmth filled her hearing his compliments. “You have always been so kind to me, Mr. Stinch. I’m blessed to have you working for me in a new capacity. I see you flourishing in a way I’d never imagined. Evie’s will be a success, thanks in no small part to your contributions.”
The manager blushed. “Thank you, my lady. You’ve given me this unique opportunity. I’m very grateful and so pleased at all you’ve accomplished in such a short time. I admire you greatly.”
She placed a hand on his arm. “The feeling is mutual.”
Stinch blinked back tears. “You’ve risen above and overcome your father’s terrible reputation. He left you destitute but you have blossomed because of your intelligence and good character. Forgive me for saying so, Lady Caroline, but I feel like a proud papa watching the woman you have become.”
Caroline threw her arms around him, squeezing him tightly, then giving him a peck on the cheek. “Thank you.”
She went outside to admire their handiwork and saw her clerks and manager file from the building. She waved goodbye and walked from the window on the far right to the ones in the middle and finished at the far left, studying each carefully and making notes in her head of small details she wanted to change. Glancing up, she saw the sign that had been hung while they were at work today and smiled, pleased at how everything was coming together.
“So, this is Evie’s Bookstore,” a condescending voice said.
Caroline turned and saw Leland Netherby standing behind her.
Chapter Nineteen
Luke set out early for Evie’s Bookstore and Tearoom, wanting to arrive ahead of the large group expected for a tour and tea. He stopped along the way and made arrangements for a late supper after taking Caroline to the theatre tonight. The place was small, intimate, and exclusive. Fortunately, he’d frequented it over the years and they were happy to accommodate him.
A few blocks from the bookstore, he saw Stinch coming his way. The former Templeton butler had impressed Luke with the ease in which he handled the staff. Though the world of books was new to Stinch, he’d become knowledgeable, admitting to Luke that he’d always spent what little free time he had with his nose in a book.
“Mr. Stinch,” he greeted. “What brings you out on this fine April afternoon?”
The bookstore manager stopped. “Lord Mayfield, it’s a pleasure to see you. Lady Caroline released the entire book staff a few minutes ago. We’ve been working on the display cases all day. Everything was to her lady’s liking and she dismissed us, knowing we’ll soon be putting in long days.”
“I’m eager to see the window displays. I’m surprised my sister wasn’t there, directing you where to place things.”
Stinch smiled. “Lady Merrick has a fine eye for detail, my lord. She has made adjustments, both large and small, and they’ve all added to the overall ambience of Evie’s.”
“I’ll pass along your compliment to Rachel. I won’t keep you. Good afternoon.”
Luke continued through Mayfair and turned the corner where the tearoom was located. He spied Caroline down the block in front of the bookstore, engaged in conversation. As he drew near, he saw it was none other than Leland Netherby. Luke had bought a handful of books at Netherby’s over the years, but he found the clerks as surly as its owner and finally quit going there. He wondered why Netherby was here.
Then he saw Caroline’s pale face and the angry, dark red blotches on her cheeks and quickened his pace.
“What’s going on here?” he demanded.
Netherby whirled. “Ah, Lord Mayfield. How nice to see you. Why, we’re just two booksellers, comparing notes.”
Ignoring the older man, Luke turned at Caroline. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, thank you, Lord Mayfield,” she said formally, looking as if she might explode at any moment. She glanced at Netherby. “Lord Mayfield is one of my investors.”
Interest sprouted on Netherby’s face. “Is that so? Did your brother also choose to invest in Lady Caroline’s little ventures? The Duke of Everton seems to have the Midas touch and knows when a business will succeed—or fail.”
Knowing what the man was after, Luke reluctantly said, “No. My brother is not an investor but Lord Merrick and Lord Alford are.”
“A pity. If Everton chose not to invest, it was for a good reason.” Netherby shook his head sadly. “I hope you won’t lose too much on this enterprise, Lord Mayfield. You might ask the duke’s advice the next time you choose to make an investment so he can steer you in the proper direction.” He looked to Caroline. “Remember what I said, Lady Caroline. Any time. Any time.”
With those cryptic words, the older man sauntered away.
“Wait here,” Luke told Caroline and strode after the bookseller. “Netherby!” he called out, his blood boiling.
The man turned and warily said, “What do you want, Lord Mayfield?”
Luke glowered at the figure he towered over. “What I want is for you to behave as a gentleman should. I know the book community is a small one and usually supportive toward one another. If you can’t be helpful or encouraging to Lady Caroline, then leave her the bloody hell alone.”
He saw fear spring into Netherby’s eyes and added, “And for your information, Everton wanted to invest in Evie’s but Lady Caroline already had all the financial backing she needed. Her bookstore will be a tremendous success. Count on it.”
With that, Luke turned away and returned to Caroline. He took her elbow and brought her deep inside the bookstore, far away from the windows in case Netherby decided to spy on them. He led her to a comfortable chair. She collapsed in it, an angry growl coming from her.
He took a nearby seat. “What did that bloody fool say to you?”
“Nothing I wish to reveal.”
“Caroline, talk to me,” he commanded.
She remained stubbornly silent. Luke admired her for that.
“So, you won’t tell me what he said to you.”
“No. Partly because I’m afraid you’d chase him down again and beat him to a bloody pulp.”
His hands fisted in anger but he kept his tone mild. “That bad?”
Caroline grinned wryly. “Worse. But I have frie
nds coming soon. I’ll tuck away all my dark thoughts of seeing Leland Netherby’s body hanging from a gibbet. Or perhaps, his head parked upon a spike.”
He laughed. “You are more imaginative—and far more wicked—than I’d thought.”
Naturally, his own thoughts turned wicked, thinking of the things he wanted to do to her.
Anger still sparked in her eyes. “Let’s change the subject, Luke. I’m not going to waste another moment on Netherby or anyone like him. I will make Evie’s a success, I’ll guarantee you that.”
He took her hand and both of his. “Of course you will. You’ve created a warm, inviting space. You have a large selection of books. You’ll tempt customers with the sweet aromas coming from the tearoom. I have full faith in you. I always have. I always will.”
For a moment, their gazes met and he yearned to kiss her again. He fought the urge. She’d just been verbally abused by a man, a competitor who’d shaken her confidence badly. If anything, he didn’t want to seem as if he were also trying to dominate her, too, though in a very different way. He wanted Caroline to know she was stronger than anything Netherby could dish out.
Changing the subject, he released her hand. “Are you ready for the theatre tonight? I heard it’s an amusing comedy.”
All signs of anger dissipated and her eyes lit with excitement. “I’ve never attended the theatre before. I don’t care if it’s a comedy or drama. To attend a live production is a dream of mine.”
He smiled warmly. “Then I’m glad I can make it come true.”
The door opened and the bell tinkled, warning them someone had entered the premises.
“Anyone here?” Leah called.
Caroline stood. “We’re over here.”
Luke rose, as well, greeting Leah and Alex, as well as Rachel and Evan, who accompanied them.
“Your window displays are so eye-catching,” Rachel raved.
“We just completed them today,” Caroline said. “I hope they’ll draw people in. Would you add anything to them? Or change something?” she asked anxiously.
“Hmm. Let me think,” Rachel said. “Leah, come outside with me. Let’s look with a more critical eye and not as Caroline’s best friends.”
Luke saw the blush rise on Caroline’s cheeks at Rachel’s words. He supposed Caroline’s sister, Cynthia, had been her closest friend from what she’d revealed. He knew little of her time in America except that she’d lived with her aunt and worked at Evie’s bookstore. Caroline was probably starved for friendship. Luke was glad she’d made good friends with the women in his life. He’d always appreciated strong women, having been raised by Cor.
He thought about Caroline’s declaration of not wanting to wed, believing it was because she likely had no dowry after her father gambled the entire family fortune away. Luke didn’t care if she had one. He was interested in her as a person, both physically and intellectually. No one interested him as much as Caroline Andrews had. He envisioned a life with her, one in which they’d never be bored. He couldn’t wait until the day he could take her in his arms and they begin planning their future together.
One advantage he had was that she didn’t want other gentlemen to pursue her. Once that became known, he hoped it would improve his chances with her. He also got to see her outside of ton events, another leg up over the other men.
Luke only wished he would’ve had more time with Caroline today before the others arrived. It stilled troubled him that Netherby had said something to upset her so. It might take a visit to the nasty bookseller to find out what Netherby had been about.
The bell jingled again and Jeremy led Catherine and Cor in as the Stanleys and Aubreys followed them inside. Merrifield showed up with Morefield and his wife, completing their group. Caroline gave them a thorough tour of the premises, pointing out certain features and why she’d planned things the way she had. Luke noted how pleased she was at the many compliments she received about the bookstore’s layout and the large stock available in a variety of topics.
Merrifield insisted she put several books on reserve for him to pick up on opening day. Caroline took the stack he gave her to the storage room, promising the earl the books would await him when he arrived.
“When will Evie’s open?” Amanda asked. “I want to be sure and attend on the first day.”
“This coming Friday,” Caroline told her. “We’ll be open from ten in the morning until five in the afternoon. The tearoom will serve from eleven o’clock until six in the evening.”
She looked to Luke. “Why don’t you guide everyone to the tearoom? I’ll lock up here and join you.”
“Follow me,” Luke said, leading everyone through the archway into the tearoom.
Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Baker awaited them, both sisters beaming from ear to ear.
“These are the lovely cooks who will prepare tea for you.” He motioned Daisy and Kitty over, hoping the former housemaids were ready. “This is your greatest test yet,” he said quietly. “The clerks have been coming from next door and eating and drinking whatever you’ve put in front of them. This time, people will be ordering specific items. Remember everything we’ve talked about.”
“We’re ready, Lord Mayfield,” Daisy assured him and stepped forward. “I’m Daisy and I’ll be helping seat you today, along with Kitty. Who’d like to sit together?”
Luke watched as Daisy and Kitty made sure everyone had a place and then offered them a menu. The two women wrote down the orders and took them to the kitchen, handing over the slips of paper to him for inspection. He saw they’d used the abbreviations he’d worked out in order to save time, noting each customer’s selection. The two older women were also familiar with the system. He gave Mrs. Withers the orders and stepped back into the tearoom.
Caroline joined him and he explained the process to her since they hadn’t spoken of it.
“So ‘PC’ is pound cake.”
“Yes, plain pound cake,” he said. “And ‘LPC’ is lemon pound cake. The women all know what to use.”
“It’s brilliant, Luke,” she praised.
“I’ve also mapped the room, placing the tables on a page, and the chairs there, as well. It will help Kitty and Daisy keep straight what order is to be delivered to which table and even chair position.”
“I can’t believe you thought of all of this.”
“I’m happy to have been of service.”
Everyone ordered a full tea, including sandwiches. Luke knew Mrs. Withers now wore an “I told you so,” look upon her face back in the kitchen. He was glad he’d given in to her demand to serve more than sweets.
As they watched, Caroline said, “I think everyone is enjoying their tea and the food.”
“Once they’ve finished, you should ask again which items were favorites and why. And the same for anything that doesn’t strike their fancy. Those few items could be stricken from the menu,” he suggested. “For now, you need to sit, though. You’ve been working all day and could use some refreshments.”
“Only if you join me. I insist.”
He smiled. “I’ve never been one to turn down a scone or cup of tea.”
Luke led her to a table for two and held the chair for her.
Kitty came over, her smile in place. “Good afternoon, my lord, my lady. What may I get you to eat and drink?”
Luke decided to challenge the girl and asked, “What would you recommend?” thinking she might become flustered with the question.
Smoothly, she said, “I’m partial to the bread and butter pudding with currants. And if it’s a sandwich you want, I’d try either the roast beef or ham.”
He nodded approvingly. “Good girl. You may get questions like that sometimes. You answered perfectly.”
He and Caroline placed their order and received it in a handful of minutes. He looked about and saw the smiles and lively conversations at the other tables.
“Is this another dream come true?” he asked. “Seeing tables full as people chat and sip their tea?”
“Maybe I’ll be able to get a free cup of tea once a week?”
“And a scone. No, two,” she said, laughing, taking a last bite.
Luke glanced around. “It looks as if everyone has finished.”
He looked back and saw a small bit of clotted cream in the corner of her mouth. Before he could say anything, Caroline dabbed her mouth with a napkin. Immediately, he wished he’d been able to lick it from her lips.
Soon, he promised himself. Once Evie’s opened and became a success, he would woo Caroline, sweeping her off her feet. He decided they would honeymoon after, just the two of them, no one else. He greedily wanted her all to himself for a good two weeks or more. He idly wondered how many times he could make love to her in that amount of time.
She addressed the group and asked for their opinions. Luke noticed Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Baker had come out from the kitchen to listen to the comments. Everything was positive, though both the blueberry scones and all of the cakes were definite favorites.
Caroline was swarmed as everyone told her goodbye, showering her with compliments.
“I will definitely purchase a subscription to your circulating library,” Amanda said.
“So will I,” Catherine chimed in. “Mr. Bellows also said he will have my latest book delivered to you tomorrow morning. He’s hoping you’ll sell out of the copies he provides.”
“That’s exciting news,” Caroline said. “Let me show you the area you’ll do your reading at and where you’ll sign the purchased books afterward.”
Everyone had filed out by then, leaving Luke with Jeremy.
“She’s quite a woman,” his brother said. “Determined. Intelligent. Kindhearted. And quite beautiful.”
