Embracing The Earl

by Aston, Alexa

  “Then I’d like you to handle the details for me. Could I take charge of it come Monday?”

  “Monday? That’s only two days from now. Is there a reason you’re rushing to let it?”

  Caroline gave him a long look. “I’ll be frank with you, Mr. Higgins. I returned from America to learn my father was dead. I recently discovered he was murdered under dubious circumstances. That has affected me more than I would have thought, along with the gossip associated with it. He left me destitute and I have to earn a living for myself. The ton is not a forgiving group and I fear Evie’s success might be tainted by my presence.

  “Thus, I would like to retreat from society for now and lick my wounds. I long for peace and solitude. I’ve hired capable workers and an excellent manager and feel I can allow them to run Evie’s for me. For now, at least.”

  “I understand, my lady.” His eyes looked at her in sympathy. “I will take the mail coach down to Dover and make the arrangements for you. I’ll deliver the key to Lord Merrick’s.”

  She didn’t want that. “Could you bring it to the bookstore instead on Monday morning?”

  “If that’s what you prefer.”

  “I do. You’ve gone above and beyond, Mr. Higgins. I can’t thank you enough.” She handed over the key to her father’s townhouse. “Expect a generous bonus once the sale goes through.”

  Caroline left his office and returned to her waiting cab, directing the driver to take her to Mayfair. Once at Evie’s she walked through, noting the number of customers and that the new shipment of Catherine’s books had been placed on the shelves. She ventured to the tearoom and saw it was already doing brisk business at only half-past ten, even though it wasn’t scheduled to open until eleven. Mrs. Withers must have taken the initiative to open early. Returning to her office, she placed the references she’d written yesterday in a bottom drawer of her desk. She doubted her employees would need them now.

  Caroline left her office and found Walton hard at work ringing up customers’ purchases. She saw Stinch and motioned him over.

  “I see Mr. Walton is back at work today.”

  “He was most helpful during yesterday’s opening, my lady. I know you’d said you had no more need of his services but I’m grateful he showed up yesterday—and again today. I don’t know what we would have done without an extra pair of hands.”

  “You think he’s needed on the floor?”

  “For now. If business levels off, then we could use him for a few hours a day.”

  “I want to hire Mr. Walton as my bookkeeper. That wouldn’t occupy all of his time and leave him available for when you needed him in the store.”

  Stinch studied her. “I thought you’d planned to keep the ledgers, Lady Caroline.”

  “I think it best for Evie’s if I take a step back.” She took a deep breath. “I learned how Father was murdered.”

  He winced. “I am sorry. I didn’t think it my place to tell you. I’d hoped it would never come up since he was already dead and buried.”

  “It did—through gossip, the ton’s favorite pastime. I feel Evie’s has a better chance if I remove myself from the day-to-day affairs. You have proven to be an excellent manager. Mr. Walton would be an asset regarding the bookkeeping and could even make the bank deposits. I plan to go away for a while.”

  He frowned. “Where would you go?”

  “I’m thinking the country. I need time to myself. I trust Evie’s will be in good hands.”

  Determination filled Stinch’s face. “I will not let you down, my lady.”

  She thanked him and asked that he send Mr. Walton to see her when things slowed a bit. Caroline returned to her office and a quarter-hour later, Mr. Walton appeared in the doorway.

  “You asked to see me, my lady?”

  “Yes, Mr. Walton. Come in and have a seat, please.”

  After he was situated, she opened the ledger on her desk and asked him to study it a moment. He poured over it, nodding to himself.

  “What would you do differently?” she asked.

  “You’ve done a very good job recording purchases and all it took to get Evie’s up and running. I do have a few suggestions, though.”

  Walton explained some of the changes he would make, including keeping separate records for the bookstore and tearoom instead of combining the two. He also discussed a new method of recording items and why he believed it to be more efficient.

  Caroline told him what she would want to see in a monthly report and asked how he would prepare those. Once he finished his explanation, she’d made up her mind.

  “Mr. Walton, I know we discussed how you were only to work here temporarily.”

  He blushed. “I hope you don’t mind that I asserted myself at yesterday’s opening. The clerks were swamped and I knew what to do.”

  “On the contrary, I appreciated the initiative you showed and everything we’ve discussed. I would like to offer you the job as Evie’s bookkeeper.”

  His face lit up. “Truly?”

  “It would be a permanent position but I don’t think it would keep you busy all the time. I would also need you to decide with the others what purchases we should make regarding our stock and log those in as you’ve been doing. I’d also like to have you work on the floor a few hours when necessary. This could be your office and Mr. Stinch could step in and ask you to help out when needed. Would you be interested?”

  “Indeed, I would. It’s more than I could have dreamed of. But may I ask what your role will be?”

  “Strictly as the owner. I will have no visible presence in the store. Mr. Stinch will manage both establishments. I will be kept abreast financially by your reports.”

  She offered him what she believed was a fair salary and he accepted it.

  “You may start Monday morning in both positions if that’s agreeable.”

  “It is, my lady. Thank you for this opportunity. I will not disappoint you.”

  Walton left the office and Caroline knew Evie’s would be in solid hands.

  *

  Caroline spent a quiet Sunday with Rachel. Evan had decided to go with Luke and Alex to the country and so it left the two of them together. After attending church, Rachel declared she wanted to do nothing more than play with Seth and nap when her baby did.

  “The Season is only a week old and I’m already tired.”

  “You recently had a baby, Rachel,” Caroline pointed out. “You are still recovering from that.”

  “True. Oh, I already miss Evan.”

  She felt the same about Luke, having lain awake last night, reliving his every touch.

  “He will return late this evening.”

  “I know,” her friend grumbled good-naturedly. “I still miss him, though. It was hard to fall asleep last night without having him beside me.”

  “Seth favors the marquess a great deal. Playing with him should soothe you.”

  “Come with me,” Rachel urged.

  They went up to the nursery, where both women took turns holding and rocking the baby. A powerful feeling swept through Caroline as she looked down at the infant, a yearning she’d never known. It occurred to her that what she and Luke had done was how babies were made. Even now, she could be carrying his child. Fervently, she wished it were so. She would create a world for the two of them, mother and child.

  And once more, lie to Luke.

  When did lying become second nature to her? She’d lied that she had no feelings for him when she was in love with him. Then she’d seduced him into making love to her, knowing she would never wed him. She’d already taken clothes from this very household and would leave it tomorrow, never to return, knowing her disappearance would hurt Rachel. She was leaving behind all the friends she’d made, not revealing where she went.

  She was a coward.

  Admitting that to herself didn’t change her mind. She was sacrificing her love of a good man and wonderful friendships in order to save all of these people. The ton had judged her and found her lac
king. Caroline would not see the people she cared about condemned—even ostracized—due to their friendships with her. She wouldn’t allow Luke to marry her and suffer the ugliness that would follow. He would move on and find someone more suitable for him. Luke St. Clair was a good man—too good for her—and he would make another woman happy. Very happy.

  Thankfully, she wouldn’t be around to witness their happiness. If she were, it would break her.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Caroline took breakfast in her room. Rachel had suggested it, saying neither she nor Evan would be down for breakfast. Evan had returned late last night and Rachel said they would be sleeping in. From the hungry look in Evan’s eyes, Caroline believed sleeping was the last thing that would occur in the Merrick bed.

  She wore her favorite day dress today, one of the new ones Madame Toufours had made up. It was a cornflower blue. Her trunk with some of her clothing was already at Evie’s in her office. She would attend to any last details there and then leave for Dover and her new life.

  As she arrived at the bookstore, she saw her solicitor climbing from a cab.

  “Good day, Mr. Higgins.”

  “The same to you, Lady Caroline.”

  He withdrew a key from his pocket and passed it to her. She placed it inside her reticule as he gave her the address of the cottage that would become her new home.

  “I checked the mail coach schedule for you. One leaves for Dover at noon today. If you can’t make that one, another departs at half-past three. It’s the last one of the day.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Higgins. I apologize for rushing you.”

  “I was happy to arrange everything for you, my lady. The deed will be transferred to Mr. Studley today and the funds deposited into your account.”

  “Take ten percent for yourself,” she said.

  His eyes widened. “That’s far too generous.”

  “I insist. You have been a godsend these past few weeks. I couldn’t have accomplished nearly as much without your speed and discretion.”

  She gave him the key to the London townhouse. “Give Mr. Studley my best. Will you also see that my three investors receive their compensation in full once Mr. Studley’s funds are placed in my account?”

  He tapped his temple. “I have it all here, my lady. Lords Mayfield, Merrick, and Alford. They will be taken care of.”

  “And Mr. Higgins, would you do me one last favor?”

  “Yes, my lady.” He waited expectantly.

  “Tell no one where I am. As I mentioned, I’m in need of solitude. If any of my friends wish to contact me, tell them I will write to them soon.”

  A frown creased his brow but he nodded. “If that’s your wish.”

  “It is. Thank you again, Mr. Higgins. You’ve been most helpful.”

  He departed and Caroline entered the store. It was already a little past ten and she saw four customers, which she thought was a good sign. She waved to Stinch and found Walton in the office, papers scattered across the desk.

  “Good morning, Lady Caroline.”

  “The same to you, Mr. Walton. I hope you have everything you need.”

  “I do. I plan to spend a few hours each week browsing at other bookstores. It will help decide what needs to be ordered.”

  She thought of one thing Luke had mentioned to her and said, “You saw how well the Duchess of Everton’s reading went.”

  “Indeed. I heard her say she would be willing to do so again in the future.”

  “Since it proved popular, you might want to contact other authors to see if they would be interested in doing the same type of event at Evie’s.”

  “Excellent idea, my lady.” Walton made a note on a piece of paper.

  “I suppose that’s all. Would you help bring my trunk outside? It’s in the corner there.”

  The bookkeeper lifted the small trunk with ease and followed her through the store. She said goodbye to Stinch and then opened the door to allow Walton access to the sidewalk, where he rested the trunk.

  “May I hail a hansom cab for you?”

  “Please.”

  One came by almost immediately, the advantage of being located in Mayfair, and Walton waved the driver over, indicating the trunk.

  “I suppose this is goodbye, Lady Caroline. I’ll be sure to prepare your monthly report. Did you leave a forwarding address with Mr. Stinch?”

  “No, but I’ll write to you both once I’m settled.”

  She turned and saw the driver waiting. “Goodbye, Mr. Walton.” She watched him return inside the bookstore and stepped toward the cab.

  “Lady Caroline?”

  A man hurried toward her, He looked vaguely familiar. As he approached, she recognized him as one of Netherby’s clerks, the one who’d been rude to her.

  “I’m here to give you a message from Mr. Netherby. He would like to see you at once.”

  “I’m afraid—”

  “He knows he was wrong, my lady. My employer wishes to extend an olive branch to you.”

  Caroline knew Netherby had the ear of many of London’s booksellers. She supposed it would be best to part with him on good terms before she left the city.

  “I only have a few minutes to spare,” she told the clerk. “I need to make the noon mail coach to Dover.”

  He smiled. “Oh, it won’t take long.” He handed her into the cab. “Let me tell the driver where we’re headed. That is, if you don’t mind sharing the cab with me.”

  She did, not liking this fellow one bit, but she refused to be petty. “Not at all.”

  The clerk spoke to the driver and joined her.

  Trying to be polite, she asked, “Have you worked for Mr. Netherby for long?”

  “Several years.”

  An awkward silence fell and Caroline looked out the window to avoid further conversation. She noticed after a few blocks they were headed in the wrong direction.

  “You need to tell the driver he’s missed his turn.”

  “Oh, we’re not going to the bookstore. Mr. Netherby isn’t there now. He’s at home.”

  Frowning, she said, “I don’t have time to go out of my way. I told you I am in a hurry.”

  “It will actually save you time. We’re headed in the direction of where the mail coaches leave London.”

  “Very well.” She wasn’t pleased and continued to stare out the window, lost in thought.

  When the cab came to a halt, she looked at her surroundings and didn’t recognize the part of town they were in. It looked seedy to her and she couldn’t understand why Netherby would want to live here. The clerk, who’d never given her his name, jumped down and paid the driver, then handed her down.

  Worried, Caroline looked at the driver. “You are to wait,” she instructed. “I won’t be but a few minutes.”

  He averted his eyes and bobbed his head up and down, giving her mixed signals. Before she could question him further, the clerk took her elbow and steered her toward a building with a bright blue door. His touch seemed forward to her and she pulled away, walking up the steps beside him. Without knocking, he opened the door and ushered her inside.

  The place was dark. No drapes had been pulled to let in the morning light. She looked to her left and saw an unusually large, rectangular table and wondered why it stood in the center of the open room. No other furniture was evident.

  Suddenly, a short, stout man appeared, a long scar running from the corner of his eye down his cheek to the corner of his mouth. She recoiled at the sight of him.

  “Netherby’s waiting,” he said brusquely and headed up the stairs.

  The clerk gestured for her to follow the stranger. Unease filled her. The clerk started to take her elbow again and she gave him a look that stopped him in his tracks. Caroline turned and went up the staircase, the clerk trailing behind her. She caught up to the scarred man and paused as he opened a door.

  “Go on in,” he said.

  She did as he asked and heard the door close behind her. Straight ahead, a man sat behin
d a desk. He was in his mid-thirties, with dark hair already graying at the temples and a cruel mouth.

  “You’re not Netherby,” she said, wondering where the bookseller was.

  “I actually am, Lady Caroline,” he said affably.

  Understanding dawned on her. “You’re Netherby’s son. The one who didn’t follow him into the book trade.”

  “That’s right. He said you were sharp. We have that in common. I didn’t see the point in selling old, smelly books when I could make a lot more in other ways.”

  “I’m here to see your father,” she said stubbornly, tamping down the anxiety running through her. “Since he’s not here, I’ll be on my way.”

  Turning, she went and opened the door. The scarred stranger blocked her way. He took two steps forward, forcing her back into the room. She wheeled and faced the younger Netherby, hearing the door close again behind her.

  “I would like to leave now, Mr. Netherby. I have an engagement.”

  “I’m afraid you’ll have to cancel that, Lady Caroline. Father has asked a favor of me. I’m always eager to have him in my debt.”

  “What kind of favor?” she asked warily.

  “One involving you.”

  “Where am I?” she demanded.

  “My gaming hell.”

  That explained the long table she’d seen. It must be something used in gambling.

  “I demand to leave at once,” she said again. “Tell your man to step aside.”

  Netherby stood and came around from behind the desk, stopping in front of her. “You’re spirited. I’ll give you that. I’m afraid to tell you that you won’t be leaving here until tomorrow evening. You see, one of my side business—beyond gambling—is running a very special auction each month. Tomorrow night is the upcoming one.

  “You’ll be on the block, Lady Caroline.”

  Numbness filled her. She thought she must have misunderstood him.

  “You see, Father sees you as a threat to his business. Already, your store has flocks of patrons. He’s afraid if you remain in business, he’ll be ruined.” He smiled. “He’d rather see you ruined. You’ll be sold to the highest bidder. A blond, virgin beauty from the ton will draw a high price. Perhaps the highest price I’ve ever received.”