The Bookseller and the Earl

by Hutton, Callie

  A woman in a very large, very colorfully decorated, straw hat, holding a small white dog against her chest shouted orders to one of the porters. A man and woman embraced before the man climbed up the train stairs. The woman removed a handkerchief from her reticule, patted her eyes, then turned and walked off.

  The train gave a loud blast, and porters began to speed up their movements. In all the mayhem, Michael clung to Grayson’s hand, his eyes wide. This would be any small boy’s delight.

  His grunts in trying to tell Grayson about his excitement was drawing attention from others at the station. Some stopped and stared. Others cast looks of horror and sympathy in their direction.

  From the look on Miss Mallory’s face, she was just as irate as he was at the dubious attention his son was receiving. She reached out and took Michael’s hand, smiling down at him. The boy calmed down, but still jumped up and down with excitement. When Grayson moved away to speak to a porter, Mrs. Banfield took Michael’s hand and the two women formed a fierce barrier between Michael and the onlookers.

  Confusion continued to reign as hundreds of people swarmed the area. Grayson found a porter to assist them, and his footman and driver supervised the transfer of luggage from the carriage to the train. Panicked that he might lose Michael in the fray, he checked several times to make sure Miss Mallory and Mrs. Banfield had him safely in hand.

  Michael was flushed, his eyes darting back and forth, beside himself with excitement which drew smiles from Miss Mallory. She was already communicating with him by pointing out various things, smiling and nodding. She waved her hands around and made faces to show ‘large’ ‘small’ and ‘scary.’ Grayson chuckled to himself. Miss Mallory could tread the boards in Drury Lane if she wished. But she made Michael’s experience much better. Asking her to join them on this journey was one of the smarter things he’d done in his life.

  Shortly after they were all settled in the private car he’d arranged for, the train started up with a jerk. It continued with the unsteady movement for a few minutes until it reached a smooth ride.

  A waiter arrived with the breakfast he’d ordered for them. Platters of eggs, salmon, bacon, toast, and scones were laid on a sideboard where they were to help themselves. A large pot of steaming tea was just the thing he needed.

  As the train picked up momentum and left the city behind, lush green countryside passed by the window. Hills dotted with sheep grazing in the sun, small farms with vegetable gardens in the back, and flower gardens in front. A bright blue sky made it all so much more pleasing.

  Having gobbled his breakfast down, Michael had his nose pressed up to the glass. Grayson noticed his grunting had now turned to gibberish, his hands waving frantically as he twisted and turned to look at Grayson and then back again to the window, pointing at things as they rode on. How frustrating it must be for the boy to see so much and be unable to share his eagerness with everyone.

  After finishing her breakfast, Miss Mallory left her seat and moved next to Michael. She put her arm around his slight shoulders and pressed her own nose up against the glass. Michael turned to her, laughed, and then kissed her on the cheek. She giggled.

  Grayson almost spit out the tea he was drinking. He’d mentioned twice he’d like to kiss her, but even though it was an innocent peck, his son beat him to it. Of course, were Grayson to kiss Miss Mallory it would not be on her cheek. Nor would it be witnessed by the woman who was acting as chaperone.

  No, he would take her in his arms and press her warm curvy body against his. Then he would play with her lush lips for a bit, nipping, sucking, and soothing until he covered her mouth in a kiss that would leave both of them panting with desire.

  If she didn’t pull back and slap his face, he would run his hands over those curves and pull her even closer until her lovely breasts were crushed up against his chest.

  He sighed and returned his teacup to the table. As much as he loved the attention Miss Mallory paid his son, and loved that his son was fond of her, it was in his own best interests to keep their relationship on a friend only basis. It would be much too easy for him to view Miss Mallory, Michael, and him as a family. He was not oblivious to the pointed looks Mrs. Banfield was casting in his direction, gesturing with her head toward where Michael and Miss Mallory were conversing—in some way—about the scenery. His son’s tutor had been telling him for some time that he needed a wife.

  He tried very hard to convince himself that there was absolutely no reason why he and Miss Mallory could not have a solid friendship with no romantic involvement. He was not a young pup who couldn’t control his urges, and she was a proper young lady who would never consider anything inappropriate. Therefore, he had nothing to worry about. Nothing at all.

  Now, if he could only convince certain parts of his body to cooperate—he shifted in his seat—all would be well.

  Chapter Six

  Addie stepped down from the train, holding onto Lord Berkshire’s hand. For as much as the pandemonium that reigned in Bath Spa Station had been difficult to deal with, the situation when they arrived in London was overwhelming. There were four times as many trains, passengers, porters, luggage, and confusion. Lord Berkshire did a fine job of keeping them all together and maneuvering them through the throngs. He had them settled in a carriage with their luggage strapped onto the boot less than an hour after the train had pulled into the station.

  He explained during the train trip that he did not keep a carriage in London since he spent so little time there, and most places he visited when he was there were within walking distance, or with a short ride on his horse. Hence, he generally rented a carriage by the week while he visited.

  Poor little Michael fell fast asleep leaning against Addie once the carriage moved away from the station. She put her arm around him, and he snuggled deeper into her. She smoothed her hand over his unruly curls. Slowly, he stuck his thumb in his mouth. Tears sprang to her eyes, knowing she would never hold her own child this way.

  Because there would be no child for her.

  She had chosen her path, and was happy with it, but spending time with Michael was opening old wounds she thought she had successfully buried forever. She gave a soft sigh and looked up to see Lord Berkshire and Mrs. Banfield studying the two of them with very strange, but identical, expressions on their faces.

  Of course, the ever-ready-to-spring-to-action blush rose from her middle right up her neck to her cheeks. She cleared her throat and looked out the window. It didn’t matter, since she could feel Berkshire’s eyes still watching her. She squirmed, then concerned she might wake Michael up, she took a deep breath to calm herself and decided some inane conversation was in order.

  “Have you set up an appointment yet for us to visit with the organization?”

  “No.” Berkshire’s voice was quite raspy. Perhaps the smoke from the train, or even the heavy air in London was irritating his throat. “I advised the gentleman who runs the organization that we would like to visit him, but at the time I wasn’t sure when we would be able to leave Bath since we both had things needing our attention. He was quite welcoming, and suggested we contact him when we are settled, to set a definite date and time.”

  She nodded, but the group fell silent after that, leaving Addie again with her thoughts about children and the fact that she would never have her own.

  She’d sent a wire along to her parents when she first decided to accompany Berkshire to London, so they would know to expect her. Hopefully, the fact she was traveling with his lordship would not put any ideas into their heads. She made it clear in her wire that she was accompanying him because he wanted her opinion on who to hire to teach sign language to his son. She explained that she agreed to the trip so she could visit with her parents and see some of the sights of London. She had made sure all of that was quite clear.

  The hackney pulled up to Mallory House and the door immediately opened. Mother came hurrying down the steps, her arms outstretched. Their butler came with her and opened the door
to the carriage before the driver could even climb down from his perch.

  “Oh, my dear, I am so very happy that you came to visit.” Since she looked at Berkshire the entire time she spoke, no one was quite sure to whom she was addressing her remark. Least of all Berkshire who glanced in Addie’s direction with a slight bit of panic.

  Addie slid forward on the seat. “I’m so glad I came for a visit, also, Mother.”

  She beamed at Addie and quickly returned her attention to Berkshire. “It is so nice to see you again, Lord Berkshire. Now, I insist that you all come into the house for tea.”

  Addie sighed. No, Mother did not understand this was a business trip with his lordship, and Addie was afraid Father was in the library with the marriage settlements drawn up, just waiting with glee for Berkshire’s signature.

  “We are all tired from the journey, Mother. Perhaps it would be better to let his lordship continue on to his house.”

  Mother sucked in a breath, which began to make Addie very nervous. The look in her eyes and the determination on her face were downright scary. Addie had seen many a marriage-minded mama during her Seasons, and at present, her mother fit the role so beautifully, Addie was ready to ask the hackney driver to return her to the station.

  On the other hand, Mother was more aware of social politeness than anyone she knew. In her heart, Mother knew it was best to let the others go on their way. Would good manners prevail?

  “Is that our little girl?” Father joined Mother at the hackney, beaming with delight. He, also, spent more time studying Berkshire than her. If she could crawl under the seat and never emerge, she would be the happiest woman in London.

  Father stuck his hand into the carriage, reaching to shake Lord Berkshire’s hand. “A pleasure to see you again, Berkshire. We hope to see more of you while our daughter visits.”

  “Mother, Father, may I introduce Mrs. Banfield, Master Michael’s tutor.” She smiled down at Michael who continued to sleep, now propped up against Lord Berkshire. “And this is his lordship’s son, Michael.”

  “Oh, what a darling boy.” Mother shook her head. She clasped her hands against her chest and shook her head. “How much a child needs a mother.”

  Addie had had enough.

  She was tired, travel weary, and now completely mortified with her parents’ behavior. “Mother, if you will kindly step back, I would like to leave the carriage.” She’d never been quite so rude to her mother, but the situation was heading toward downright ridiculous.

  “Oh, of course, dear.” She edged back, still studying Berkshire who was now trying very hard to hide his grin.

  After Addie left the vehicle and shook out her skirts, she turned to Lord Berkshire. “Please send round a note when you have a definite date and time for our meeting with the organization.” She barely got the words out through her clenched jaw, wishing she could fall into a hole in the road and disappear, when Mother jumped right in. “Lord Berkshire, I am sure you are tired from the journey as my daughter said. But we would love for you and your son— and, of course, you as well, Mrs. Banfield—to join us for dinner this evening.” Mother was not going to give up. A dog with a bone was less tenacious.

  “I would enjoy that, Mrs. Mallory. However, I think it is best if Michael remains at my home with Mrs. Banfield. He is too young for the adult dining table.”

  “Of course. I certainly understand.” She should understand, since Addie was never allowed at the dining table until the year before her coming out. Mother stepped back when their butler closed the door. As the hackney began to pull away, she waved her handkerchief and quickly added, “Eight o’clock, my lord.”

  Addie hurried up the steps, quite sure they’d given their neighbors enough gossip to last them the next few weeks. There was no point in adding to their delight by having words with Mother on the street.

  Instead of confronting her mother right away when she was so angry, Addie decided to go directly to her bedchamber. “I will be down in a little while, Mother,” she said from the top of the stairs.

  “That’s fine, Adeline. We will have tea waiting when you’re ready.”

  She swept into her room, the warmth from all the familiar pieces calming her a bit. The rose and cream-colored draperies and counterpane, the pale green flowered wallpaper, the soft carpet under her feet, all brought back pleasant—and not so pleasant—memories of her childhood. Not so much her years as a debutante when she returned home frustrated and feeling like a social failure. But either way, the room was comfortable and soothing.

  After splashing her face with water and changing her travel half boots for a pair of soft house shoes still in her closet, she decided to beard the lion in his own den and go down to tea with her parents. If she were not to be embarrassed and harassed this entire visit, she had to let them know that Lord Berkshire was not a suitor. He was a friend. A friend in need of her help.

  So what if he studied her in a way that made her insides tremble and her heart beat a wee bit faster? It mattered not that sometimes she thought his joking about kissing her was not a joke. And she did not want to consider that so many of his words and the way he sometimes studied her caused her to blush all the way to the tips of her hair.

  All of that meant nothing.

  She would have preferred to change out of her travel outfit, but ‘twas best to get this confrontation over with, then she could strip down to her chemise and take a short nap. Stiffening her shoulders, she left her room and headed downstairs.

  Her parents had their heads together, speaking softly when she entered the drawing room. Mother jumped when Addie cleared her throat. Good Lord, what were they planning now? She glanced at the paper in Mother’s hand, hoping it was not the menu for the wedding breakfast.

  Mother stood and gave Addie a hug. Despite her present annoyance with her mother, the familiar feel and scene of the mother who raised and loved her all her life soothed her somewhat. “It’s nice to see you, Mother.” She looked over at her father who rose when she entered the room. “You, as well, Father.”

  “You must be tired from your journey. Have a seat and I will pour your tea.”

  Once the tea was fixed the way she liked it, and Mother had placed two small sandwiches and a few biscuits on a plate, Addie folded her hands in her lap and looked both of her parents in the eye. “We must speak about Lord Berkshire.”

  Mother sighed. “Oh, yes. His lordship. A fine figure of a man. I’m sure he would be a wonderful husband to some fortunate young lady. Father and I were just discussing him.”

  Grayson closed the book he was reading to Michael and kissed the sleeping boy on the forehead. He was such an energetic lad, yet he rarely stayed awake until the entire book was finished. Of course, the fact that he couldn’t hear the story might have something to do with it.

  Pulling the blanket up to Michael’s chin, he regarded the one person in the world for whom he would give his life. Dark rumpled curls, damp from his bath, hugged his forehead. A slight sprinkling of freckles covered his nose and cheeks like fairy dust. Although he couldn’t see them, Grayson knew his son’s brown eyes that he’d inherited from him saw everything, lighting up with excitement over the smallest thing. No matter what it took, he would find a way to prove to the world that his son was not lacking in intelligence, only in hearing.

  He knocked lightly on Mrs. Banfield’s door. She opened, wrapped in a deep brown comfortable looking robe. “Are you leaving now, my lord?”

  He nodded. “Yes. Michael is asleep.”

  “Have an enjoyable evening then, my lord.” She closed the door softly and Grayson made his way down the stairs to the entrance hall where Brooks, his butler at the London townhouse stood with Grayson’s coat and hat.

  After donning his outdoor attire, Grayson left the house and strode to the mews, at the back of the row of townhouses, to retrieve the horse he kept in London. After mounting Reggie and tossing a coin to the lad who tacked the horse for him, Grayson made his way to the street and headed t
oward the Mallory townhouse in Mayfair.

  The evening should prove to be quite interesting. It was obvious that Mr. and Mrs. Mallory were brimming with delight over the fact that their daughter arrived in London with an earl in tow. He shook his head and chuckled at poor Miss Mallory’s reaction to her parents’ obvious attempts to make a match right there on the spot. He would have to be careful this evening, or he might be served a marriage contract right along with dessert.

  It would be foolish to pretend he had no interest in Miss Mallory beyond her help with Michael. Or that he hadn’t thought about her in a carnal way. She was delightful company and possessed a body a man would thoroughly enjoy. One he could spend hours caressing and discovering all the places to make her hum.

  She’d already shown genuine interest in Michael, and the boy had studied her with adoring eyes throughout the entire trip from Bath. There was no doubt in his mind that she wouldn’t make a delightful bed partner, and mother to his son. There was just one problem.

  For as much as he liked and desired her, he did not love her, and did not want to love her. Ever. That sort of entanglement had destroyed him once before. Never again. However, he doubted with Miss Mallory’s loving and caring nature, she would accept a husband without love. It would not be fair to offer marriage to her when it would eventually make her miserable.

  His thoughts kept him busy until he realized the short ride from his home on Arlington Street to Mayfair and the Mallory townhouse had ended. As he drew up to the front of the house, a man ran from around the back and took his horse. “I’ll take good care of ‘im, my lord.”

  Grayson tossed a coin at the man. “Feed and water him, if you will.” The man tugged on the brim of his cap and led the horse away.