by Alexa Aston
“Rachel said she’s never missed a reading by Catherine and wasn’t about to start now,” the marquess proclaimed. “We’ve only come for the day and will return home after taking tea with the family.” Evan smiled. “Rachel might be here for Catherine’s reading. I, however, come for the special treats from Mrs. Stinch and Mrs. Baker.”
Luke laughed heartily. “I’ve already learned there’s some creation involving toffee and a chocolate torte we’re to try.”
Evan beamed. “Then I’m doubly glad we decided to come.”
By now, Stinch had opened the doors and floods of people entered Evie’s. Children ran and settled themselves on the rug in front of the lone chair that awaited the Duchess of Everton while mothers and nannies gathered in the rear, gossiping away. More children streamed in and three ran to Luke, latching on to his legs as they cried out for his attention.
“Hello, my lovelies,” he said, kissing all of his children. “Did you have fun with your cousins? I’m sure Delia bossed you around,” referring to his niece who had a will stronger than a prime minister going against members of Parliament.
“I heard that, Uncle Luke,” Delia said, coming to stand before him. “I’m not bossy. Just highly organized and willing to tell people what they need to do.”
He kissed his niece’s forehead. “If women could be generals, then you would lead England’s army, Delia.”
She glowed at his compliment and, for a moment, he stared at the eight-year-old girl. She was named after his grandmother, Cordelia, and he saw more of Cor in Delia as the years progressed. Luke realized that his niece, already pretty, would be a true beauty one day.
Jeremy joined them, looking dapper in gray. He held out his hands. “See? I survived a night with that mob of children. I played hide and seek twice and read two stories before I had to retire from exhaustion.”
“You enjoyed every moment,” Evan said, shaking the duke’s hand. “I’m surprised Catherine’s not with child again.” He paused. “Or is she?”
Jeremy’s brows arched and he shrugged. “We’ll have to wait and see. How are you treating my sister?”
“Extremely well, Your Grace,” Evan replied. “If I didn’t, I believe you mentioned you’d have my head. Actually, Rachel is very content these days. She’s been busy designing a new conservatory for some viscountess. Can’t remember her name. The woman has a love of flowers and more money than she knows what to do with so Rachel is creating a wonderland for her.”
Luke noticed the crowd beginning to quieten and glanced to where Catherine now stood. “It looks as if it’s time to begin,” he told the others.
The three men moved to the side, each finding their children and making sure all were accounted for, as Caroline introduced the Duchess of Everton. Catherine smiled graciously and moved gracefully to the seat, picking up the book resting there and placing it in her lap.
“How many of you are ready for Christmas?” she asked, her eyes bright.
As always, the duchess quickly won over the large group gathered. She opened her latest book and began reading about a very nice caterpillar who wanted to celebrate Christmas every day by being kind to all he encountered. Luke’s gaze met Caroline’s and warmth flooded him. He’d made a wonderful life with her and their children.
Then his thoughts turned once again to the young girl from the previous evening. He wondered where she was now and thought how much she would have enjoyed sitting with these children and listening to Catherine read. Sadness engulfed him. He didn’t know why one small girl had touched his heart so much, only that she had.
And he was determined to find her.
Catherine turned the last page in the book and read the final lines. For a moment, the children in attendance sat mesmerized and then they broke out in enthusiastic applause. Catherine acknowledged their praise with a brief nod before she moved to the author’s table Stinch had set up, where she would sign copies of her books purchased by the adults. Many of the children moved to the play area that had been created especially for these times, filled with books, puzzles, and toys. Luke spent the next hour keeping a watchful eye on his children while visiting with customers, many of them old friends, catching up on the latest gossip since he’d last been in London several months ago.
Finally, the line in front of Catherine evaporated and she rose. That was the signal for the fathers to gather all their children and they followed their wives into the tearoom, where Stinch had reserved space for the three growing families.
Daisy and Kitty brought out numerous trays for the large group, filled with a variety of sandwiches and then all kinds of sweets. Mrs. Baker herself came out from the kitchens, something she rarely did, in order to deliver the chocolate tortes and toffee cakes to the table.
She watched Luke carefully as he bit into the first. The rich taste of chocolate filled his mouth and he groaned.
“Finish all of the torte first,” Mrs. Baker instructed. “Then try the toffee. I’ll bring you more if you wish to sample it.”
“My dear Mrs. Baker,” Jeremy said. “Are you only bringing Lord Mayfield extra sweets? If so, what do I have to do to get in your good graces?”
The older woman blushed. “You may have all you like as well, Your Grace.” She scurried away.
As they ate, Rachel touched his arm. “I hear we need to talk about ponies.”
They kept their voices low so as not to be overheard by any of their children at the two nearby tables and hatched a plan to have ponies delivered to Edgemere so they would be waiting for the older children on Christmas Day. Their plans finalized and all of the food now gone, Luke bid all his relatives goodbye and gathered up his children. Caroline spent a few minutes giving Mr. Stinch last minute instructions since she wouldn’t be seeing him for a few months and then they left Evie’s.
As the carriage pulled away from the bookstore and he balanced his youngest on his lap, Luke caught a glimpse of the young girl from the night before, walking away from the bookstore. When they arrived at the townhouse, he allowed Nanny to take charge of the children and then took his wife’s hand. Leading her to the library, he closed the door.
“I have something to discuss with you,” he said.
Caroline slipped her arms around his neck. “I love a good discussion,” she murmured.
“No, love, I really mean to talk.”
Luke removed her arms and saw the hurt appear on her face. He swept her into his arms and sat in a wing chair, keeping her in his lap. She appeared slightly mollified.
“I want to tell you about someone I met last night when I returned for your reticule.”
With that, he shared with his wife the brief conversation he’d had with the innocent-looking child who had most likely seen far too much for her years.
“I want to help her, Caroline. I’m not sure how. I don’t understand how one little girl has captured my mind and heart so.”
She placed her palm against his cheek. “Because you have a kind heart, my love. Just like Catherine’s sweet little caterpillar.” She kissed him. “We’ll go look for her tonight. After we put the children to bed. And I know exactly what to do when we find her.”
Chapter Four
Lucy didn’t know why she’d returned to the book place today. Maybe it was because of the man she’d talked to last night. He’d been nice and even told her he wanted to give her a book. She’d never held a book before, much less owned one. She didn’t even know how to read. But she’d spent a long time looking at the books in the store’s windows. They had beautiful covers. Some of the books’ pages were open and she could see the pictures inside. Of animals and trees and houses. Green grass and a shining sun. Lucy wished she could climb into the pages of one of those books and then have someone close it. She’d belong inside the book then and would never have to leave.
At first, she’d thought the man wanted something from her. Something bad, like what Jem wouldn’t tell her about. That’s why she ran from him. The more she thought about it, th
ough, she thought maybe she’d misunderstood. Maybe there were nice people in the world and he really did want to give her a book. That’s why she’d returned today. Hoping she might see him and that he would remember who she was and give her a book. He said his wife owned the store. Lucy didn’t know women could own anything. She was curious as to what his wife looked like and if she was as nice as the man. Luke. That was his name.
When she arrived, there had been so many people waiting in a line outside. It ran down the entire block and around the corner. Children everywhere, all dressed in fancy clothes. Their mamas and servants looked after them, also dressed up so nice and pretty. Lucy felt ashamed, knowing her cloak had gotten dirty and her clothes rumpled. She’d slept in an alley last night, her back pressed against the bricks, rats scurrying nearby. The ground was wet, thanks to the melted snow, and she’d sat on her cloak in order to keep her clothes dry. That had gotten it muddy and wet, though, and the slush had seeped through to her dress. Her stockings also had dirt running along the back of them now. She must have stretched her legs out while she slept.
Knowing she didn’t belong with this crowd, she crossed the street and watched. Sure enough, she saw the man climb from a fancy carriage. He helped a beautiful lady from the vehicle and Lucy wondered if she might be his wife. They went inside the book place before everyone else did. She waited and watched as the store finally opened and all those who waited eagerly crowded inside. With the sidewalk in front of the store now empty, she felt brave enough to cross the street and peered inside. She could see all the children sitting in front of a chair. The adults stood talking.
Then a carriage pulled up, the biggest Lucy had ever seen, with a colorful crest on its side. A tall man jumped out and helped a whole bunch of children down. They all ran inside the store as if they knew where they were going and she decided they must come here a lot. Then another beautiful lady stepped from the carriage. The man grabbed her by the waist and swung her down. They looked at each other and smiled. And he kissed her! Right there on the street. Lucy had never seen anyone do that. The man took the woman’s arm and they went inside.
She pressed her nose against the glass and saw the woman go stand by the book lady who owned the place and then she sat in a chair that was in front of all of those children. It looked as if she read the book to all the people inside. Lucy picked out Luke standing to the side with the man who’d kissed the woman and thought how handsome he was. She looked from Luke to the other man and thought that they might be brothers because they looked a lot alike.
Though she couldn’t hear a word being spoken, she watched, fascinated, as the lady sitting down turned the pages. Her face was so animated as she read aloud. Lucy wished someone would read aloud to her. Maybe if Mama hadn’t died, she would’ve read to Lucy.
The lady finished and the children and adults all clapped. Lucy turned away, hungry and feeling lonely. She’d found a few scraps in the trash the night before but her stomach cramped now. Though she knew it was wrong, she wished she knew how to pick a pocket and take just a little bit of money from someone. She’d never done it before and was afraid what would happen to her if she got caught. She wandered down the street and through alleys, picking her way through garbage, finding a few bites here and there. Somehow, she found herself back at the book place again and saw Luke and his family come out of it. They got into a nice carriage and pulled away from the curb. She turned away, sadness washing over her. She would never ride in style like that. Never own a book or wear a pretty dress, no matter how hard she wished.
Lucy walked away, letting the crowd swallow her up, tears streaming down her face.
*
Luke tied Caroline’s cloak about her neck and handed her the muff. She slid her hands inside it and he took her arm.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked. “It’s very cold outside tonight.”
“I’m dressed warmly, darling. And there’s a little girl out there who is cold—and needs us.”
He nodded and opened the front door of the townhome and they set out toward Evie’s. Caroline had insisted they walk, saying it would be easier to spy the girl if they weren’t moving so quickly.
As they turned the corner and crossed the street, he said, “She may not come back. We may be on a fruitless mission and not find her at all.”
“You said you found her gazing into the window last night. And you saw her again today. She’ll be there, Luke. If she isn’t, we’ll come back tomorrow during the day and tomorrow night.”
“We can’t come back every day, Caroline. We’ve got to return home. I’ve business to attend to before we leave for Edgemere and our holiday celebration.”
She smiled at him. “Then we’ll find her before we leave. I know it.”
Bolstered by her calm confidence, Luke led Caroline toward Evie’s, glancing in doorways and across the street as they strolled. They rounded the corner and he halted in his tracks.
“Is that her?” his wife asked.
“Yes,” he said quietly. Afraid she would hear them. Fearing she would run again. Would he chase her down? If he did, would that terrify her? He prayed the girl would not flee, especially seeing he was with his wife and no threat.
As before, she had her nose and palms pressed to the glass of the window, her focus on the books within. They approached without conversing but as they drew near, he called out a soft greeting so as not to startle the child.
“Hello, again.”
The girl jumped back, looking from him to Caroline, alert and watchful, poised on the balls of her feet as if she were ready to spring away at any moment.
“We met last night. I’m Luke and this is my wife, Caroline. Remember, I told you she owns this bookstore and the tearoom.”
The child nodded cautiously. She looked bedraggled now and he knew it was because she’d spent the night out on the streets. Her cloak was filthy. A smudge of dirt rested against her cheek. The neatly braided hair was coming loose. Something had happened. Wherever she usually stayed, she hadn’t gone there last evening. He supposed she’d been out in the elements ever since he’d seen her the previous night and a lump formed in his throat.
“Hello,” Caroline said, her musical voice low and inviting. “My husband told me about meeting you last night and that you like books. What is your name?”
“Lucy.”
Luke noticed she gave no last name and wondered if she even knew what it was.
“Do you live around here?” Caroline asked.
Lucy shrugged.
“Are you hungry?”
A violent shiver shook the child and it took all he had not to gather her in his arms and warm her.
She nodded.
“Well, I think we can go inside and find something for you to eat in the tearoom. Maybe a scone or some biscuits?” Caroline asked.
She pulled away from him and moved slowly toward Lucy, pulling her hands from the muff and offering it to the girl. “Here, put your hands inside to warm them up. It will be hard to hold a macaroon if your fingers are cold.”
Warily, Lucy accepted the muff and jammed her tiny hands inside. Surprise filled her face.
“It’s so soft,” she exclaimed in wonder.
“It is,” Caroline agreed, slipping an arm about the girl and leading her to the door.
Luke quickly produced the key and admitted them to the bookstore. He ushered them toward the arch but then backed off, allowing Lucy to glance at the books as they passed. He exchanged a look with his wife and saw that her heart had also been touched by the too-thin waif.
Leading them to a table after they crossed into the tearoom, he said, “Why don’t the two of you sit here and I’ll make some hot chocolate and find what Mrs. Stinch and Mrs. Baker have left.”
He thought it best to leave Lucy in his wife’s company, thinking the girl might be more comfortable with a woman. He was no stranger to a kitchen, having spent hours with the two bakers in this very kitchen, helping to prepare and sample it
ems to place on the tearoom’s menu.
He put on a kettle to boil and rounded up several sweets before making a sandwich. By then, the water boiled and he mixed in the chocolate. Placing the food on a plate, he set it and the cup and saucer on a tray and delivered it to the homeless child.
She looked at the cup with interest. “What’s this?”
“This, is hot chocolate. And it’s heavenly, I can promise you that. Be careful and only sip it, though. It’s quite hot.”
Lucy took a small sip and sighed. She took a macaroon and ate it. Before they knew it, she began devouring everything on the plate, making quick work of the meal, taking sips of the chocolate to wash it down as she went.
Caroline leaned over and whispered, “She reminds me of Cynthia.”
Cynthia had been Caroline’s only sister. The two had been close until Cynthia’s death many years ago.
A long look passed between them, understanding only the closest of married couples shared. Luke couldn’t save the whole world.
But he and Caroline could save one precious life.
He excused himself and returned to retrieve a book before joining them again. Sitting, he handed the book to Lucy.
“This is The Kind Caterpillar’s Christmas. It was written by my sister-in-law, the Duchess of Everton. It’s yours, Lucy. Forever and ever.”
The girl gazed at it in wonder, her hand stroking the book as if it weren’t quite real.
“Did she read it to the children today?”
Luke realized Lucy must have peered into the windows while the reading occurred.
“She did. The duchess writes all kinds of wonderful books for children and when they are ready for sale, she comes to Evie’s Bookstore and reads them to others.”
Lucy gripped the book tightly. “I saw her. She’s very beautiful.” She looked up from the book to Caroline. “You’re beautiful, too.”
“Thank you,” his wife said, her gaze tender as she looked at Lucy.
