“That’s what I liked about it, too,” Paulette agreed. “I stayed up all night when I was reading it. I’ve read quite a few of Wilkie Collins’s works and enjoyed them.”
Declan paused in reflection, pondering a thought that had been with him since he finished reading the book. “Was choosing that book for me that day your way of telling me that you believed me?”
“Yes, I suppose it was,” she said, kissing him.
“Oh, Paulette.” Declan held her to him, enjoying the feel of her and the new intimacy between them. It felt good to just be with her. They lay there together in the warmth of the darkened room and he held Paulette in his arms, not wanting to leave and wishing he could sleep with her next to him all night long. The thought startled him.
“It’s getting late. I should take you home,” he said at last. “Won’t your sisters be worrying about you?”
“They won’t be home for at least another hour, so I still have some time. But I suppose I should get going.” She made a motion to rise from the bed, but he stilled her.
“Not yet,” he whispered, drawing her back into the circle of his arms. “Paulette, about this evening—”
She placed a finger over his lips to stop him from speaking. “Shhh,” she ordered in a sweet voice. “Don’t say anything because there is nothing you have to say right now. This evening with you was perfect.”
Unable to resist, he moved her hand and slowly covered her mouth with his. He could not get enough of her sweet lips. When he drew back, he smiled down at her and his heart flipped over in his chest. “If I don’t get you home right now . . .”
With great reluctance they both rose from the bed. He found the lamp on the bedside table and lit it, its warm glow casting a small circle of light but enough to get dressed by. When he was clothed again, he helped fasten the back of Paulette’s pink gown and watched while she fixed her hair. Together they straightened the bed covers and tidied up the room, before heading back down the stairs to the silent bookshop.
Before they left the shop, he took Paulette into his arms one more time and kissed her. “May I come see you again tomorrow afternoon?”
“Yes, please,” she said, her smile lighting her face.
The night air had not cooled much, but they welcomed the slight breeze as they walked the quiet streets together. He wished he could have held her hand in his the whole way home to Devon House, but he knew better than to do so. However he did manage to give her hand a brief squeeze before she turned and hurried inside.
Once again, he stood on the corner watching Devon House for some time before he made his way home.
Chapter 15
Expectations
“Honestly, Paulette, whatever is the matter with you today?” Colette asked in growing frustration.
“I’m sorry,” Paulette muttered as she pulled her gaze from the carriage window. Lost in her own thoughts, reminiscing about the night before with Declan Reeves, she had not heard one word her sister had said to her.
“I’ve asked you twice about the invoice papers, but it’s as if you haven’t been listening to me.” Colette frowned. “Are you not feeling well?”
“I suppose I’m simply tired. I didn’t sleep very well,” Paulette responded. And that was not a lie. After being with Declan, she had barely slept all night for thinking of him and all they had done together.
Paulette had soaked in a warm bath when she got home, grateful that she made it back to Devon House before Colette, Lucien, and Yvette returned from their evening out. She was even able to crawl into bed for the night without having to face her sisters, who would surely suspect something by the fixed smile on Paulette’s face.
And she simply wasn’t ready to have a discussion with them about it.
She had no idea how to explain what was going on between her and Declan Reeves. She only knew she was happier than she had ever been in her life. She felt very mature and sophisticated, harboring her secret love close to her heart.
Keeping a secret this momentous was no easy feat and she didn’t know how long she could contain it to herself. Especially being alone in the carriage with Colette on their way to visit the site of their new bookshop. She was fairly bursting with the news.
“Are you quite sure?” Colette questioned, eyeing her with concern.
“Yes, quite.”
“You know, we never did get a chance to talk about what happened between you and Lord Cashelmore in the shop that day.”
“No, we didn’t.” Paulette felt a knot in her stomach. “But I can assure you that I’m fine.”
“Well, I imagined that if you wished to discuss it with me, you would have said something sooner,” Colette said. “He seemed like a nice enough gentleman when I spoke with him that morning. Still, you have to admit that a man under a cloud of suspicion is not someone we should become involved with. So when you didn’t bring it up, I let it go. However, you seemed quite upset by him that day.”
“I was at the time, yes, of course,” Paulette began to explain. “However, I’ve not given it much thought since.” Oh, how lies came so easily to her now, when the truth was that she’d not thought much about anything else except kissing Declan Reeves.
Her sister gave her a skeptical glance and asked her the question Paulette had been dreading. “Has Lord Cashelmore returned to the shop again?”
Paulette hesitated for a moment. She hated to lie, even though she knew how her protective older sister was going to react to her answer. “Yes.”
“He has?” Colette exclaimed in surprise. “Why haven’t you told me? Has he bothered you? Shall I tell Lucien about him? That might be best—”
“Oh, no! There’s nothing to worry about. Truly. Lord Cashelmore has been visiting with his little daughter. She loves the new toy books we have. He’s been a perfect gentleman, Colette.”
Colette shook her head, a frown on her pretty face. “I don’t know about this. The entire situation makes me uncomfortable.”
“He’s actually a very pleasant gentleman. I believe all those accusations are just false and ugly rumors. You should see him with his daughter. He’s a good father. You’d like him if you got to know him, Colette.”
“But I don’t know him,” her sister pointed out. “And neither do you.”
“I didn’t think you would be so closed-minded.”
Colette looked hurt. “What do you mean by that?”
“Exactly what I said,” Paulette continued. “You’re being very closed-minded to judge another person without all the facts and without knowing his true character.”
“If his character were true, he wouldn’t be accused of killing his wife in the first place. But that is beside the point. I don’t care what Lord Cashelmore has or hasn’t done. I just would prefer that he steer clear of you. I’d rather you not be hurt by being involved in any of his affairs.”
“I’m not involved in his affairs, Colette. He’s just a kind man who comes into the shop with his daughter.”
“And he kissed you!”
Paulette kept her mouth closed at Colette’s indignation. Her sister would faint if she knew what else Declan had done with her. Again her thoughts returned to the magical evening above the bookshop. Never had she felt more alive. It was as if she had been asleep her whole life and with one kiss Declan had awakened her.
“There’s nothing to worry about, I can take care of myself,” Paulette finally responded. It was the closest statement to the truth she could come up with.
“Well, I wouldn’t be so sure of that,” Colette retorted.
Although she understood her sister was only trying to protect her, Paulette still wished she would not be quite so maternal. With three older sisters, there were times in Paulette’s life when it felt as if she had four mothers worrying over her or admonishing her or advising her when the one mother she had was more than enough. So it was with great relief she exclaimed, “Oh, let’s not talk about this anymore. Look, we’ve arrived!”
The horse-drawn
carriage came to a stop in front of a modern two-story building made of red brick, with wide, arched windows on either side of the grand main entrance. Six smaller arched windows graced the upper floor and three gabled windows peered from the pitched roof. The effect was graceful and charming. The sight took Paulette’s breath away. The home of their new bookshop!
Davies, the Devon House footman, opened the door for them and helped them descend onto the busy London street crowded with people. The day was overcast and a little cooler than yesterday; the hot spell they had suffered all week had finally broken.
Quinton Roxbury, their handsome, blond brother-in-law, stepped forward to greet them. Married to their sister Lisette, he was also a renowned London architect who had designed the new bookshop for them.
“Good morning, ladies!” he called to them with an enthusiastic smile.
“Good morning, Quinton,” Paulette responded excitedly. “Oh, the building looks wonderful! I love it already and we haven’t even been inside!”
“And there is much to see!” Quinton took her arm and Colette’s, escorting them toward the newly constructed store.
“Where is Lisette?” Colette asked, glancing around. “I know she wanted to be here.”
“She’ll be along soon. She had an appointment this morning,” Quinton said. “I know you haven’t seen the building yet, so this should be quite a treat for the both of you.” He beamed proudly. “I hope you’ll be pleased with it.”
Paulette smiled at him. “I’m sure we will.”
Releasing her arm, he opened the front door and let them in. Workmen were still painting and installing shelves and cloths were draped about, covering the hardwood floors, but it was a beautiful, modern space.
Paulette’s excitement grew as she looked with awe at the new store. It was one thing to see the architectural drawings on paper and imagine how it might look, but it was quite another to actually see the new shop finished!
“Well, what do you think?” he asked.
“Oh, it’s beautiful!” Colette and Paulette exclaimed in unison.
“I knew you would think so! Over here,” Quinton began to explain to them, “is where you’ll have—”
“Oh, please don’t tell me!” Paulette interrupted, bursting with anticipation. “I feel like I’ve looked at those plans so many times I have them committed to memory! I know every inch of this shop as well as the old one! I know where everything is. Let me show you!”
Quinton and Colette laughed together, exchanging glances.
“It’s true enough, Quinton,” Colette conceded. “She probably knows more about it than either of us.”
With an indulgent grin, Quinton bowed. “Well then, Paulette, be my guest.”
Filled with enthusiasm and satisfaction, Paulette walked the length of the store, pointing out what each area of the building was intended for. She knew exactly where the front counter would be situated, where the bookshelves were to be arranged, where each section of books belonged, where the private reading rooms were located, where the seating areas were designated, where the stationery and pen-and-ink display cabinets would stand, and how the improved layout of the store would increase sales. She knew because she had helped in designing it.
Quinton applauded her. “Well done, Paulette! Your knowledge is quite impressive. Would you like to stay and direct the workers?”
“Oh, be careful, Quinton!” Colette cried in jest. “She’s more than likely to take you up on that and be here with you all day!”
Paulette shook her head. “No, that won’t be necessary, but thank you.”
Surprisingly she had no desire to stay at the new shop all day. What she really wanted was to get back to Hamilton’s as soon as possible. Declan would be sure to come by this afternoon. After all they had shared last night, she longed to see him again. In fact, she could think of nothing but Declan. She wished he were there now, so she could show him the shop she had helped to design. He would share in her joy and excitement. She just knew he would.
“I’ve also arranged for you both to meet with the sign maker for the name to be placed on the front of the building.” Quinton paused, giving them a hopeful expression. “You still don’t wish to tell me?”
“No,” Colette responded with a mysterious smile. “It’s to be a surprise for us on opening day and will only be revealed then.”
“I’m so sorry I’m late!” Lisette came rushing into the shop, appearing a bit harried. She stopped suddenly, looking about the room. “Oh, it’s beautiful!”
“Isn’t it, darling?” Wrapping his arm around Lisette’s shoulder, Quinton hugged her to him.
“Have I missed it? Have you looked at the reading rooms yet?” Lisette asked, her face alight with interest.
They had also designed the shop to have two private spaces, one designated for reading clubs and one set up for reading lessons. Lisette had made it her mission to teach as many people as she could how to read.
They toured through the new shop one more time for Lisette’s benefit.
Quinton then continued to discuss timelines and items that still needed to be completed before they could begin installing their book inventory. Colette and Paulette also needed to hire and train a larger staff and they had all agreed that they would only employ women. As they well knew, there were so few opportunities available for females that they decided that the Hamilton bookstores would be run entirely by women. Paulette was proud to be a part of something as important and innovative as providing employment and education for women, and had a busy schedule ahead of her in the coming weeks, preparing for the grand opening in October.
“Oh, before I forget, you’ve already received some mail here,” Quinton said. “I suppose it has something to do with asking about available positions in the shop. I’ve even spoken to a few people who came in to inquire in person.”
Quinton handed Paulette a small stack of letters while he, Colette, and Lisette continued to discuss lighting options and other decorative touches. Paulette riffled through the letters, realizing that Quinton was correct. It seemed most of the correspondence was in regard to seeking employment at the shop; however, she noted that one was addressed to her personally. Glancing about nervously, she saw that her sisters and brother-in-law were engrossed in conversation in one of the reading areas and paying her no mind.
She turned her body away from them anyway. Her heart rate increased as she broke the seal and opened the letter, a growing sense of alarm rising within her as she recognized the sprawling handwriting.
You’ve been warned already to stay away from Lord Cashelmore. You’ll be sorry if you don’t. Stay away. It’s your only option if you wish to stay alive.
Quickly, she returned the letter to the envelope with a trembling hand and shoved it into her reticule. She wished she had a fire to burn it in. Once again someone had written to warn her about Declan Reeves. Who knew about the time she spent with him to begin with? Her own family wasn’t even aware of how often she saw Declan! The only person who knew even the slightest hint of what was going on in her life was Jeffrey Eddington, and he was certainly not sending her intimidating notes. No, Jeffrey would come right out and forbid her to see Declan. And no doubt it would come to that if he knew about these threatening letters.
Who would want her to keep away from Declan Reeves? It had to be someone who knew of Declan’s past. Someone who was keeping track of his comings and goings. And hers as well. For whoever it was also knew that she would be at the new building site today. She shivered at the thought. Was it the Irish authorities that wished to arrest him? No, that would be silly. What would they care if Declan was visiting a bookshop! No, these notes were personal and had to come from someone who was well acquainted with Declan. He said he didn’t know anyone in London, so it had to be someone from Ireland. His family perhaps. Or his wife’s family, which was more likely from what he had told her. Could there be another woman? Someone Declan had been romantically involved with? She didn’t think so, but in
any case, she didn’t like that someone was spying on Declan. Spying on her. On them both.
She couldn’t prevent the shiver that raced through her at the thought.
Now that she had received two such missives, she supposed she ought to inform Declan. The words were burned into her memory already.
You’ve been warned already to stay away from Lord Cashelmore. You’ll be sorry if you don’t. Stay away. It’s your only option if you wish to stay alive.
For the briefest instant she thought about handing the note over to Colette and Quinton that very minute, and asking their help and advice on the matter. However, she immediately reconsidered. No. If she told them about the letters she would have to explain much more than she was ready to share. She was not prepared yet to divulge the extent of her relationship with Declan.
Paulette decided to keep the secret of the letters to herself.
Chapter 16
Pictures
Mara Reeves sat at a table with a set of paints in front of her. Mrs. Martin had thought she might like to paint and had laid out the paper and brushes and the little tin pots of colors on the large nursery table and had encouraged her to draw to her heart’s content. Now Mrs. Martin puttered about the nursery, straightening up the growing collection of picture books Mara had accumulated.
Mara liked all her new books. And she especially liked going to the bookshop with Papa every day. She enjoyed walking with him, his hand clasped securely in hers, along the bustling London streets. She had to take very big steps and walk very fast to keep up with him, but she didn’t mind. And she liked their visits to Hamilton’s Book Shoppe.
It was nice and cheerful in the bookshop. It had little tables and chairs that fit her perfectly. And pretty Miss Hamilton would bring her such wonderful picture books and read to her in that soothing voice she had. Something about the bookshop made Papa happy, too. The heavy dark look in his eyes disappeared when they were in Hamilton’s. He smiled more. A real smile that reached his eyes. That smile filled Mara with bubbles of excitement and almost made her forget the fear that gripped her heart and she would laugh out loud.
To Tempt an Irish Rogue Page 14
