Embracing The Earl

by Aston, Alexa

  Morrow thought a moment. “I suppose it would be all right for you to take that. But no furniture. No knickknacks. Nothing else.” He flushed a dull red. “I am sorry, Lady Caroline, but you cannot touch the money now. If you wed, it will go to your husband. If you don’t, you may access it in two years’ time.”

  He began shuffling his feet again, much as a small boy would. “I know you have no living relatives in England. I do know of a woman who has an agency. She pairs . . . impoverished gentlewomen . . . with suitable employers. I could put you in touch with her. You could act as a lady’s companion. Or governess.”

  Mustering all the dignity she could, Caroline said, “I have a small inheritance from my American aunt that will suffice. Give me your card, Mr. Morrow. I’ll need to know how to reach you so that I can claim my dowry for myself when I am of age.”

  As he pulled a card from his inner pocket, the solicitor said, “Or if you wed. I’ll be happy to draw up the papers. Since you are of legal age, you may sign them, as will your future husband.”

  Rage poured through her. “A husband is the last thing I’d be interested in acquiring, Mr. Morrow. It did my mother no good. My father squander all of his money, leaving his only child destitute. I plan on keeping my money to myself because, at this point, I’m the only person I trust. Good day, sir.”

  Caroline stormed from the study. She fought to contain the anger, not wanting any more to spill from her onto Davy. The young orphan had had his share of woes. She would not burden him with new ones. She paced in the foyer, cooling her heels.

  She had never depended upon her father before. She’d tried as a young girl to impress him with all she’d learned from her governess. He’d brushed her off, telling her girls didn’t interest him. She’d finally given up wanting to please him, though she’d kept to her book learning. They’d never had a relationship before—and now it was too late. Caroline couldn’t help but wonder if his gambling and mounting debts were the true reason he’d sent her and Mama to America. Getting or receiving word from England had been impossible during the war. He’d gone to his own grave, not knowing his own wife had been buried in a Boston churchyard.

  She would have to decide where to go. A hotel would prove too expensive over a long period of time. It would be better to rent rooms. She would have to depend upon herself now. And she had Davy and Tippet to care for.

  A calm descended over her. She would do what she knew how to do.

  Open a bookstore.

  She understood how to buy and sell the right kinds of books. She knew how to keep her own ledgers. The book smart but unworldly Lady Caroline who’d left London in 1812 had given way to a more confident, more knowledgeable Caroline Andrews. She had no doubts that she could make a success of the venture.

  First, she would check to see if any bookshops were for sale and what areas they might be located in. Foot traffic was important. Aunt Evie’s shop had been on a busy street with many people passing by its doors each day. Caroline didn’t want to locate her store along a street where few ventured. If she couldn’t find an existing shop in a preferred location for sale, then she would start from scratch. Her inheritance from Aunt Evie would allow it. In fact, it might be wise to invest in a small house, as well, instead of renting rooms. She’d learned to be frugal during her time in America. She could do the same here. Ideally, if she could find living space above the shop, that would be the perfect solution.

  Satisfied that she could make a go of things, Caroline left her house for the final time. She didn’t need the clothing from her bedchamber. The styles would already be outdated and the gowns probably wouldn’t even fit her. She’d left London quite slender. Though still thin, she’d developed curves during her time in Boston. Her bosom definitely was larger. That would keep her from wearing anything she’d left behind. Let Mr. Morrow sell it all.

  She closed the door behind her and found Davy still sitting on the trunk, humming a tune. Tippet thumped his tail against the pavement, happy to see her once again. She stroked the dog lovingly and then patted the boy on the head.

  “Can Tippet and I stay in the stables?” he asked.

  “No, we are going elsewhere,” Caroline said, sitting down on her other trunk. Before she could continue, her eyes were drawn to the same three riders that approached the square. They were talking and laughing, two men and a woman.

  One of the men caught her eye. He sat quite tall in the saddle and was very handsome. He turned his head in her direction and nodded politely.

  They trotted up to the house sitting opposite and two grooms claimed the horses from the trio. The woman waved and smiled brightly, making her way across the square. The two men fell into step behind her.

  Caroline stood. “Good day,” she called out as the party approached.

  “Hello,” the woman said. “I’m Lady Merrick.” She indicated the man who stepped up on her left. “This is my husband, the Marquess of Merrick. We live just across the way.” Lady Merrick gestured toward the second man, the one who’d caught Caroline’s attention. “And this is my brother, Lord Mayfield. He lives but a few blocks from here.”

  “It’s very nice to meet you. I’m Lady Caroline Andrews. This is Davy. And Tippet.”

  Lady Merrick knelt and held out her hand. “Good to meet you, Davy.”

  The boy’s eyes widened. “Pl-pleased to meet you, my lady.”

  The marchioness petted Tippet. “Hello to you, Tippet. I’ve been wanting a dog.” She rose and shot her husband a pleading look.

  “You have a new baby,” the marquess said, his arm slipping around her waist. “I would think Seth would keep you more than busy. If he doesn’t, I can think of a few ways to occupy your time.” He kissed her cheek and looked as if he wished to do much more than that.

  Caroline saw the affection between the two as the couple smiled at one another, though she blushed at Lord Merrick’s suggestive words. It was obvious what he meant. She wasn’t used to hearing something like that voiced aloud, not even in America where people freely spoke their minds.

  Lord Mayfield laughed easily and said, “They are disgusting, aren’t they? So much in love that they sometimes ignore all those around them. My brother and his wife are the same way.”

  She was immediately drawn in by his eyes. They glowed as emeralds did and seemed to hold more than a hint of mischief. His jet black hair was a stark contrast to them. Caroline couldn’t get over how appealing his face was, only rivaled by his tall, athletic frame. Something stirred within her that puzzled her. Confused her. She pushed it aside, thinking she would address it later.

  “Are you Lord Templeton’s daughter?” the marquess asked.

  “I am. Mama and I went to visit my aunt in Boston three years ago. The war broke out and there was no way to safely return to England. Once word of the peace treaty arrived in Boston, I decided to return home.”

  “Is your mother with you now or did she remain behind?” Lady Merrick asked.

  “Mama passed away shortly after we arrived.”

  The noblewoman looked at her with pity. “I am so sorry to hear that, Lady Caroline. That must have been difficult. And then to have to remain in America all this time.”

  “My aunt was loving and kind to me. It was the first time I remembered meeting her. She’d left England with her husband, an American ship captain, when I was barely walking.”

  Lady Merrick took Caroline’s hands in hers. “It’s good that you had her then. I suppose you have learned of your father’s recent death?”

  “Oh, indeed. Mr. Morrow, his solicitor, is inside preparing for an estate sale that begins tomorrow. It appears Papa accumulated tremendous debts and everything is to be sold off, the townhouse and all its contents. You see, he had no relatives, and so the crown will reclaim the title.”

  “That is distressing news to receive just as you’ve arrived back in England,” Lord Merrick said. He glanced at his wife and Caroline saw something unspoken pass between them. “You’ll need a place to st
ay,” the marquess told her. “We’d be delighted if you remained with us for as long as you’d like.”

  His generosity struck her. “Lord Merrick, I am a stranger to you. Your offer is much too generous.”

  Lady Merrick squeezed Caroline’s hands. “Please. We insist. Unless you have somewhere else you’d rather go.”

  Tears welled in her eyes. “I have nowhere,” she admitted. “No relatives. Even my aunt in Boston is now gone.”

  “That is what neighbors are for,” the marquess said. He bent and lifted the trunk she’d sat upon, easing it onto his shoulder. “Luke, fetch the other if you will.”

  Luke—Lord Mayfield—leaned over and swung Davy from the trunk. “Hold Tippet’s leash, Davy, and come along,” he said easily.

  He picked the trunk up as if it weighed next to nothing. Placing it on his shoulder, he followed his brother-in-law across the square, Davy and Tippet shadowing his every step.

  Lady Merrick released Caroline’s hands and slipped her arm through Caroline’s. “Call me Rachel,” she suggested as she led Caroline toward her home.

  In a daze, Caroline went along.

  They went inside and Lady Merrick instructed a footman to summon the housekeeper. She told the two men where to take Caroline’s trunks and they disappeared up the stairs. The housekeeper quickly appeared and the marchioness told the woman they had a houseguest that would be staying indefinitely.

  “Is Davy your ward?”

  “No. He was a cabin boy on the ship that brought me here. He’s an orphan. I’d thought to place him in my father’s stables and have him trained as a footman.”

  Once again, the marchioness went to her knees so she was on the same level as the boy. “Davy, where would you like to be?”

  “In the stables. With Tippet.”

  She motioned the same footman over. “Take Davy and Tippet to the stables. See that they’re settled there.” Turning back to Caroline, she said, “They can stay, too, as long as you do.”

  Davy hugged her tightly and then followed the footman. Tippet pranced happily along beside the boy.

  “I can’t begin to thank you, Lady Merrick.”

  “Rachel. We are neighbors. We’ll be living in the same house.”

  “Not for long, I hope.” When she saw the marchioness’ face fall, she quickly added, “I hope to find lodging of my own soon.”

  By now, the two men appeared again. Caroline could feel Lord Mayfield’s intense gaze upon her and sensed her cheeks heating.

  “We need tea after our ride and all that moving,” the marquess proclaimed. “Come up to the drawing room, Lady Caroline.”

  He took his wife’s arm and escorted her up the stairs. That left Caroline with Lord Mayfield.

  He smiled and offered his arm. She took it and was hit by a jolt of lightning. Her eyes flew to his face and she saw confusion—and then satisfaction.

  “It’s this way, Lady Caroline,” he said smoothly.

  She swallowed, her heart racing and her breathing suddenly shallow. She had no experience with whatever was happening with her body. The moment they reached the drawing room, she released his arm.

  Caroline would need to stay far away from this man.

  Chapter Four

  Luke enjoyed being around beautiful women. He was used to sharing their company, especially in his tightknit family. His sister was one of the great acknowledged beauties in London with her St. Clair midnight black hair and bold, green eyes. Both Crawford sisters, Catherine and Leah, were as sisters to him now. Catherine had striking auburn hair and bright blue eyes while Leah had golden tresses and green eyes. Even Cor, his grandmother, was still dazzling at seventy-five, her lovely face bearing but a few wrinkles and her snow white hair setting off crystal blue eyes.

  The women Luke had taken as lovers over the years all had beauty in common. He liked looking at them. He never bothered getting to know them, though. They weren’t to be a permanent fixture in his life. He took what he wanted but gave amply in return.

  His entire world had changed in the last minute, though.

  Lady Caroline Andrews was breathtaking—and he wished to know her—a first for him. This was a poised woman, not some young miss pushed straight from the schoolroom onto the Marriage Mart as the Season began. He wondered if she’d made her come-out before she’d left for America, for he believed he would have remembered if she had. What a shame she’d been buried in such a desolate place, stuck while the war raged on. Not only had she suffered the loss of her mother and aunt during her years away from home, she’d arrived in England and learned her father was also dead and buried.

  Yet she appeared composed and serene, even having learned that her family homes were being sold and she was displaced, with nowhere to go. Any other woman of the ton would have fallen apart, hysterical, crying for her smelling salts. Lady Caroline calmly accepted what she’d learned.

  This was a woman worth knowing.

  It didn’t hurt that she had rich, caramel hair, streaked with as much blond as brown. Or that her brown eyes reflected warmth and a hint of humor. Her ample bosom and tiny waist also appealed to him. Her attractiveness was merely a nice addition, a bow on the mysterious package that he wished to unwrap.

  What really captured Luke’s attention was when they’d touched. The electricity between them was palpable. He’d never experienced anything so raw and real. They owed it to themselves to get to know one another. Conveniently, Lady Caroline staying with Rachel would help throw them together more often than if they merely saw one another at events during the Season.

  Luke determined by Season’s end that Caroline Andrews would be his, body and soul.

  They entered the drawing room and Evan rang for tea. It arrived almost immediately. As Rachel poured cups for all of them, Lady Caroline assisted by passing around slices of the cake that accompanied it.

  “May I ask about your horse, Rachel?” the newcomer asked in her gentle, cultured voice.

  Ah, his sister had already endeared herself and prompted her guest to use first names. That pleased Luke tremendously. It would also give him an advantage over other bachelors who would swarm Lady Caroline at the first event of the Season.

  Rachel smiled dreamily. “Calypso was a wedding gift from Evan.”

  She reached for his hand and squeezed it, love for her husband shining brightly from her eyes. Something else good, in Luke’s opinion. Lady Caroline would see what a loving couple Rachel and Evan were and what a loving family Luke came from. Another advantage for him.

  “Did you ride much in America?” he asked, wanting to claim some of her attention himself.

  “Not much. We walked everywhere. To shops. Church. My aunt’s bookstore.”

  “Oh, she had a bookstore?” Luke’s interest grew.

  “Do you like books?” she asked, eyeing him, her intrigue obvious.

  “Very much so. I was a terrible student at Eton and university but I’ve always enjoyed reading. I don’t care what the topic. I buy books by the dozens,” he admitted, something he usually kept a secret from others.

  “Then you are the type of customer I will seek,” Lady Caroline said.

  “Customer?” he asked.

  “Yes. I plan to open a bookstore in London.”

  “How interesting,” Rachel said. “Will it be like your aunt’s in Boston?”

  “I hope so. I plan to call it Evie’s, after her. She was Evangeline but everyone called her Evie. I think that sounds warm and friendly, just the kind of atmosphere I want to create.”

  “Opening a business requires a great deal of knowledge,” Evan said.

  “Oh, I have it,” their guest said confidently. “I don’t mean to sound like a braggart. Aunt Evie taught me all about her business. She sold her husband’s ship when he passed away and used the proceeds to open her own shop. She expanded it twice. During my time in Boston, I worked alongside her. I learned not only about how to sell a book to a customer but all about inventory and keeping ledgers. I even neg
otiated a lower rent for her building.”

  Luke’s admiration for her grew. “Do you have an idea where you’ll locate Evie’s?”

  “Not yet. We literally arrived in London only today. I’m hoping that I can purchase an existing bookstore. If not, I can lease or buy a building and then build my inventory from the ground up.” She looked at him. “Perhaps you can give me some pointers on the type of books London gentlemen read, Lord Mayfield.”

  “I’d be happy to do so, Lady Caroline,” he replied.

  Rachel caught his eye and he realized he’d sounded a bit too flirtatious. He’d need to tone it down in order not to scare off Lady Caroline.

  “I’m interested in a busy thoroughfare,” she continued. “One where a large number of customers would pass. I’d pressed Aunt Evie to carry newspapers and created a reading circle where people stopped by each day and not only purchased their news sheet but remained to read it.”

  “That’s a lovely idea,” said Rachel.

  “I did more. I started carrying candies—licorice, toffee, sometimes chocolates. I think here in London, with everyone’s great love of tea, I will combine my bookshop with a tearoom, as well. People can shop for their books and then stay for a spot of tea or even a baked scone. If I can find the right property, I can rearrange the shelving to suit my purpose and have both inside one establishment. If not, I will look into buying an adjacent building and knocking out a few walls in order to create the tearoom addition.”

  “That an ambitious enterprise,” Evan noted. “You will need a business manager. And a solicitor to handle the contracts.”

  Lady Caroline sniffed. “Well, I won’t be using Mr. Morrow. Before he’d even shared his name, he was already telling me that I had no roof over my head and that I wasn’t allowed to take even one small item of remembrance since everything was going to pay off my father’s enormous debts.” Her cheeks flushed with anger, only making her look all the more appealing to him.

  “Forgive me for getting so worked up,” she apologized.