Embracing The Earl

by Aston, Alexa

  “How convenient that she’ll be staying with your sister so you can visit frequently,” Jeremy noted.

  “We can certainly invite her to our ball. I can also mention her to others. The invitations will pour in.”

  “That’s what I was counting on, Catherine. And something else.”

  “What?” she asked eagerly.

  “I’m to help her find an existing bookstore to purchase or property where she can establish one. I told her my dear sister-in-law was a famous author and said I would ask if you would attend the opening day of the shop—and if you would sign copies of your books that were for sale.”

  Catherine beamed. “I’d be delighted to. I’ve never done that before. Oh, how wonderful to see the people who buy my book. Why, I could possibly give a reading while at the store.”

  “That would be marvelous,” Luke said. “Caroline would like that very much.”

  “So it’s already Caroline?” Jeremy asked.

  He shrugged. “I think of her that way. I’m not addressing her as such, though she and Rachel are on a first name basis. With the time I hope to spend with her, I believe that she could be Caroline to me very soon.”

  “You are taken with her,” his brother said in wonder. “I didn’t know if I would ever see you this way.”

  “I don’t know for sure that she’s the one but I want to get to know her and give our relationship a chance to grow. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and mature. The most confident woman I’ve met, excluding present company, of course. I already want to spend time with her and have her meet the rest of my family—and I haven’t even kissed her!” Luke declared.

  Jeremy and Catherine exchanged one of their looks.

  “Then I think before the Season begins, Duke, we need to invite Lady Caroline to an intimate dinner. Only family in attendance.”

  His hand cupped the back of her neck. “A wonderful idea, Duchess.” He leaned in to kiss her.

  “Forgot dinner,” Luke said. “You two may eat alone. I have much to do before I go hunting for a bookstore tomorrow with Lady Caroline.”

  He rose and kissed Catherine’s cheek. “Thank you.”

  “I am always happy to help. Especially in matters of the heart,” she replied. “Bring Lady Caroline for tea tomorrow afternoon. I’ll be sure Rachel and Evan come, as well. Leah and Alex, too. We ladies can speak about the Season and I’ll extend an invitation for everyone to stay for dinner.” Her eyes lit with mischief. “Of course, I’ll let the others know now. I’ll pen notes to them after dinner.”

  “Be sure those notes get written because I see the hungry look in my brother’s eyes,” Luke warned. “I’d tell him no bedroom games until after that gets done.”

  “Get out,” Jeremy said pleasantly. “The sooner you’re gone and these notes are written, the sooner my appetite can be appeased.”

  Luke left, laughing. He was now on a mission—to learn everything about bookstores before he met up with Lady Caroline Andrews in the morning.

  Chapter Six

  Caroline dressed carefully, knowing she would be seeing Lord Mayfield today. Seeing what Rachel had worn yesterday made her realize just how informal her wardrobe had become while living in America. Boston claimed to be the cradle of freedom and boasted of its classless society. Caroline had quickly adapted to her temporary home and enjoyed wearing less fussy clothing.

  Being back in London, though, and wanting to become not only a businesswoman but one who could effortlessly blend into ton events meant a total revamping of her wardrobe. Though she hated to part with the coin, she would have to do so and have several outfits made up for everyday wear, as well as social occasions. Hopefully, Rachel could recommend a modiste to her. Caroline would need to see one soon in order for there to be enough time for new clothing to be made up.

  She ventured downstairs and found Rachel and the marquess at breakfast, though their roles seemed reversed. Rachel had the newspaper open and was reading aloud from it, while Merrick bounced Seth in his arms, cooing softly to his son.

  “Good morning,” she said.

  “Plenty to eat on the sideboard,” the marquess said. “Help yourself. Mornings are casual.”

  As Caroline fixed her plate, Rachel said, “I cannot believe Bonaparte. This is outrageous!”

  “What of him? We had very little news about him and the war in Europe.”

  “That’s right,” Merrick said. “You’ve been isolated and then traveling at sea. Tell her, Rachel.”

  His wife’s nose crinkled in disgust. “Boney was captured last year and exiled to Elba, an island in the Mediterranean. The fools in charge allowed him to keep a personal guard of over six hundred men. He remained three hundred days and escaped to France less than a month ago.”

  Caroline placed her plate on the table and took a seat opposite Rachel. “Oh, no.”

  Rachel snapped the newspaper in her hands. “This says he entered Paris five days ago. The little idiot will start the bloody war all over again.” She closed the paper and thrust it aside. “Let’s talk of more pleasant things.”

  The marquess handed his son over to his wife. “Let Seth soothe that hot St. Clair temper of yours.”

  Immediately, Rachel’s features softened as she smoothed the baby’s hair.

  Caroline decided to broach the subject. “Could we speak of clothes? I’m going to be in need of a modiste. Very little of what I brought back from Boston is appropriate for ton events. I also need some day dresses to go about town, ones I can wear when I open my shop.”

  “I have just the modiste for you,” her new friend said. “She’s quite busy at other times of the year but in the weeks leading up to the Season, she works exclusively for Catherine. By extension, Catherine allows Leah and me to use Madame Toufours, as well.”

  “You think she will take me on?”

  “Of course. Madame Toufours is always eager to please the Duchess of Everton and her two sisters, though I’m merely one by marriage. Catherine releases her from obligation usually two weeks after the Season has begun and then ladies beat a path to Madame Toufours’ door, wanting to be dressed in a similar fashion to the Duchess of Everton.”

  “I’m almost afraid to meet her. She sounds so grand.”

  “Not at all. Catherine is unpretentious and quite kind.” Rachel indicated a pile of correspondence sitting next to her. “In fact, she’s invited us for tea today.”

  “Oh, I’m supposed to be out with Lord Mayfield all day, looking for a place to locate my bookstore.”

  “Even if you’re on the hunt all day, you’ll be ready for some tea and cakes by late afternoon. Have Luke bring you there. It will be an ideal way to meet Jeremy and Catherine.”

  “I’ve never met a duke or duchess before.”

  Merrick snorted. “They’re just the same as you, Lady Caroline.”

  “Evan, please call her Caroline. Caroline, you do the same to Evan.”

  She frowned. “I’m not sure that’s appropriate.”

  “I’m already Rachel to you. We are going to be close friends. I insist.”

  Caroline looked to the marquess and he nodded. “Very well,” she said.

  “And that means calling Luke by his Christian name,” Rachel added.

  She felt her face flame. “Oh, I couldn’t do that.”

  “Of course, you can. He’s family, too.” Rachel frowned. “Although I’ll need to have one of the maids accompany you today.”

  “Why?” Caroline asked, puzzled.

  “You must be chaperoned.”

  “No. That’s not necessary. I went all over Boston on my own without needing a chaperone. Besides, I have no plans to marry Lord Mayfield or any other gentleman. We’ll be out together today strictly on business.”

  Rachel gave her a dubious glance but didn’t protest further. Instead, she said, “Spend your day finding a proper location. Then at tea this afternoon, we’ll talk about your wardrobe. I’ll check with Catherine and see if Madame Toufours can see you tomorrow. S
he’ll need your measurements so she can start on a few pieces for you.”

  “Is she very expensive? I mean, if she’s creating gowns for a duchess, I’m sure she must charge quite a bit.”

  Rachel waved away her concerns. “Don’t worry about that.”

  Caroline remained silent. She would have to pull aside Madame Toufours and obtain prices from the woman and then limit the number of garments to be created.

  “I think I will go visit Davy and Tippet in the stables. I want to see how Davy’s getting along and I missed Tippet’s company last night. He usually sleeps with me.”

  “Then he should continue to do so,” Rachel said as Evan grunted.

  “No, I think Davy needs the company more than I do. He’s been uprooted several times in his young life. Tippet will be a good companion to him until I find a place of my own and become settled.”

  “There’s no rush,” Evan said. “You are welcome to remain for the entire Season and beyond.”

  “Thank you,” she said. “Both you and Rachel have been so kind to me. Opening your house and offering me your friendship.” Caroline rose. “I’ll be back soon.”

  She left the house by the nearby front door and circled around to the back, quickly spying the stables. Entering them, she saw a man in his mid-forties with merry eyes and graying hair.

  “You must be Lady Caroline,” he said jovially. “I’m Brimley. Let me take you to young Davy. He’s quite a boy. Eager to learn and fast at it. A bit small for his age but already a hard worker.”

  They found Davy mucking out a stall. He turned as Brimley called his name and grinned.

  “Lady Caroline! I’m already working for the marquess. Mr. Brimley says he’s glad I came to London because he needed someone like me.”

  “You may visit with Lady Caroline, Davy, then it’s back to work for you.” The groom tipped his cap to her and left them to speak in private.

  “How is everything?” she asked.

  Davy talked without coming up for air, excited to share with her everything he’d been doing. He showed her his new clothes and where he and Tippet were sleeping. The dog lay curled up on the boy’s bed and Caroline went and loved on him briefly. She let Davy show her around the stables as he told her everything he would be learning about in the coming days and weeks. She wondered if this might be a better place for him than if she took him to work at her bookstore. It would require some thought on her part and she would definitely ask the boy’s opinion about what he’d rather do.

  Davy led her back to the front of the stables and told her he needed to get back to work. She stepped out into the cold morning and ran smack into Lord Mayfield.

  He caught her elbows to steady her. Caroline experienced a wonderful rush of excitement whirling inside her. The earl smiled down at her and then released her.

  “I heard you’d come to check on Davy and Tippet. How are they managing?”

  “Quite well,” she said, surprised to hear her voice sounded normal. “Davy already seems to be an expert on horses.”

  “Did you plan for him to remain with Merrick or take him with you?” Mayfield asked.

  “I’ve some time to make that decision,” she said, trying to calm the butterflies beating about her belly.

  “I’ve brought my carriage today. We’ve a lot of ground to cover and I’ve learned things that I must share with you before we start viewing properties.” He offered her his arm. “Are you ready?”

  “I don’t have my reticule with me but I doubt I’ll need it today. I don’t plan on buying any property without sleeping on the decision.” She placed her hand gingerly on his forearm. “Lead the way, Lord Mayfield.”

  He took her to the square, where a magnificent carriage awaited them. She deliberately averted her eyes from gazing at her former home, knowing today was the day the property and its entire contents would go on sale. She listened as Mayfield gave instructions to his driver and then assisted her inside. She thought he would seat himself opposite her. Instead he sat directly beside her. His thigh brushed against her skirts, sending a frisson of pleasure rippling through her.

  “I want to discuss with you what I’ve discovered since we spoke yesterday afternoon and compare it to how things are done in America. Or Boston, in particular, since that is what you are familiar with.”

  “Go on,” she encouraged, curious as to what research he’d done.

  “Being a member of the upper class, I purchase all of my books from a bookseller,” he began. “My library is extensive because of my broad taste in literature and nonfiction. All of my copies are bound in leather, though I know some books are bound in cloth.”

  “Aunt Evie carried a handful of books bound by leather for her most prosperous customers. Most of the rest of the inventory was in cloth or a cheaper material.”

  “Ah, so you’re aware of that.”

  Caroline sniffed. “I told you I am familiar with all aspects of the book business.”

  “Did Boston have circulating libraries?”

  “I knew of one. I was interested and would have investigated it further had I not had the opportunity to return to England. Please, tell me what you have found.”

  “Though I don’t patronize them, circulating libraries have grown in popularity in London in recent years. Several are owned and operated by booksellers. They charge a guinea for establishing an initial subscription and then a small fee for each book lent to a patron. Minerva Library is one we will visit today, one of the largest of these circulating libraries. It’s important for you to see it in operation if you want to become one of its competitors.”

  “So you feel I’ll need to not only sell books but lend them, as well.”

  “Yes.”

  “What are you looking for in setting up your operation?” he asked.

  Caroline reminded him again of how location was very important to her. She also described wanting a large expanse of plate glass windows in order to display her books and possibly other wares.

  “Are you still interested in combining your store with a tearoom?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “The reason I ask is that I have learned some of these circulating libraries have become like a club for women of the upper and middle classes.”

  “Really? How so?”

  “Gentleman have their clubs in which to gather. Women do not. Though circulating libraries require that a subscription be purchased in order to rent books, a lady can visit these libraries whenever she wishes. No fee is due beyond the subscription. Because of that, women are flocking to them, not for merely books, but for the social aspect. Some offer games and raffles. Some even stock merchandise for sale. Others have reading areas, as you did in Boston, where women are afforded an opportunity to read anything they choose. Poetry. Biographies. Histories. Whatever is available.”

  “That is terribly exciting. It gives me hope that I do have a place in the city and can help others.”

  The carriage slowed and then came to a halt. Caroline looked out the window and murmured, “Temple of Muses,” as she stared up at the multi-storied building.

  “The Temple of Muses is our first stop of many,” Lord Mayfield confirmed.

  He opened the carriage door and leaped out. She stood and before the footman riding on the back was able to bring the stairs around, the earl had clasped her waist in his hands and swung her to the ground. Her mouth grew dry as his fingers lingered and then he released her.

  “Shall we?” he asked, offering her his arm.

  She took it—and entered a world of wonder.

  The shop was light and airy, with a large front desk staffed with clerks who both sold and lent books. Areas affording seating were scattered throughout the bottom floor and several ladies sat engrossed in both reading and conversing about books. A secret thrill shot through Caroline. This was what she wanted to do with her life.

  She stopped a clerk and peppered him with questions, learning that publishers had first been wary of circulating libraries
, preferring to sell books rather than lend them out. Since the circulating libraries used a unique, marble patterned paper binding to distinguish library books from others, it was easy to see the difference in the stock. The marbled binding was cheaper, meaning the books didn’t hold up as well, and had to be ordered again from the publishing houses, allaying the fears of publishers. The clerk said these days more than half of a print run of a book was designated for circulating libraries, putting them on almost equal footing as those purchased.

  Lord Mayfield took her to several other stops. She thoroughly enjoyed her visit to Minerva Press Circulating Library, simply for its scope and size. A handful of the libraries and stores they visited had close to five thousand titles. Minerva boasted of five times that amount. Minerva Press published both sentimental romance novels and Gothic horrors. Those genres had proven to be the most popular forms of literature, which Caroline learned from speaking to another clerk. She would definitely stock many copies of those kinds of books.

  What impressed her most about Minerva Press was the colossal circular counter in the middle of the bookshop. She also noted the wide staircase that led upstairs to what the Minerva Press clerk termed lounging rooms, along with row after row of bookshelves. This bookstore also carried printed musical scores, which could also be lent to patrons, as well as magazines and graphic arts. And as Lord Mayfield had informed her, she saw a handful of bookstores carrying items for women, from parasols and reticules to gloves and fichus.

  Everywhere she went, she saw scads of women. Only a tenth of the customers were men. Already, ideas danced through her head, knowing her bookstore—and now circulating library—would cater almost exclusively to women. Because of that, she made a note of the most popular books carried. Without a doubt, copies of the six volumes of Maria Edgeworth’s Tales of Fashionable Life dominated sales, based upon what her eyes noted and the numerous conversations with store clerks revealed.