Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library (The Rogue’s Alliance #1)

Chapter Six

T he sky was clear that Friday morning, heralding a sunny day. Charlotte opted for a breakfast tray served in her bedchamber, a tasteful room decorated in lively shades of yellow. Her favorite color.

Edith and Louisa would meet her at the lending library a few minutes before one o’clock. Charlotte dressed carefully for her afternoon appointment, telling herself she merely wanted to look presentable. Lord Ashford had shown no interest in her appearance.

While it was true young unmarried women were encouraged to wear light-colored gowns, it was acceptable for Charlotte to wear a dark-colored Spencer, and this she did. The maroon color of the fitted jacket was an excellent foil to her dark locks and rosy complexion. A bonnet trimmed in magenta-colored ribbons and buff half-boots completed her ensemble.

Charlotte didn’t tell her brother about her appointment with Lord Ashford at Thorne’s Lending Library as she was sure he’d want to accompany her if only to get a glimpse of the marquess. All her family knew was that she was off to Thorne’s to spend time with her friends.

Edith and Louisa were already at the library when Charlotte arrived. An elegantly dressed older gentleman she had never seen before was poring over a stack of books on a long table in the center of the room. There were no other patrons in the shop.

The front entrance to the library was situated between two large casement windows. With the heavy velvet curtains drawn back, fragments of sunlight cast their brilliance across the dark wooden planks of the library floor, dust motes dancing in the sunshine.

The sales and subscription counters ran a third of the way along each wall. Adjacent to the counters were mahogany bookshelves. Charlotte was happy to see Robbie in his usual place behind the subscription counter as she worried the young man might lose his job before too long if trade didn’t increase.

“Good afternoon, Robbie,” she said in a cheerful voice as she stood at his counter. “How is your mother?”

The thin, sandy-haired boy replied, “She still has a cough, my lady, but it is getting much better. That doctor you sent around prescribed rose hip syrup.”

“That is wonderful news.” She pulled a small bag of dried cherries from her reticule. “Please share these with your siblings. My brother insists on buying them for me, and I like them not at all.”

Robbie winked at her. “I’ll be happy to dispose of them for you, Lady Charlotte.”

She excused herself and moved to the little alcove. She often brought sweets for Robbie’s family on the pretext that she didn’t want them.

Charlotte greeted her friends and had just decided to speak to the gentleman looking through the books on the table when Edith got to her feet and walked to stand beside him.

“Edith continues to surprise me,” Louisa said after Charlotte took a seat on the sopha in the alcove.

“She often reminds me that we are far more than what others see,” Charlotte replied softly. Although she liked to tell herself she wasn’t bothered by her lack of acceptance in society, there were moments Charlotte wished she had a larger circle of friends.

Since she had no desire to conform to what the ton expected of her-behaving as a brainless, biddable miss-it was best to think of other things.

Charlotte wondered if Lady Cairs had spoken with others about the shop yet. Perhaps Lord Ashford would have some good news to impart regarding Thorne’s.

The bell over the shop door tinkled, and the marquess entered the library. Charlotte felt her breath catch just a tiny bit at the sight of him. Suddenly the room seemed smaller. And warmer.

“Don’t look so flustered,” Louisa said drily with a shake of her head. “He is just a man.”

Charlotte merely sniffed in response.

Lord Ashford’s day wear consisted of a merlot jacket, striped cotton pique’ waistcoat, and cream trousers. A simply tied neckcloth, buff-colored gloves, shiny black shoes, and a beaver hat finished his outfit, and Charlotte approved of the marquess’s elegant, understated manner of dress.

Without taking her eyes from Lord Ashford, she replied, “Someday, you will find a man as captivating, Louisa. And I will be there to tease you about it.”

Louisa made a rude noise of disbelief. As the marquess walked by Mr. Thorne’s sales counter, the proprietor asked the marquess if he could be of service.

“Not at present,” Lord Ashford replied politely. “I’m here to speak with a friend.”

Charlotte came to her feet and curtseyed when the marquess approached the alcove where she was seated. “Lord Ashford.”

“Lady Charlotte.” He nodded to Louisa. “Lady Louisa. It is a pleasure to see both of you ladies again.”

“The pleasure is mine, Lord Ashford,” Louisa replied with a brief smile.

Edith was still speaking with the unknown man.

“Let me show you our little library,” Charlotte said brightly, her voice wavering just the slightest bit. “It really is a marvelous place.”

“I would be delighted.” The marquess gallantly extended his arm.

As Lord Ashford led Charlotte away from the alcove, she hoped the marquess hadn’t felt her fingers tremble when she placed her hand on his forearm.

“I see you have your own version of a bow window,” her companion said with a glance at the front windows.

She laughed softly. “I never thought of it that way. The windows do allow for quite a pleasant view of the street.”

“And Gunter’s is close by,” he added, a smile in his voice.

“It is! A selling point for sure.” Charlotte didn’t look at the marquess. She was inordinately happy to see the man and was afraid her feelings would show on her face.

Today she thought she smelled sandalwood mixed with his cologne. Perhaps the scent was from his shaving soap. She felt an overwhelming desire to rub a hand along his clean-shaven chin.

Shaking herself out of her musings, Charlotte guided Lord Ashford to Mr. Thorne’s sales desk to properly introduce the two gentlemen. After the two men exchanged pleasantries, she removed her hand from the marquess’s arm and presented him to Robbie at the subscription desk.

“I imagine you wouldn’t want a subscription, my lord?” the boy asked hopefully. “You probably have a grand library at home.”

She was surprised when the marquess replied, “I might. Please describe the fees if you would.”

Robbie launched into his speech about the cost of a monthly subscription and the number of books one could take out on loan each month.

When the boy paused to take a breath, Lord Ashford said, “Let us come to terms on six months.”

“Thank you, my lord. I will draw up the paperwork. I won’t be a moment,” Robbie replied, grinning from ear to ear.

The patience with which the marquess listened to Robbie had been her undoing. If she were to touch Lord Ashford right now, she might very well find herself hugging him. “Shall we continue with the tour?” she asked the man beside her, her hands clasped behind her back.

“Let’s,” he replied.

When they moved away from the front counters to inspect a tall bookcase full of nautical and military tomes near the door to the backroom of the shop, she said in a low voice, “You don’t have to sign up for a subscription, Lord Ashford.”

“I think I do.” He turned to look down at her. “The young man was so exuberant in his sales pitch I was completely bowled over.”

As Charlotte looked up into his striking blue eyes she completely understood for she was bowled over herself. “Robbie and his older brother work to support their mother and four younger siblings. If the shop closes, Robbie will lose his position.”

The marquess looked at her closely. “I can’t imagine you would allow the young man to be unemployed for long.”

She flushed under his intense regard. “You’re right, Lord Ashford. I wouldn’t.”

Charlotte proceeded to point out bookshelves full of brand-new books available for purchase and another bookshelf with used books. Next to the sitting alcove were shelves full of writing supplies and a table displaying assorted sundries.

“I recently visited The Temple of The Muses in Finsbury Square.” Lord Ashford glanced at the shelves of newly released novels. “There was a whole section of books devoted to female authors.”

“That is an excellent idea.” Charlotte would have to suggest it to Mrs. Thorne. Or perhaps she should leave it to Edith. Mrs. Thorne liked Edith best if she liked any of the girls at all.

The closed door in the back of the establishment led to an office, Mrs. Thorne’s domain. They were at the end of the tour.

“Although it is a small shop, that could work in your favor,” Lord Ashford observed as they returned to the alcove. He added softly, “Intimacy has its advantages.”

She felt heat on her cheeks at his words but merely replied, “I agree. After all, a crush is the aim of every hostess.”

Louisa was still seated, and now Edith occupied the other chair. The lumpy sopha would have to do for Charlotte and Lord Ashford. She took a seat and the marquess followed.

“Thank you for meeting with me today,” she said to the man seated too close beside her. “Did you find out what the gossip is about Thorne’s Lending Library?”

The marquess sat forward, his hands on his knees. “A man named James Landry is interested in purchasing the land the library occupies . Evidently, he wants to acquire as much of the square as he can to expand his business as a grocer.”

A glance at her friends assured her they looked as stunned as she felt. “Is this man trying to close the shop?”

He shook his head. “As of now, it appears he has made no move to harm the business, although I have been warned that he usually gets whatever he wants.”

“Thank you, Lord Ashford.” She sighed. “Now we know at least one person would be happy to see Thorne’s close.”

“Did your sojourn to White’s help in any way?” the marquess asked gently.

She shook her head, not meeting his gaze. “I didn’t get to see much. You know that.”

“It isn’t about the club or the bow window. Not really.” The marquess spread his hands wide. “It is about the perception of exclusivity. The idea that the place is special. You could replicate the same effect here very easily.”

“That is my idea exactly,” she replied eagerly.

Louisa gave a delicate cough and got to her feet. “Excuse me. I believe Mr. Thorne is trying to get my attention.”

Charlotte started, feeling as if she’d awoken from a spell. Louisa had done her a favor. It would not do for her to sit too long in conversation with Lord Ashford. He’d shown no interest in her other than attempting to keep her out of trouble. She didn’t want the beau monde to think she was dangling after the marquess.

“It was kind of you to come here today, Lord Ashford.” She inclined her head and then sat forward.

The marquess blinked. “I should be going. There are sessions today, and the time is getting away from me. I do wish you ladies luck keeping Thorne’s open.”

Lord Ashford rose to his feet and bowed to both her and Edith.

When the marquess had gone, Louisa returned from speaking with Mr. Thorne. “Finally. We’re alone.”

“Louisa,” she said with a groan, slumping back onto the sopha. “Lord Ashford has been very helpful.”

“Yes, I suppose he has.” Louisa retook her seat. “It sounds as if Mr. Landry may be a worthy adversary.”

Edith replied, “Forewarned is forearmed.”

Louisa nodded. “Quite.”

Edith went on to explain that the gentleman she’d spoken with earlier had visited Thorne’s due to a recommendation from Lady Cairs. “I think he came here looking for a wife.”

“Oh my!” Louisa grinned. “Did he attempt to get to know you better, Edith?”

“He was looking at a book about different types of government, so I asked him about a recent vote in parliament. Nothing scares a suitor away faster than a woman discussing politics,” Edith replied with a sigh, raising her chin.

Charlotte knew her friend was often annoyed that gentlemen did not consider it appropriate for a woman to talk about political matters. Edith declared she would never marry until she found a man who understood her interest in current affairs and politics.

“It is usually Mrs. Thorne’s place to scare patrons away,” Louisa said, leafing through a periodical.

Charlotte wasn’t surprised Louisa brushed off Edith’s statement about frightening away suitors. She often thought Louisa lacked the empathy Edith possessed in spades.

“Perhaps Mrs. Thorne has been so irritable of late because of slow sales.” Charlotte added sunnily, “She will be more approachable when trade picks up.”

Edith and Louisa looked as doubtful as Charlotte felt when she’d said those words.

Mr. Thorne left his counter and walked to the back of the shop. Louisa rushed to one of the front windows, pulled a pair of sewing scissors from her reticule and made a long, ragged cut near the edge of one of the heavy velvet curtains. Robbie merely observed Louisa’s actions without saying a word.

Charlotte hurried to her friend’s side. “Louisa! What are you doing?”

“Ensuring Thorne’s Lending Library gets new window coverings,” the other girl replied with a wave of her hand.

After Charlotte returned to the alcove, Louisa walked to the office door, knocked, and entered. A few minutes later, she returned to her friends.

“I told Mrs. Thorne I accidentally ruined one of her curtains and would be more than happy to replace it, to replace them all. She was rather nice about it.” Louisa frowned. “Scarcely listened to what I had to say.”

“She’s probably preoccupied with business worries,” Charlotte replied.

Louisa chewed her lip a moment. “That takes care of the curtains. As for the furniture- I shall have to be more creative. There are several extra pieces in the attics at Carstairs.”

“And how will you convince Mrs. Thorne you should replace her furniture with yours?” she asked.

“I’m not sure.” Louisa frowned.

Charlotte was amazed to see Louisa puzzled for an answer. It rarely happened.

Edith shrugged. “Tell her you have furniture that has got to be rid of, and you thought she could use it. Either that or you would have to give it to a charity shop.”

“That is an excellent idea,” Louisa replied.

The other girl merely smiled in response.

“Any news on advertisements?” Charlotte asked Edith.

“Mr. Thorne won’t allow me to place one,” her friend answered, crossing her arms across her chest. “He’s worried about what Mrs. Thorne would say about the expenditure.”

She reached out and squeezed one of Edith’s hands. “Edith, I know you can convince the woman it would be a good idea. Perhaps you could tell her about the new customer today. Also, you might inform her that Lord Ashford purchased a subscription.”

“His lordship has taken quite the interest in Thorne’s.” Louisa sent Charlotte a mischievous look.

She released Edith’s hand and merely replied, “Lord Ashford also mentioned that The Temple of The Muses has a book section solely devoted to women authors.”

Edith nodded. “There is a gentleman in London who publishes several female writers. I can’t think of his name right now.”

“His name is Mr. Colburn. My brother visits his library.” When Louisa frowned at her words, Charlotte said, “As you well know, I prefer not to have my family frequent Thorne’s. My brother can introduce me to Mr. Colburn, and we can find out what female authors he would recommend.”

“Why not go to The Temple and see what female authors they display?” Edith asked.

Charlotte shook her head. “William’s library is less well-known. If I go to Muses, I might be seen by people who would wonder why I deserted Thorne’s Lending Library.”

“And what if Thorne’s can’t afford more books?” Edith asked.

“We will deal with that eventuality if it occurs,” she replied, hoping she sounded more optimistic than she felt.