The Bookseller and the Earl (The Merry Misfits of Bath 1)

Addie was fascinated as she watched and listened to the man. This subject was a passion for him, leaving her curious. When he stopped speaking, looking a bit uncomfortable at showing such enthusiasm, she said, “My goodness. You certainly know a lot about the subject. Is there a particular reason you find this subject so fascinating?”

He nodded, his earlier stiffness returning. “Yes. My son is deaf.” He glared at her. “There is nothing wrong with his brain. He simply cannot hear, so therefore, he cannot speak. He merely grunts.”

She reared back at the fire in his words. This was obviously a very sensitive matter for him.

“I agree, my lord. While I cannot say I have spent time with those who are deaf, I have no reason to believe that not being able to hear results in a loss of intelligence. I am certain your boy is very bright.”

His smile returned, and in truth he looked as though he wanted to kiss her. Almost as if he read her thoughts, the very proper, high-brow earl said, “If it was not totally improper, I would kiss you for saying that, Miss…”

“Mallory. Miss Addie Mallory.”

Lord Grayson Berkshire was still focused on his reaction when he first entered the bookstore to find this young lady with her nicely shaped derriere in the air as she bent over a pile of books. Since Margaret’s death two years before, he had not availed himself of female company, and based on his reaction to this mere store clerk, it was time he sought some.

She was pleasingly plump, the sort of woman that always appealed to him. Her curves were just enough to make a man comfortable embracing her. No sharp elbows poking him in the stomach or bony knees causing damage to his nether parts. This woman was all feminine cushiony softness.

Whatever sort of hairdo she had begun her day with, wisps of brown curls were already falling onto her forehead and alongside her cheeks. Her very creamy cheeks that right now were a bright red from his comment about kissing her. He had no idea where that statement had come from.

“I apologize, miss. That was not an appropriate thing to say.”

She waved him off, but the glimmer in her deep blue eyes held a touch of laughter, despite her blush. A woman with a sense of humor.

“You are forgiven. However, since I am unfamiliar with sign language, you must realize I have no books on the subject. But I do receive a bulletin each month with new books that have been released. I can go through all the ones I’ve received since I’ve owned the store to see if anything presents itself.”

His brows rose. “You are the owner?”

She drew herself up, but still the top of her head only reached his jaw. “I am, indeed, my lord. I own the store.” She grinned, which had him grinning back like they shared a secret of which he was unaware.

“I meant no insult, Miss Mallory, but it is quite unusual for a woman, especially at your age, to own a bookstore.” He hoped he hadn’t offended her because he was beginning to enjoy the young lady’s company. Aside from his initial attraction to her, he found her easy to talk to and was rather enjoying their banter.

“I know what you say is true, but I have wonderful parents who allowed me to choose my own path.” The smile she offered told him she did not feel wounded by his words.

“And your path is to own a bookstore?”

“Yes. I love books.” Her lovely face glowed with pleasure. She was truly a happy person, someone with whom he would enjoy spending time. Considering what he was dealing with, he could use some cheering up.

“You must be a voracious reader.”

Her smile faltered. “Um, not exactly.” She looked sad, making him want to take her into his arms and comfort her. He gave himself a mental shake. From where were all these random thoughts coming?

Leaving him with those questionable words, she continued, now all business. “I will be happy to check my stack of bulletins. Plus, Mr. Evans, the man who sold the store to me, left a huge pile of the ones he had received over the years. I will be happy to go through them for you, as well.”

Not sure why her manner changed so abruptly at his question, he was not yet prepared to finish the conversation, but it was obvious from her movements that she was ready to have him leave.

“Thank you very much. I appreciate it.” He turned toward the door and once his hand was on the doorknob, he turned back. “I would be happy to help you sort through the bulletins. I imagine you have quite a bit of work to do with running the bookstore.”

Hopefully, she didn’t see the desperation in him. He wanted more than anything to help Michael, especially with the threat hanging over their heads, but he would also like to spend time with this intriguing young lady who owned a bookstore.

But was not an avid reader.

She studied him for a minute, then said, “Yes, I could use the help, but I don’t wish to impose upon your time.”

He brightened, feeling quite silly at how happy it made him to be invited back. “I can certainly find time, and you are the one doing me the favor.”

“Very well. If you wish to return when the shop closes at six this evening, we can go over the bulletins then.” Her blush told him she was most likely not used to the attention of men, which he found quite peculiar given her lovely visage and charming personality. There were many things about Miss Mallory that intrigued him, and so many questions he’d like to ask her.

“I look forward to it.” He opened the door and took one step back and then looked over at her. “I won’t be keeping you from some prior engagement, will I?” That was a very sneaky and subtle way to find out if Miss Mallory had a young man who would be disappointed if she were forced to work in the evening.

She gave him a slight curtsy. “Not at all, my lord. My evenings are generally free.”