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Notthat much older than Eudora but far more mature.

Todistract himself from her tempting mouth, Darius pulled the paper toward him and quickly perused the three pages written in tidy script. There were approximately two hundred books. It was not a vast library by any means, but given how expensive books were, it was an admirable collection.

Nodoubt his parents could add another hundred at least, and perhaps he and his family could spread the word that they sought books for a lending library.

Dariustapped his fingertips on the table.

Fromthe beginning, his goal had always been to make the emporium a welcoming place for everyone from lord to lad, pauper to prince, doctor to debutante, and widow to waif. He hadn’t considered why anyone who could not afford to buy a book or a cup of coffee would venture inside.

Alending library provided the missing element.

Theycould open the library for the next two months until the emporium’s grand opening. He would know by then if her endeavor was worth continuing. “Let’s say I agree to your proposal for a probationary period. IfI decide it isn’t working, I expect you to remove your books without complaint.”

Leaningback, Darius scrutinized MissWeldon.

“Understood, but I think you will find the arrangement most beneficial. Even though a patron might consider the cost of a book too dear, they still might want to purchase a cup of coffee, tea, or a bookmark.”

She’dread his mind.

“Then we agree.” He extended his hand, and after a moment, MissWeldon shook it.

Shewrapped her slender fingers around Darius’s, and a jolt traveled up his arm and across his chest before spreading heat throughout his body.

Howperplexing.

Hehad kissed Eudora’s fingers, grasped their delicate length in his, and even spanned the small of her back with his palm, and not so much as a frisson had twitched anywhere on his body.

“Will you draw up a contract, LordDarius?” MissWeldon lifted her cup, eyeing him over the rim.

“No. I believe your word is sufficient.”

Hermouth parted. “Oh. Yes, of course it is.”

Wouldher lips taste of coffee?

Theidea brought Darius’s errant thoughts, tumbling back to the present, and he abruptly sat up, uncrossing his leg and bumping the table.

Startled, MissWeldon jumped.

Whyin God’s holy name was he wondering about the taste of MissWeldon’s luscious rosebud lips?

“Yes. Well, I suppose I should go, my lord. When should I bring the books?”

“As soon as you’d like.” He would write to his parents tonight and ask them for contributions. “I shall have an area prepared for you. I can arrange for a crate for book returns as well.”

“Thank you, my lord.” She stood and drew on her gloves. “I promise, you shan’t regret your decision.”

Aslong as that obnoxious goose didn’t accompany her, Darius wouldn’t.

Atleast, he hoped he would not.

Therewas still the merest worry that a library within a bookshop would siphon the sales of his books. This venture wasn’t a hobby or a diversion. It was his livelihood now.

Whybuy books when one could borrow them for free?

Butthen again, besides the most popular works currently in demand, his store would offer the latest publications, magazines, periodicals, news sheets, and other books. Considering the nearest city lay three hours away by carriage, and his was the only bookshop in the vicinity, Darius hoped book lovers from neighboring towns and hamlets would also flock to his store to buy the latest editions from their favorite authors.

Mayhappatrons would borrow a book and then wish to purchase it or another by the same author.