Page 17 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

The bespectacled man started and then smiled. “Lord Merrick. What a surprise!” He looked to the side. “And who is this?” he asked with interest.

“This is Lady Rachel St. Clair.”

“Good day, my lady. I am Mitchell Finfrock.”

“I returned yesterday,” Evan said. “I’m staying at Fairfield for a few days. I know there are several things to do in order to open the house again. Lady Rachel had a few ideas to share with you.”

She took a seat and began firing away questions at Finfrock. He hurriedly wrote down everything she mentioned. They discussed hiring a few servants to begin with from the local village and what cleaning needed to be accomplished right away.

“If you could have several candidates gathered in two days’ time, Lord Merrick and I could return and interview them. I know he’s eager to live in his home again.”

“Of course, my lady. I can ride into the village this afternoon and put out the word. What time is convenient for you?”

Rachel looked to him. “Would ten o’clock suffice?”

Evan nodded.

“Then we’ll see you the day after tomorrow, Mr. Finfrock. I can interview the potential help while you and Lord Merrick discuss the status of the estate. I’m sure you’ll want to go over ledgers with him and talk about crops and livestock.”

“It’s a sound plan, Lady Rachel. I’m eager to share with the marquess what’s gone on during his long absence.”

She rose and offered her hand. “It was delightful meeting you.”

“The same, my lady.”

“Merrick? Are you ready?”

“I am if you are,” he replied, impressed by her efficiency.

Even as he tried to keep his eyes from her mouth.

“Give me a few minutes to look over the upper floors,” Rachel said. “It will give me a better idea of the number of staff to be hired and the tasks they must accomplish to make Edgemere presentable again.”

He was her shadow as she went in and out of various chambers. They came to the master suites and she spent more time in it as she wandered about his bedchamber and dressing room.

“It’s quite dated. You’ll need to totally refurbish it.”

“What’s wrong?” Evan looked about and didn’t see what she meant.

“Never mind,” she said impatiently. “I’ll put it all in my report.”

“Oh, so it’s gone from a list of recommendations to a report?” he challenged.

Rachel sniffed. “Men. You have no idea what goes into running a household.”

Evan caught her elbow as she started from the room. Her eyes went wide.

Damnation. She licked her lips again.

“It’s not midnight yet. But I could be persuaded to join in another lesson,” she purred.

He dropped his fingers. “We should be getting back.”

Quitting the room, he hurried down the hallway to the stairs. Once down them, he went out into the fresh sunshine and gratefully inhaled the clean air. After breathing in the musty rooms, he much preferred the outdoors.

Rachel must have taken her time. She finally arrived.

“Back to Fairfield?” she asked sweetly.

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