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

They went downstairs, where Alford awaited them. He’d taken to walking around the block and riding to events in the Everton carriage ever since his and Leah’s engagement was announced two weeks ago. They would be married in mid-October at Eversleigh. It struck Rachel how lonely she would be with Leah gone. They spent practically every waking moment together.

And what if another Season came and went and she still didn’t fall in love? Would desperation set in? Would she become one of those women who were on the shelf and never wed? An unmarried woman who served as an aunt, going from house to house and mothering other people’s children since she had none of her own?

She shuddered at the thought. Why couldn’t she do what most every other young lady of thetondid during their come-out and simply set her cap for the highest title and wealthiest man? Most everyone married. Love rarely had anything to do with engagements and marriages. Joining family fortunes and uniting family names were the games played. Leah was merely one of the lucky ones who’d found her soulmate.

“You look beautiful, my dear,” Alford said with admiring eyes as they reached the bottom of the staircase. He captured Leah’s hand and kissed it. Being a true gentleman, he turned to Rachel. “That lavender is quite lovely on you, Rachel.”

“Thank you,” she said sweetly although she doubted the earl heard it. He’d already turned back to Leah.

“Come along, Duchess.”

She looked up and saw her brother and his wife coming down the stairs. Rachel wished, for a moment, she could have her sister-in-law’s striking auburn hair and bright blue eyes. Maybe that would have gained her attention from the right man. No, the right man for her would be attracted to her and no other.

“I don’t need to hurry,” Catherine admonished. “The twins are in bed asleep. Finally. I read to Jenny and she, too, is now in bed. We have all the time in the world, Duke. Let me savor it.”

Rachel chuckled. They were the only two she knew of that used their titles in such a teasing manner. That was another thing. She’d absolutely have to find a man who possessed a sense of humor. Laughter was a way of life in the St. Clair household and she refused to go anywhere gloomy. She would also need someone intelligent. Charm was definitely a plus. She didn’t care much about looks but her future husband definitely needed to be a good kisser. If she was going to kiss him as much as Catherine and Leah seemed to kiss their men, he better be skilled at it.

“I see you’re already here, Alford,” Jeremy said. “You seem to be underfoot all the time.”

“If you’d allow me to sleep on your stairs, Everton, I’d do so. That way I could see Leah first thing in the morning when she came down to breakfast.”

Her brother snorted. “You’re alreadyatbreakfast every morning when she arrives, eating me out of house and home.”

Catherine swatted Jeremy with her fan. “Go easy on him, Duke. He can’t help being in love with my sister.” She smiled at Leah, her happiness at the match between her sister and Alford obvious.

Barton handed Jeremy his hat and opened the door. “Have a pleasant evening, Your Grace.”

Rachel was last out the door and Barton said, “If he’s not there tonight, Lady Rachel, the right one will turn up when you least expect it.”

“I know,” she said with more confidence than she felt. “Thank you, Barton.”

In the carriage, Alford said, “I’ve had a brilliant idea.”

“You may not marry Leah earlier than October,” Catherine cautioned. “Too much planning is going into this wedding and too much is left to be done.”

“I understand, Your Grace.” He smiled at his fiancée and then said, “It’s ten weeks until our wedding. I don’t think I can go that long without seeing Leah at least a few times.”

“You’re welcome to come visit at Eversleigh,” Jeremy said. “We would not keep the two of you apart deliberately.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. What I had in mind was a way to introduce Leah to Fairfield since she’s never seen it. I’ve decided to hold a house party in three weeks. That way, Leah can come to know Fairfield and some of our neighbors before we wed. I’ve already begun to draw up a list of names to invite. We can hunt and play games and enjoy music.”

Leah beamed. “That is a magnificent idea, Alex.” She looked to Catherine. “Would it be possible for Rachel and me to go? I don’t want to leave if you need me for the wedding planning.”

“Actually, I think it would do you good. After three weeks away from London and Alford, I’m sure you’d be moping about. We’ll already have done your first dress fitting. We can do another once you return. Of course, you’ll need a chaperone since Alford’s parents are no longer with us. I’m sure Cor would be happy to accompany you two.” Catherine turned to the earl. “How long are you thinking it will run?”

“I think two weeks would be a perfect amount of time. That would put us at the halfway mark until the wedding by the time the house party ended.”

“Then you could come visit Eversleigh two weeks after that,” Leah said. “I think that would be splendid.” She looked at Rachel. “What do you think?”

“I’m eager to see Fairfield. It will be nice to have in my mind what it looks like so I can picture you there.”

“Fairfield will be your second home, Rachel, won’t it, Alex?” Leah asked.

“I expect Lady Rachel will visit often,” Alford concurred.

“Maybe you’ll find someone at Fairfield,” Leah said hopefully.

Rachel doubted it but smiled. “You never know. It’s when you least expect it.”

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