Page 43 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

Chapter Thirteen

The men wentshooting the next morning so Rachel spent time perfecting her plans for Evan’s garden and then visited with a few of the other ladies who’d come to the house party. She read to Cor for an hour and then they went to the drawing room for tea. Alford announced that tea would be held in the gardens in the gazebo. Rachel smiled in Merrifield’s direction as the others oohed and aahed over the special treat.

As she’d expected, the earl came directly to her.

“May I escort you to the gazebo, Lady Rachel?”

“Yes. If you would also help Cor,” she insisted.

“I can accompany the duchess.”

She turned and saw Evan had approached. He took Cor’s arm. “Go ahead with Merrifield,” he urged.

Rachel did as he said and allowed Merrifield to walk with her to the gazebo. Everything looked lovely.

“Are you pleased?” he asked.

“Yes. I’m sure everyone will enjoy taking their tea here. It’s a beautiful spot.”

“I didn’t do it for everyone. I did it for you.”

“Thank you.”

Merrifield fetched her a cup and saucer and then servants delivered plates of food. Rachel spoke to everyone present, her frustration growing. She hadn’t had a moment alone with Evan and hoped to arrange a midnight rendezvous with him. Several of the men fawned over her and she despised them for it. Evan never did that. If anything, he argued with her. Or challenged her. Or spoke of interesting things. Rachel found herself bored and restless from keeping her smile in place.

“You know what we haven’t done?” Alford asked. “Croquet.”

“Let’s play now,” Leah cried. “The weather is perfect.”

The earl signaled a footman, who immediately left. Rachel assumed the servant would see that the wickets were set up and mallets and balls put out by the time they arrived at the house.

The group set aside their dishes and slowly made their way through the gardens, everyone remarking on their beauty. Rachel had allowed a viscount to escort her back, knowing Merrifield was dismayed. She didn’t care.

As she expected, the game had been set up once they returned. She teamed with Leah. They were both croquet fiends and often beat any men who challenged them. Today, though, Rachel’s game was off. She couldn’t seem to concentrate.

“What’s wrong, Rachel?” Leah asked.

“I think it’s how you’re holding your mallet, Lady Rachel,” Evan said, appearing at her elbow. “Here. Let me assist you.”

He stood closely behind her, causing her to hold her breath. His arms went around her and he leaned into her, placing his hands atop hers and adjusting them slightly.

Then he murmured into her ear. “Midnight. The schoolroom.”

Evan moved the mallet to the right and then struck the ball. It sailed through the wicket. He released her and, immediately, she felt the loss of his body heat.

“Well played,” Leah cried. “That puts us only two shots from the lead.”

“I think I need a lesson, as well, Lord Merrick,” a woman said. “Could you please help me?”

Rachel retrieved her ball, keeping her head averted. She did not want to see Evan’s arms around another woman. She ignored him after that, concentrating on her game.

When they finished, Leah remarked, “You achieved your old form, Rachel. I’m glad Merrick helped put you back on track.”

They waited until everyone finished play and tallied their scores. As expected, she and Leah claimed victory.

“What do we win?” Leah asked her fiancé.

“I hadn’t thought about offering a prize.” He leaned over and boldly kissed her in front of everyone.

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