Page 49 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

“I’m happy to see you, Rachel.” His emerald St. Clair eyes twinkled. “Did you and Leah behave yourselves?”

She slipped her hand through the crook of his arm. “I can’t speak for Leah. I’m afraid she’s already doing all kinds of naughty things with Alford that I’ve caught you and Catherine at the past two years.”

He grinned. “And I hope to be doing those same naughty things with my wife until they place me in my grave. What of you?” He looked at her expectantly.

“No, I haven’t fallen in love, if that’s what you’re asking.”

He shrugged. “It will happen, sweetness. Don’t rush it. Don’t look for it. Love will find you.”

As she pulled him away from the coach, her gaze connected with Merrick’s. Rachel swallowed and led Jeremy toward Alford. The two greeted one another and Alford introduced his friend to the duke.

“When Alford last spoke of you, he said you were still on the Iberian Peninsula with your regiment,” Jeremy noted.

“I was until a week ago, Your Grace. I sold my commission and will live at my country estate, just to the north of Fairfield. Your sister has been kind enough to help me in hiring servants for Edgemere, as well as having a hand in designing new gardens for the estate.”

Jeremy laughed and patted Rachel’s arm. “This woman should be a general, Lord Merrick. She has the heart of a lion and would gladly ride into battle for a cause she believed in. I’m assuming your household is now up and running smoothly, with the best servants available staffing it.”

Merrick nodded. “It is, indeed, Your Grace. Lady Rachel is more organized than any military officer of my acquaintance.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” Jeremy said.

“Come along, St. Clairs,” Alford said. “Let’s get you and your things inside.”

“I’ll show everyone to their chambers,” Leah interjected. “And then I want to take Catherine and Jeremy on a tour of the house. Luke, too, if you’d like.”

Luke shrugged. “I’d rather see the stables and estate. I’m not much for looking over drawing rooms and kitchens.”

Alford laughed. “Then I will allow my beautiful fiancée to conduct the house tour.”

Jeremy asked, “Could I join the men? I’m afraid one bedchamber looks like the next to me. I’d much rather see your horseflesh and view your livestock and crops.”

Leah sighed. “Very well. You men go do manly things. Rachel, come with Catherine and me. We have so much to talk about.”

The men turned to go. Rachel could feel Merrick’s eyes burning into her.

“Lady Rachel enjoys riding so much. Perhaps she would rather join the men?” he said.

She gave Merrick a cool look and replied, “I’d rather not ride with the ball happening tonight. I want to conserve my strength for all the dancing I plan to do. I’ll accompany Leah and Catherine. Thank you for the invitation, though.”

Rachel hurried to catch up with the Crawford sisters as they entered the house. She planned to do more than dance tonight.

She was eager to put her kissing lessons to good use.

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