Page 52 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

It was a terrific kiss—if she hadn’t already known Merrick’s.

Merrifield smelled wonderful. He tasted of mint. He was intuitive enough to know what a woman needed. His kiss was much better than Michaels’.

But not as moving as Merrick’s.

She had to forget Merrick.

If she could.

Rachel broke the kiss, out of breath. Merrifield’s eyes gleamed and his smile showed those lovely, even, white teeth of his.

“Is anyone courting you, Lady Rachel?” he asked huskily, his hands still holding her waist.

“No.”

“Hmm. I thought Merrick might be. You’ve spent quite a bit of time with him this past week. I thought I sensed something between you.”

“We have been thrown together. I love organizing things and have helped him get Edgemere up and running. Merrick has no other woman in his life—no mother, no sister—who could aid him. I was happy to help Alford’s closest friend because of Leah.”

His thumbs began stroking her. “May I court you?”

Rachel’s heart still hurt too much to allow any man to grow close to her. Still, Merrifield had great potential. He was kind. He was rich. He made her laugh.

“I won’t be having anyone try to woo me until next Season,” she said. “I want to help Leah with all her wedding arrangements and then I have several family obligations to attend to.” She paused. “Will you be in London next spring when the Season begins?”

“I will... if you are.”

She smiled brightly. “Then I will look forward to getting to know you better then, my lord.”

He released her. “Plan on seeing a lot of me, Lady Rachel. I know you enjoy dancing and riding. What about the theatre?”

“It’s one of my favorite things to attend while in London.”

“Good. Plan on us going to the theatre the first week.”

“Only if Jeremy and Catherine accompany us.”

Merrifield smiled indulgently. “That can be arranged.” He offered her his arm. “Shall we return inside?”

Rachel slipped her hand through the crook of his arm and accompanied him as they slowly strolled toward the French doors leading to the ballroom. As they entered, she glanced around.

And saw Merrick glaring at her.

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