Page 82 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

Handing her one, he said, “To new friends... and new experiences.”

Her mouth was so dry that she didn’t acknowledge his toast. Instead, she downed the entire cup in a single swallow and held it out again. “May I have some more?”

“Of course.”

Rachel drank a second cup and then said, “It was delightful to meet you, my lord, but I must visit the retiring room.”

“Might I call upon you tomorrow afternoon, Lady Rachel?”

“Yes,” she said, feeling she might faint at any moment.

She took off with her empty cup still in hand, weaving her way through the crowded ballroom. She hadn’t looked in Merrick’s direction since she’d left the dance floor and had no idea where he was. Getting to her destination without him intercepting her became her goal.

Joining a group of ladies, she managed to wriggle her way into the middle of them as they headed to the retiring room. She entered and went to a corner, leaning against the wall as she faced away from everyone. Seeing Merrick was as if someone had punched her in the gut. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t think. Bloody hell. Why had he come tonight?

And why did he have to look so impossibly handsome?

Rachel remained where she was, sensing women come and go. No one approached her, for which she was grateful. Still, she couldn’t remain in here forever. Already, she had missed several dances and disappointed who knows how many men who’d sought to partner with her.

She was through with hiding. She wasn’t some scared rabbit. She’d done nothing wrong. Nothing at all.

Except love a man who didn’t return the same feelings.

She refused to give in to the fear that raced through her. She would not be afraid. She would return to the gathering. Dance. Laugh. Enjoy herself as all guests should. If she saw Merrick again, so be it. She would boldly look him in the eye and move on.

Emerging from the retiring room, she ran into Leah, who looked pale.

“Are you going to be sick? Would you like me to stay with you?”

“No. I was actually worried about you. You disappeared and no one knew where you’d gone. I thought to check here to see if you were all right.”

“I was feeling a bit fatigued after exerting myself but I’m fine now,” she lied.

Leah looked at her in disbelief. “You can out dance anyone in that ballroom, Rachel St. Clair.”

She linked her arm through Leah’s and pulled her back toward the direction of the music.

“Drop it, Leah. We’re returning to the festivities. I’m fine. That’s all you need to know.”

Rachel urged her friend on and then she spied Alex and Luke. They joined the pair and then, out of nowhere, Merrifield appeared. “It’s time for our dance.”

“Good,” she declared. “I’ve looked forward to it.”

The music began and they took to the dance floor. Rachel made sure to concentrate on Merrifield’s face. They chatted easily as they danced. Her familiarity with him made her comfortable. This is the man she would wed. Merrifield would never let her down. He’d never bring turmoil into her life. He was dependable. Likeable.

And kissable.

She looked into his eyes and asked, “What do you see tonight?”

He gave her a slow smile. “The most beautiful woman in the room. In my arms.”

“Anything else?”

He cocked his head. “Perhaps a woman who wishes to be kissed, I think.”

“I was right. You are astute.”

“And handsome,” he quipped.

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