Page 90 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Rachel prepared forher wedding day in much the same fashion Leah had. Cor sat in a chair, supervising the proceedings. Catherine and Leah fussed over the bride. They had helped her to dress and had just completed arranging her hair. Leah now bent and helped Rachel into her slippers, mint green in color. They’d been dyed to match her wedding gown. Her groom’s only request had been for her to wear green on their wedding day because he loved how her emerald eyes seemed to grow in size and color when she wore the shade.

“You are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” Catherine exclaimed. Then a strange look crossed her face and her hand flew to her mouth. She hurried across the room and knelt beside the chamber pot, where she was sick.

Leah went to her sister and helped her rise, leading her to sit on the bed. Rachel quickly doused a cloth in water and brought it to Catherine, who wiped her mouth and then dabbed it on her face.

“I’m sorry,” she told Rachel. “It won’t happen again. Once and I’m always done.”

“You’re increasing,” she said to her sister-in-law. “Does Jeremy know yet?”

“I was waiting to be sure before I told him.”

Leah laughed. “You look and sound exactly like I have these past three months. Actually, I’ve had two days in a row when I’ve kept everything down. Cor told me I’ve turned a corner and it should get better from now on.”

Catherine sighed. “She’s right. I was sicker for a little longer with the twins. About four months. I suppose because there were two of them causing mischief inside me.”

“When do you believe you are due?” Rachel asked.

“I think mid-December.” Catherine took Rachel’s hand. “I wanted to have everything with the wedding over before I said anything. I didn’t want to take away from your day.”

“I don’t mind at all. I’m delighted to know I’ll have another niece or nephew.”

“Please, don’t tell Jeremy,” Catherine asked. “I want to share it with him. I’ll do so tonight.”

“Our lips are sealed,” Rachel promised.

A knock sounded at the door and Leah went to see who was there. She admitted Jeremy. All four women smiled brightly and greeted him. Rachel noticed he carried a box similar to the one he’d brought to Leah on the day she wed Alex.

Her brother took her hand. “You have brought such joy to my life, little sister. I am fortunate that you are in my life. I’m also pleased that you didn’t rush to take a husband because you’ve found a man worthy of you.”

“You should tell Evan that,” she said. “I think he—and Alex—are still wary of you.”

Jeremy laughed. “Good. Then I’m doing my ducal job. Those two better always walk a straight and narrow path around me because they are entrusted with two people I love dearly.”

Rachel blinked back tears. “You have been both a brother and father to me, Jeremy. And I know you will be an indulgent uncle to our children.”

“I hope you and Merrick have many of them.” He grinned. “Especially since you’ve already started work on that.”

She gasped. “You know?”

One eyebrow shot up. “You do realize your bedchamber is next to ours.”

She felt her face flame. “We—or rather, I—tried my best to be quiet. I suppose I didn’t quite succeed.”

He cradled her cheek. “No, you didn’t. And I’m delighted that you’ve found a man you love so... thoroughly.”

“Stop!” she cried, punching him in the arm.

“Watch it, now, or you won’t get your gift.”

She took a deep breath and looked at him expectantly. “Well?”

By now, Catherine had crossed to join her husband and linked her arm through his.

“Catherine and I are ready to present you with a lasting memory of being a St. Clair. Even when you become the Marchioness of Merrick, we hope you will wear these with pride.”

Jeremy handed her the box and Rachel opened it. She gasped when she saw what lay against the crushed velvet.

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