Page 10 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

“Love wasn’t something I associated with him. He beat me regularly for wetting the bed. It took getting away from him before I finally stopped.”

She placed her hand over his to soothe him. Once again, that unseen electricity rippled between them and she removed it, a crease forming on her brow.

Moistening her lips, she asked, “Where did you go?”

“I was sent to my uncle’s. His son was my same age and we were headed off to school the next year. I returned during holidays to my uncle’s house sometimes. Often, I was invited here, to Fairfield, because of my friendship with Alex. This became more of a second home to me. My own residence, the seat of the Marquess of Merrick, is only five miles north of here. It became my primary dwelling starting at age thirteen.”

“So young? With no adult supervision?”

He shrugged. “I received a letter from my father’s solicitor. Father didn’t write to me directly. I was told that I was of an age to start learning about my estate.” He shook his head. “I think my father wanted me to fail miserably and lord it over me.”

Her gaze bored into him, her emerald eyes blazing in anger. “Why did he hate you so?”

It was something Evan could never tell her—or anyone.

“I wish I knew. I suppose part of it had to do with the fact that I resembled my mother. I reminded him of her after her death.”

It had taken him several years to understand what had happened in his mother’s bedchamber that night. The conversation between his parents had been etched into his mind. He knew that his father thought Evan might be another man’s child and the sight of him sickened the duke. That was the true reason Winstead had washed his hands of his son.

“That’s no reason at all,” she proclaimed. “Who is your father?”

“The Duke of Winstead. Winwood lies only ten miles to the west of Edgemere, my own country estate.”

“Winstead?” she said, her nose crinkling in disgust. “I actually met him this Season. I didn’t like him at all. He was full of himself and quite condescending to me.”

Evan chuckled. “That doesn’t surprise me. I once overheard the Earl and Countess of Alford discussing him on one of my frequent visits. They said Winstead had no respect for women and treated them all with little regard. Even his countless mistresses.”

A smile played about Rachel’s lips. “So, do you make a habit of eavesdropping? I doubt the earl and countess knew you were within earshot.” Before he responded, she said, “It’s quite all right. I’ve done a bit of it myself. Sometimes, it’s the only way to learn about something.”

“I don’t think you’ll be able to learn anything about kissing through eavesdropping,” he observed.

Her cheeks pinkened. “Oh, that. I’m sorry you had to listen to me prattle on about kissing.” She stopped and studied him. “I really think I should learn how to kiss properly, though. Are you interested in teaching me?”

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