Page 16 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

They rode to the pond and he dismounted. Walking to her, he held his hands out and captured her waist in them. Evan lifted her from the saddle and placed her on the ground. Reluctantly, he released her. She licked her lips and he thought of last night’s first lesson. He decided she did it unconsciously and ignored her.

After the horses drank, they took the reins in hand and led them back toward the house. Evan hitched both to a nearby rail and approached the door. He didn’t have a key. It had been ages since he needed one.

She sensed his hesitation. “Either it’ll be open or you can simply break a window. After all, you own the place.”

He tried the handle and found it unlocked. “I remember that Finfrock was going to keep using the office while I was away. He may even be in here now.”

“Let’s look around first,” she suggested.

Evan left the front door open as they entered. They wandered from room to room, sheets covering all of the furniture, giving it a ghostly look.

“Everything looks in good condition,” Rachel noted. “No apparent cracks. No peeling paint. No broken windows. Of course, you’ll need an army of servants to get it ready for you to inhabit. They’ll need to beat carpets and clean drapes and air out all of the rooms. You’ll most likely need new sheets.”

They reached the kitchen and she began lifting pans and examining mixing bowls and whisks. Evan watched her as she mentally catalogued things.

“Your kitchen is dusty but has most of the goods you need.”

“If only I can find my Mrs. Dunnavant,” he said.

“Who?”

“She’s the Fairfield cook. I’ve always been partial to her food.”

“Last night’s meal was excellent,” she agreed. “Why don’t you ask her? She might know of someone who is available to take the position. If she doesn’t, you might have to go as far as Hastings. Especially to find a good butler. They are worth their weight in gold.”

“Do you know anything about hiring cooks and maids?”

She eagerly asked, “Are you asking for my help? If you are, I’d certainly like to get Edgemere up and running. This is the thing women are prepared for all of our lives.” She paused. “I’d first check with Finfrock. He will know of people in the local village and if any could be used as maids or footmen. Grooms, too. You’ll definitely need to restock your stables. I know horses. We could go to Tattersall’s and choose some,” she said excitedly.

“Not so fast. Let me stick closer to home before you have us journeying to London.”

“When we return to Fairfield, I’ll compose of list of what you need to do. Hiring staff. Restocking your wine cellar. Things of that nature.” Rachel rubbed her hands in glee. “Oh, I do love a project.”

He frowned deeply. Edgemere washishouse—not hers—yet she already ordered him about as if she were its countess and he a mere servant. Yet how was he supposed to stop such a force of nature as the very audacious Lady Rachel St. Clair?

Before he could think of a diplomatic way to rein her in, he watched her face fall. All enthusiasm that had been present fled. In fact, she looked as if she might burst into tears at any moment.

“I’m sorry, Evan,” she began, blinking rapidly. “I’ve always jumped in wholeheartedly when something’s caught my attention. I apologize for being so presumptuous. Telling you what servants needed hiring and what to buy. Demanding you purchase horses at Tattersall’s. Giving you advice about your cook. That was arrogant of me.”

Rachel paused. “I’m not usually so high-handed. I realize it’s not my place to act as if I am in charge. Edgemere needs your touch. Not mine. I’m sorry I became carried away.” She looked miserable now.

What had bothered Evan mere moments ago changed with her words. Rachel was right. She knew about so many things that he’d never thought to consider—and how to right them.

“No, Rachel. I would appreciate your help in getting Edgemere livable. More than livable. I want it to shine as both a house and a home. Being a soldier didn’t prepare me for this day. I could use all the advice I could get.” He smiled reassuringly. “Especially from someone as knowledgeable as you.”

He watched the tension which had filled her body leave. She relaxed and rewarded him with a brilliant smile. One that made his heart flutter wildly. One that made him want to kiss her.

Lessons be damned.

“We should find Finfrock,” he said gruffly, tamping down the desire that had sneaked up on him. “Come.”

Evan hurried out of the kitchen. Seeing her excitement was doing odd things to his insides.

Like wanting to move up tonight’s lesson. To now.

He strode toward the office and found Finfrock laboring over ledgers.

“Good morning, Finfrock.”

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