Page 22 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

Lord Merrifield guided her to a bench and sat next to her. Rachel closed her parasol since they were in the shade. The men discussed yesterday’s shooting and that Alford would finish the house party off with a country ball for his guests and neighbors.

“I suppose we should get back,” she said. “I hate leaving here, though. It’s so peaceful. Wouldn’t it be lovely to take tea here some afternoon?”

Immediately, all three gentlemen assured her they could arrange for it. She had to bite back a smile, thinking how Evan would point out how easily she’d charmed the trio into doing her bidding.

Merrifield offered his arm and, this time, she strolled next to him. When they returned to the house, she thanked them for their escort and went to her room to change into a fresh gown for the picnic. Leah had gone riding with the others and wasn’t back yet. Rachel found herself pacing restlessly. She decided to go to the library and find something to read.

Once there, she retreated to the wing chair in the far corner.

Evan’s seat.

She wondered what tonight’s midnight lesson would entail. She hoped it would finally include kissing on the mouth. Rachel desperately longed for Evan to kiss her. She also hoped she could also incorporate some of last night’s kisses. Little had she known her kissing him was as delightful as him kissing her. Rachel remembered pressing soft, butterfly kisses along his strong jaw. Teasing his earlobe. That had been a wonder, that kissing involved not only tongues but teeth. She recalled grazing her lips along the strong column of his throat, thanks to the fact that he’d discarded his cravat. His smooth skin had been slightly salty as she tasted it. Inhaling the sandalwood soap on his skin, along with that musky, masculine scent she associated with him, had only enhanced the kisses she bestowed upon him.

And that chest. Oh, his muscular chest, or at least what little she’d seen of it, was a thing of beauty. She smiled, remembering the sounds he made as she kissed it. It pleased her that she affected him so. The trouble was, he also had a profound effect upon her.

No man during the Season had intrigued her as much as Evan did now. None of them had been as handsome or interesting. She’d been happy when he accepted her request for tutoring her in kissing. Now, she wasn’t so sure it had been a good idea. Although she was enjoying every minute of her lessons, she feared she enjoyed them a little too much. Rachel longed to be in his company because he was constantly in her thoughts. That’s why she kept trying to put distance between them. She didn’t think he felt the same way about her.

Her greatest fear was that she might fall in love with him—and he wouldn’t return her affection.

Rachel heard the clock chime and hurried to the drawing room so she wouldn’t be left behind. As she entered, she determined to put her heart under lock and key as far as the Marquess of Merrick was concerned.

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