Page 24 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

By now, the others had begun to arrive. Evan suggested he carry both of their plates while Rachel placed items on them. They went through the line and by the time she finished, he wasn’t certain he could eat everything she’d chosen.

They left the shade of the tent and he asked, “Would you like to join Lady Leah?”

She sniffed. “It’s a picnic, Merrick. That doesn’t mean eating at a table. It’s only a picnic if you sit on the ground and stretched out your legs.” She pointed. “Over here. That’s a nice spot. That tree is shading the blanket a bit.”

Rachel led him to where she wished to be and seated herself. Evan handed her both plates and situated himself before claiming his again. A footman scurried over and provided them each with a lemonade. She took a sip and declared it delicious. Then with gusto, she attacked her plate, trying the apple tart first. After one bite, she moaned in pleasure.

Evan wished he’d been the one to draw that sound from her.

“You were right about Mrs. Dunnavant’s cooking. It will be hard to find you a cook of this caliber. Remember, we should ask her if she knows of one you might hire.”

“Are you ready for tomorrow’s interviews?” he asked.

“Of course.”

“We didn’t look at Edgemere’s gardens while we were there. I’d appreciate you taking a look at them while we’re there. I’d be open to any suggestions.”

Her eyes lit up. “Don’t get me wrong, Merrick, but I hope they’re in abominable shape. I’d love to draw up plans and start from scratch.”

“I’ll bow to your good judgment.”

“I hope Finfrock found a few men who’d be interested in hiring out as gardeners. We should go an hour earlier tomorrow so I have time to view the gardens. Is that possible?”

“I’m an early riser thanks to my army days.”

“Mrs. Dunnavant seems sweet on you,” she said. “Perhaps you can talk her into having a light breakfast ready for us earlier since we won’t be able to partake in the usual buffet.”

Another couple asked to join them and the conversation turned to other things. Both newcomers were interested in hearing that he’d recently sold his commission, and begged for war stories. Evan shared a few humorous ones about camp life, keeping everything light. He’d discovered that people really didn’t want to know about the horrors of war.

He set aside his plate, having managed all but two items. Rachel finished every bite and signaled a footman. She collected Evan’s plate and hers and passed it to him, once again thoughtfully thanking him.

With her eyes closed, she leaned back, her hands braced behind her, and raised her face to the sun. If no one had been present, he would have stolen a kiss—and more.

“Would you care to go rowing?” he asked.

She opened her eyes. “Yes, thank you.” She grinned. “As long as you do all of the work.”

They excused themselves from their companions and walked to the boathouse, finding several canoes and oars inside. He handed her a pair of oars and lifted a green canoe from where it hung, dragging it down to the shore and partway into the water.

Rachel climbed into it and gracefully moved over several boards, despite the canoe rocking slightly. She turned and seated herself so she’d be facing him. Knowing how well she rode, it didn’t surprise him that she moved with such feline grace.

Evan rotated his shoulder several times, trying hard not to wince. He shoved off the boat and jumped into it, taking his seat on the bench across from her. Rachel handed him the oars and he slipped them through the oarlocks. Gripping the end of each oar, he placed the blades into the water and pulled. After several long strokes, they glided across the water.

“Is your shoulder bothering you?”

“It tightens up on me sometimes. If I stretch the muscles properly, it behaves. For a while, anyway.”

“Did something happen to it?”

“A bullet went through it.”

Concern filled her face. “I’m sorry, Evan. I didn’t know you’d been injured in battle. Did it take long to heal?”

“Longer than I would’ve liked. At least it went straight through so there was no bullet to retrieve. Of course, that left a scar on both sides. Most soldiers have many of them.”

“Were you also shot in the leg?”

He drew in a quick breath. “Is it that obvious?”

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