Page 5 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

“By what you’re wearing, I’m assuming you recently arrived in Hastings.”

“I did. I paid a man in a rather rickety cart to bring me this far. I meant to go to Edgemere but confess I didn’t want to face it. The furniture throughout the house is covered in sheets. I’m sure everything could use a good airing after the house being locked up tight for six years. I’ll also need to hire a staff again.”

“You can do all of that from here. There’s no need to return to a home that’s not a home yet. Besides, I must insist you stay. I’m hosting a house party. It just began today.” Alex beamed. “It’s in honor of Leah.”

“Ah, the sweet, earthly angel of your recent letters,” Evan remarked, seeing how Alex lit up simply mentioning the woman’s name.

“You never received my last correspondence, I’ll wager. Leah and I are engaged. We’ll wed at Eversleigh, her family’s home, come mid-October.”

The good news made Evan smile. “My heartiest congratulations.”

“Now that you’re back, you’ll have to stand up with me,” Alex insisted.

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“And promise you’ll stay for the house party.”

Doubt filled him. “I’m not certain that’s a good idea, Alex. I think it’s going to take some time getting used to being in Polite Society again. I’m not much of a conversationalist. What do I have to talk about? How many cannons were fired at a particular battle? How many soldiers were wounded or killed in action?” He gestured to his clothing. “Besides, this is all I have to wear. I doubt anything will fit me at Edgemere. I have filled out some during my army days.”

Alex waved his protests away. “We’ve always been of a similar size. I insist you stay at Fairfield until Edgemere is up and running. My wardrobe and valet are at your disposal. Let’s go upstairs. I’ll order you a bath and you can try on some things to see what fits.”

The tea cart arrived and they delayed going upstairs for several minutes. Evan relished the first decent cup of tea he’d had in years and gobbled down several scones.

They went upstairs and Evan had to admit that the bath was the best he’d had since he’d left England. Alex pulled numerous items out for him to wear. As he’d suggested, they still were close in size and Evan could make do with what Alex provided until he saw a tailor.

“Seeing these items gives me a better idea what I might request as I have a new wardrobe made up. I suppose I’ll need to return to Hastings for that.”

“Nonsense. We’ll have my tailor from London come in order to outfit you,” his friend insisted. “You’re a marquess, after all. You have to look your title. I have your old room ready. Lady Rachel was supposed to use it but, as usual, she and Leah are thicker than thieves and demanded they be placed in the same chamber.”

“Who is this Lady Rachel? I don’t recall you mentioning her.”

“Leah’s sister, Catherine, married Rachel’s brother, the Duke of Everton. Everton took guardianship of Leah and the two are closer than sisters.” Alex paused. “I think you’ll like Lady Rachel quite a bit.”

Evan held a hand up. “No,” he said firmly. “No matchmaking, Alex. Just because you’ve found the love of your life doesn’t mean every single man wishes to be in a wedded state. I’ve only set foot in England a few hours ago. I prefer remaining a bachelor.”

“Lady Rachel is an interesting woman. If you find you have no romantic interest in her, she would still be a good friend to have.”

The thought of becoming friends with a woman seemed foreign to him. After spending years in the company of men, with only the occasional camp trollop to satisfy his urges, Evan couldn’t fathom making friends with a lady of theton. Especially an unmarried one. Those were the ones always on the lookout for a husband.

He yawned, the lack of sleep of the past several days finally catching up to him.

“I was going to say that dinner will be served soon but you look too weary to sit and make polite conversation. Why don’t I have Mrs. Dunnavant send up a tray for you instead?”

Evan grinned. “The old girl’s still kicking around? After eating camp food for longer than I’d like to remember, anything from Mrs. Dunnavant would be much desired.”

“I’ll have my valet move some of these clothes to your room. I’m letting you off the hook tonight, Evan. Tomorrow, when you’re rested, I expect you to be your usual charming self to my houseguests.” Alex hugged him again. “It’s good to have you back home.”

“It’s good to be here.”

Evan went across the hall to the room he’d often stayed in. He and Alex had gone to Eton together and become fast friends. The Earl and Countess of Alford had invited Evan to Fairfield several times over the years. When he began staying at Edgemere during school breaks, he came even more often since only five miles separated the two estates.

The room seemed familiar, despite having new drapes and carpeting. He sat in a chair by the window and became lost in thought until a knock sounded at the door. A maid brought in a tray filled to the brim. Mrs. Dunnavant followed behind her.

“I had to see for myself that it was truly you, Lord Merrick.”

Evan hugged the cook. “If I would’ve known you were still here, I would’ve sold out and come more quickly. No one can make roast pheasant or apple pies as you can, Mrs. Dunnavant.”

The cook blushed. “It’s good to have you here again, my lord. I’ve got to get back. It’s almost time for dinner to be served.”

---