Page 61 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

Inside lay a beautiful pearl necklace and a matching pair of earrings. Rachel recognized them as part of the family jewels.

“Oh!” Leah exclaimed. “It’s too much, Jeremy. I cannot accept a gift so grand. These have to be St. Clair jewels—and I am no St. Clair.”

Jeremy grew stern. “You may bear the last name Crawford, Leah, but you are every bit a sister to me, Rachel, and Luke. I am a duke and what I say goes. By wearing these today, the world knows that we claim you as one of ours.”

Leah burst into tears and Rachel quickly found a handkerchief for her as she sobbed against Jeremy’s coat.

“No crying, Leah,” he said, taking the handkerchief Rachel offered and wiping the bride’s tears away. “Today is a happy day.”

Solemnly, Leah said, “I only hope Alex and I can be half as happy as you and Catherine are.”

“I doubt anyone will ever be as happy as your sister and I.” He grinned. “I’m betting you and Alford might come close, though.”

Leah composed herself and said, “I know Alex will give me jewels over the years but I want you and Catherine to know that these will always mean the most to me.”

“Here, let me help you,” her sister offered and fastened the necklace around Leah’s neck.

Once the earrings were in place, Jeremy said, “Carriages have been going back and forth to the St. Clair chapel for the past hour. I’m sure Luke is getting restless downstairs waiting for us to be the last conveyed.”

Catherine took Leah’s arm and led her from the room.

Cor rose and came to stand in front of Rachel. She cupped her cheek and said, “Your time will come, my dear. I have no doubt.”

Rachel knew her time had already come—and passed her by.

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