Page 62 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

Chapter Nineteen

The footman assistedLeah into the carriage and Rachel followed behind her, smoothing Leah’s dress to keep it from wrinkling. Cor and Catherine were the other occupants as the vehicle took off for the St. Clair chapel.

“We like your young man,” Cor said, patting Leah’s knee. “You will make him a fine countess. Tell him I expect great-grandchildren sooner than later. I’m not always going to be around, you know.”

Leah put her hand atop Cor’s. “I’m glad you approve of Alex, Cor. That means the world to me. You do realize, though, that they won’t actually be your great-grandchildren.”

Cor looked at her haughtily. “Those jewels in your ears and around your neck show you are a St. Clair. You are as dear to me as my other grandchildren, Leah.”

Leah lifted Cor’s hand and kissed it tenderly. “Thank you, Cor.” She paused. “Who would have thought two bastard daughters of an earl would find such happiness with an earl and a duke?”

Rachel thought back to how Catherine had tried to annul her marriage to Jeremy once she’d learned she wasn’t legitimate. She hadn’t wanted to embarrass or bring grief to the St. Clair family name. Fortunately, Jeremy had convinced Catherine that their love was stronger than any trite gossip. As a duke, he could behave outlandishly or even eccentrically and society would forgive him most anything. He’d used his immense power to make sure Catherine’s cousin never divulged to Polite Society the secret of her and Leah’s births.

They arrived at the chapel and, suddenly, Rachel’s stomach twisted in knots. The moment she’d dreaded for weeks had arrived. While Lady Leah Crawford spoke her vows to Alexander Lock, Earl of Alford, Rachel would stand by Leah’s side in support.

As Merrick would for Alex.

She’d refused to think of him by his Christian name, even when Alex had spoken to her of him. She’d tried not to think of Merrick at all. Of course, she’d failed miserably. In the weeks since they’d returned from Fairfield, Rachel had endured Leah’s euphoria, pasting on a smile and holding her tongue from shouting what was in her heart—that she loved Evan Drake beyond what any woman had ever felt for a man.

Leah, bless her heart, hadn’t a clue as to Rachel’s misery. Privately, she’d joked to herself that if she wished, she could take London by storm by stepping onto any theatre’s stage. No other actress could have pulled off the part Rachel now played as they climbed from the carriage and moved toward the chapel.

Jeremy and Luke joined them. Luke took Cor’s arm and escorted her into the chapel. Jeremy did the same for Catherine, leaving Rachel standing with Leah.

Leah hugged Rachel tightly. “Thank you for being my sister. My friend. My confidante. My everything.”

“Alex will play that role now,” Rachel said. “Except for the sister part, of course. I reserve full rights to that.”

“Should I be nervous?” Leah asked. “I don’t feel nervous at all.”

“No. You shouldn’t be. Alex is the man for you. He’s everything you’ve wanted. He will love and treasure you.” She kissed Leah’s cheek. “I’m going inside now. Give me a moment to reach the front.”

Rachel steeled herself and entered the chapel. She went to the left and walked up the aisle next to the stained glass windows and took her place at the front, nodding cordially at Reverend Smythe. Deliberately, she turned and faced the doors, not glancing at the two men standing before the clergyman. Her heart pounded erratically and she began taking slow, calming breaths.

Leah appeared in the doorway, sunlight striking her golden hair. The bride had chosen not to wear a veil and the guests gasped in unison, noting how Leah resembled an earthly angel. Warmth filled Rachel, seeing the joy on her friend’s face. Alex would take good care of Leah. She had no doubt about the couple’s future together.

The organist began playing and Leah floated up the aisle, her gaze focused on her groom. She arrived at the altar and handed her bouquet to Rachel so that she and Alex could join hands. Rachel clutched the flowers tightly, once again looking directly at Reverend Smythe as he began the proceedings.

It didn’t mean that she didn’t sense Merrick’s penetrating gaze. Though she hadn’t looked at him, she was aware of his nearness. Rachel almost thought she could smell the sandalwood soap that he used. Still, she refrained from looking at him the entire ceremony, tamping down her growing nausea as things drew to a close.

The clergyman pronounced the pair husband and wife and Alex gave Leah a passionate, lingering kiss. The invited guests broke out in cheers.

“The wedding breakfast will be held at Eversleigh,” Reverend Smythe shared. “I need the bride and groom and their two witnesses to come sign the papers to make everything official. Everyone else may return to the waiting carriages.”

Rachel followed Reverend Smythe to a small room to the side and was the first to sign the register. She stepped back and embraced Leah, kissing her on both cheeks and doing the same to Alex.

“Congratulations to you both,” she said.

Then Jeremy stepped up, blocking her from seeing Merrick. “Come along, Rachel. Cor needs you.”

He swept her through a nearby door and she found they were outside. She could feel her palms becoming damp through her gloves. At least she’d avoided making eye contact with Merrick.

Jeremy led her to the family carriage and handed her up, climbing in after her. The vehicle began moving once he closed the door and she breathed a sigh of relief. The worst was over. She might glimpse Merrick at the wedding breakfast but she wouldn’t have to speak to him. Catherine had planned the seating arrangements and placed them on opposite ends of a long table where the bride and groom and the family would sit.

“You’ll be the next one at the altar,” Luke teased, causing tears to spring to her eyes. “I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “Are you sad that you didn’t decide to wed at Season’s end?”

“No,” she reassured him. “It’s just that I’m so happy for Leah and Alex. Women cry all kinds of tears, Luke. Tears of joy are as common as those of sadness or anger.”

“Hmm. Something tells me I still have much to learn about women,” he quipped.

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