Page 64 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

Stepping outside, she called out to the fleeing figure. “Merrick!”

He turned and their gazes met. His shoulders seemed to sag in relief at the sight of her. A genuine smile began—and then fell. Rachel sensed Luke coming to stand behind her.

“I see you’ve brought along your watchdog for protection,” the marquess said, his face becoming a mask again.

“Have you been sick, Merrick?” she asked, not disguising her worry.

“Sick?” He laughed harshly. “I am sick of all of you bloody St. Clairs. Of life in general. I am sick at heart that I survived while my men died on the battlefield and in the hospital.”

His words slammed into her as if he’d slapped her. Rachel stepped back and bumped into Luke’s broad chest. His arm came about her for support.

Merrick turned without another word and stalked away. It took everything she had not to pull away from her brother and dash after the man who would always hold her heart.

Instead, she forced herself to stay in place.

“What on earth has gotten into him?” Luke asked, a frown creasing his brow. “Merrick was an interesting, pleasant fellow at Alford’s. I can’t say I got to know him well but what on earth does he have against us St. Clairs?”

“He had words with Jeremy just before we left,” Rachel said, the lie spilling from her lips even as guilt poured through her. “I’m not sure what it was about.”

Luke snorted. “Well, good riddance to him.” He kissed her brow. “Let’s go back to the festivities. Leah will be needing your help soon.”

They returned inside the house and saw Leah and Catherine heading up the stairs. Rachel parted from Luke and followed them. They returned to Leah’s bedchamber and helped her change into traveling clothes.

“Did you get out of Alex where we will honeymoon?” Leah asked Rachel.

“No,” she said ruefully, trying to push aside what had just happened and enjoy these final moments with her best friend. “I’m afraid I wouldn’t make for a very good spy. I think Alex wants to surprise you and that’s incredibly sweet. Besides, your wardrobe can take you anywhere.”

Leah giggled. “It really doesn’t matter. We’ll be together.” Her eyes twinkled. “I will definitely share with him Cor’s expectations regarding great-grandchildren. He loves her so, not having any parents or grandparents of his own.”

Rachel embraced Leah, hugging her tightly. A chapter was ending in her life, one she’d thoroughly enjoyed with this wonderful friend.

“I’ll write to you both,” Leah promised. “And Rachel, you must come to stay at Fairfield once we return from whatever mysterious place we are bound for.”

The three returned downstairs, where Alex claimed Leah and led her to his waiting coach. Everyone waved goodbye to the couple and then a round of farewells began as their wedding guests departed. When the last one left, Rachel declared she was exhausted and ready for a nap. She retreated upstairs and fell asleep.

When she awoke, tears stained her pillow.

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