Page 73 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

“Yes.”

He stopped his horse and reached over to her reins so she came to a halt, as well. “I heard last year that you wouldn’t entertain any offers of marriage during the Season. Will you keep to that pattern this year?”

“I believe I shall.”

“What if you had an offer before the Season even began?” he asked, and Rachel saw the heat in his eyes.

She bit her lip and then firmly said, “I will make a decision at Season’s end. Not before.”

“I see. At least tell me you will save the supper dance for me tomorrow night.”

“I will not,” she said and saw surprise on his face. “You will have to show up as every other gentleman does and sign my programme, Lord Merrifield.Ifthere are any vacancies.”

He grinned. “I have never been known for being early to a ball. It seems I will have to adjust my schedule.”

“Do that,” she said saucily.

The earl laughed. She liked his laugh. It came from deep within and didn’t seem false in any way. Another thing to add to her list. Though Merrifield was the only name on it currently, he did reside at the top and would no matter how many names she added.

“What if I asked for more than the supper dance?” His eyes gleamed with mischief.

“You do realize that any gentleman dancing with a lady more than once—especially on the opening night of the Season—will be scrutinized by theton. They will say he is most interested in the woman he chooses to dance with twice.”

“Let them talk. You didn’t answer my question, Lady Rachel. If I arrive early enough and you have two places on your dance card, might I place my name down twice?”

Rachel smiled. “You most certainly can, Lord Merrifield.”

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