Page 76 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

He sauntered off and she watched Cor light up as she and the earl began to speak.

Other gentlemen approached her and her programme filled quickly. The dancing began and Rachel enjoyed every minute of it. She’d loved dancing from the moment she was introduced to it. She even added two names to her list. Both men asked if they could call tomorrow afternoon and she had agreed.

Finally, Merrifield claimed her and led her out to the center of the ballroom floor.

“Have you danced any more after engaging the Three B’s?” she asked.

He laughed. “I like that. The Three B’s. It suits them. No, I did my due diligence and retreated to the card room until now.”

“Are you dancing any after supper?” she inquired.

“Only once. With you.”

Curiosity impelled her to ask, “Why did you ask the Three B’s to dance?”

“I thought it would be impolite not to ask them, especially with you standing right beside them. I want you to have a good opinion of me.”

“I do,” she confirmed and he smiled.

“I thought you would be with the Countess of Alford tonight.”

“Leah felt ill and decided to go home early and rest.”

“I gather she’s with child?”

“She is. It’s early yet and she’s feeling especially rotten. If I were in charge, I would have women birth the first child and men the second. I doubt any husband would want to go through the process more than once.”

He beamed at her. “That’s what I like about you, Lady Rachel. You speak your mind about the most refreshing topics. By the way, did anyone notice the rags you’re wearing?”

She laughed. “It was the first thing Lady Bethany remarked upon. I’m sure she’s spread the news to half the ballroom by now. The female half, that is.”

“No wonder so many people are looking at you,” he quipped. “Or maybe at us. We do make a striking couple.”

The music came to a close and Merrifield offered her his arm. They went into supper and he asked if she wanted to sit with her family.

“No. I see them all the time. You may choose our seats.”

“I see one of my friends to the right. Actually, your brother, Luke, just sat down next to him with a very beautiful woman.”

“Leave it to Luke to sniff out a pretty girl every time.”

They joined the table and Rachel wound up having a delightful time. Four couples made up the group and she found herself laughing most of the time at the outrageous things being said. Merrifield brought her a dessert and she protested she couldn’t eat another bite.

“Then share it with me,” he said, lifting a spoon of it to her lips.

Rachel ate it and swallowed carefully, her gaze never leaving his. He ate a few bites and then told the others they were going for a bit of air.

She wondered if he would kiss her.

Linking his arm with hers, they strolled onto the veranda. The April night was somewhat chilly since it was already past midnight. The hour made her think of her many lessons with Merrick and the thought saddened her. She hadn’t seen him tonight. After what she’d learned about him from the Three B’s, he was probably at his club, gaming and drinking.

Or in the bed of another woman.

That thought hurt her more than she cared to admit. By now, they’d reached the end of the terrace and begun to turn. Rachel gripped Merrifield’s arm.

“Kiss me,” she said.

He looked at her a long moment. “Why?”

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