Page 67 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

“Are you disappointed to hear that I am an author?” she asked.

“Not in the least. In fact, I’m bursting with pride.”

Catherine decided she’d imagined the tension she thought she’d detected in him.

“I’ve thought we should go to Eversleigh after the wedding. Just for the week. I still have duties with Parliament in session but I’d like to show you your new country estate.”

“I would love to see it. Where is it?”

“Near the coast. Just outside Dover. I’ve spoken to Cor. She will remain in London with Rachel and Leah, while Luke heads back to finish his term at Cambridge.”

“You’re certain you don’t mind Leah moving in?”

Jeremy grinned. “If I didn’t allow Leah to move in with us, I’m sure Rachel would pack her bags and show up on Morefield’s doorstep, demanding to be let in so she could select her new bedchamber.”

“They have become good friends rather quickly,” she said. “I’m so pleased. And grateful to you for taking Leah in, along with me. And Strong and Jervis.”

He stopped. “If I had to take in every servant and relative you had, it would be worth it, Catherine,” he said huskily. “And if we weren’t on this busy square, I would kiss you thoroughly to let you know how much I mean it.”

Her heart filled with love for him. He hadn’t said the words to her—nor she to him—but Catherine knew this man did love her and would tell her in his own time.

*

Catherine looked downat the slim wedding band resting on her finger.

She was a married woman.

Looking across the room, she caught Jeremy’s eyes. He smiled at her and a frisson of pleasure rippled through her. Soon, they would be man and wife in every way possible. She looked forward to seeing where his drugging kisses would lead.

She turned back to Mr. Bellows and Countess Lieven, who were animatedly discussing Bonaparte. This would be the perfect time to slip away and change from her wedding gown to more practical traveling clothes. Strong would drive them to Eversleigh once the wedding breakfast concluded. He’d given notice to Statham a week ago and her cousin had dismissed him on the spot. Jervis was waiting until she returned from her stay in the country and then he, too, would end his association with the earl.

Catherine left the sunny room and went to the staircase. She’d reached the first landing when she heard someone call her name. She saw Statham hurrying up the steps. Unease filled her. She’d let her cousin give her away today, hoping to smooth over the hard feelings between them, but she wished she could cut all ties with him. It wouldn’t be possible, though. If she angered him, he could still reveal her secret.

He reached the landing and drew her to the far wall so anyone passing below wouldn’t see them.

“We must talk now that you’re wed.”

“I did as you asked, Statham,” she said bluntly. “I found a husband. I’ve removed Leah from your household. We won’t trouble you anymore. You can entertain to your heart’s delight. Find a wife. Be happy.”

“I’ve decided to wait on marrying,” he informed her. “I do plan to get close to your husband, though. A duke runs in the highest of circles. Being friends with Everton will grant me entrance into any event I choose.”

“Everton makes his own friends. I don’t have anything to do with that.”

“Oh, Catherine, you’re his duchess now. You wield a great deal of influence with him and society as a whole. If I have both of your approvals and you make it known, I will be able to achieve everything I want.”

“What do you want, Statham? I’ve kept to our bargain. Are you going to be a gentleman and hold up your end?” she demanded.

He gave her a sly smile. “I’ve decided to change the terms of our agreement.”

Her stomach tightened. “To what?”

“First, your affection for your sister will work in my favor. Leah is to remain with me.”

“What?” she hissed. “You don’t want her.”

“I am her guardian by law. Not Everton. She will go where I tell her to.”

“No!”

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