Page 75 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

“Oh, dear. Can you rent something so that we both can take our trunks with us?”

“I can. You gave me enough money to do so. I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning and take you to your solicitor and then allow you to meet your sister.” He paused. “Where will you go now?”

“Obviously, I can’t go to Everton’s. I don’t think I should involve Charlotte in this.” She thought. “I have an idea.” She gave him an address and he helped her into the carriage.

Half an hour later, they pulled up in an exclusive square. Catherine instructed Strong to wait until she knew if she would be given refuge for the night.

With trepidation, she rang the doorbell. A most intimidating butler answered the door. She looked him directly in the eye and asked to speak with Countess Lieven, offering the butler her card.

“I have not had time to have new ones printed,” she said with calm dignity.

He glanced over her shoulder to where the ducal coach stood. “If you’ll follow me, Your Grace.”

She swept past him. He led her to a small parlor and left. Minutes passed. Her nerves grew more frayed.

And then the Countess of Lieven entered the room.

She kissed both of Catherine’s cheeks. “My dear, it is so good to see you, though I must say I’m quite surprised. I thought you were supposed to be at Eversleigh.”

“I hope you don’t think me impudent but I need a tremendous favor from you.”

The countess studied her. “If you came to me, you must need something important.”

“May I stay the night with you?”

She frowned. “Have you quarreled with Everton?”

“Much worse,” Catherine confirmed. “We plan to annul our marriage.”

A long moment passed. “I see.”

“I can’t chance seeing him. I would go to Charlotte’s but I’m afraid he would find me there. I thought about an inn but I wasn’t comfortable with the thought of staying in one.” She swallowed. “I have nowhere to go.”

“Not even to Statham?” the countess inquired.

“Especially not Statham,” she said vehemently.

The countess placed a hand over Catherine’s. “You are more than welcome to stay with us. I am going out tonight, though. I hate to leave you alone.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’m truly grateful,” she said. “May I have my driver bring in my trunk? And I would ask for ink and paper. I need to write to Everton and my sister.”

“Of course.”

Catherine was shown to a large, airy bedchamber. Strong arrived shortly afterward with her trunk.

“Should I wait for you to write to Lady Leah?” he asked.

“No. She’s grown so close to Rachel that if I send her a message tonight, she might reveal the contents. I’d rather have you deliver it in the morning. Please have your friend pack a few of Leah’s things, though, so that the valise will be ready by the time we arrive.”

Catherine stopped. “I can’t thank you enough for what you’re doing, Strong.”

“No thanks are necessary, my lady.”

He left and a servant brought her a tray with food, as well as pen and paper. Catherine hadn’t eaten all day and found herself famished. Once she’d eaten, she wrote a brief note to Leah, asking her sister to meet her outside for a quick errand. She stressed not to tell anyone in the household where she was going. Catherine only hoped Leah would do as she asked and not let Rachel or Cor know, much less Jeremy. She wondered how he had explained his sudden arrival back home—and why his wife didn’t accompany him.

The letter to her husband took much longer. As a writer who found words usually came easily to her, Catherine struggled to complete the letter. Once she finished, she read it over.

Jeremy–

You will soon hear rumors about me that will prove to be true. I am the one—not you—who entered into our marriage under false pretenses. I only learned the true circumstances of my birth after my father’s death. After discovering my delicate situation, I realize I never should have accepted your offer, much less married you without telling you who I really am. I was afraid if I did, you wouldn’t marry me. I regret being so selfish because of the pain it has caused you.

I’ve come to my senses and understand what an embarrassment I am to your family. That is why I sought the annulment. I hope you’ll understand our parting is for the best. It will give you a chance to find a more suitable wife to be your duchess and a mother to Jenny.

I’m sorry I hurt you.

Catherine

She’d decided not to go into detail. By the time he read her letter, he would already know what was being said about her and Leah. She refrained from telling him she loved him because it would be cruel to wound him even more than she already had.

Catherine sealed the letter and wrote his name on the front. She would leave it with Mr. Davidson tomorrow and tell him to deliver it to the St. Clair residence in one week’s time. By then, Statham would know of her betrayal and would, undoubtedly, spread his gossip. Jeremy would already have the signed annulment in hand and be able to get on with his life.

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