Page 78 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

“I know I was wrong. I’ll admit as much and then beg for her to take me back.”

His friend smiled widely. “You’ve already discovered the secret of marriage. It only took you one day. I wish I could have learned the lesson so quickly.”

“You and Charlotte argue?”

Morefield chuckled. “All the time. In the end, I apologize. It doesn’t matter if I’m right or wrong. She accepts it and we go back to being happy.”

“I’ll be damned.”

“Try it with Catherine. I’m sure it will work, Everton.” He grew serious. “It’s obvious to everyone you’re meant to be together.”

Jeremy’s throat grew thick. “Thank you. For everything.”

“Shall I summon my driver to take you home?”

“No. It’s a short walk. That will probably do me some good.”

“I hope you can work things out, Everton.”

“I do, too.”

He left and stepped out into the pale sunshine. The light still bothered his eyes some. As he walked, Jeremy swore he would never drink so much again. He would also take the lesson he’d learned to heart and never be so foolish. A marriage might survive a husband driving his wife away once. He doubted it could survive the same thing twice.

As he arrived home, he thought he glimpsed Leah walking a block away. She turned and got into a carriage. He pushed the thought aside, knowing she and Rachel were inseparable. Where one went, the other would be.

Jeremy entered his townhouse and went straight to the breakfast room, hoping to find Catherine there. Instead, only Cor sat. Her eyes widened as he came in and took a seat.

“Why on earth are you here, Grandson? You’re supposed to be at Eversleigh.”

His heart sank. “Then Catherine is not here?”

“No. Why would she be?” Cor’s gaze bored into him.

Jeremy looked into the eyes of the woman who had raised him, ashamed of what he had to share. “I’ve made a mess of things, Cor. I won’t bore you with the details. I know what I need to do, though. First, I must find my wife and grovel.”

Her gaze softened. “It’s hard when we love, isn’t it?”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

“What are you going to do to win her back?”

“Whatever it takes.” He sighed. “Have Rachel and Leah already breakfasted? I’d like to talk with Leah to see if Catherine’s contacted her.”

“Rachel had a headache last night, poor girl. She’s sleeping in this morning. Leah came downstairs to eat but she left a quarter of an hour ago.” Cor paused. “She did have a note delivered to her, though. She’s been waiting for a book to arrive at the bookstore. I supposed it was from the bookseller.”

His gut tightened. “Or not. I thought I saw her getting into a carriage a block west of here when I arrived. She might be going to meet Catherine. Do you know if she took the note with her?”

“I don’t know, Jeremy.”

Barton appeared. “Your Grace, this just came for you.” He brought over a letter on a silver tray.

Jeremy grabbed it eagerly and tore it open, scanning the contents. He dropped it on the table, thinking he might be sick again. Cor looked at him expectantly.

“It’s from Catherine’s solicitor,” he said dully. “At her request, I’m to go and sign the annulment papers immediately.”

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