Page 80 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

“I would never live with that slithering eel,” Leah proclaimed.

“Legally, he is your guardian,” Catherine pointed out. “He would have every right to claim you. You would have no choice but to reside under his roof. There was more.” She hesitated. “He wanted to marry Rachel when she made her come-out.”

Leah’s eyes widened in shock. “He’s mad to think that would happen.”

“He would keep you from me and demand Rachel’s hand in exchange for maintaining silence about our births.” Catherine clasped Leah’s hands. “I couldn’t let him have you. I certainly couldn’t see myself convincing Rachel to marry him.

“And that means having the truth come out.”

Catherine watched as her sister digested this information.

“The longer I waited, the more damaging the gossip would be. Especially for the St. Clairs.”

Tears streamed down Leah’s cheeks. “You love Jeremy enough to give him up.”

“Yes. I want to protect him. The annulment does that. Naturally, there will be gossip when the scandal breaks, but he is a duke. A handsome, eligible man with a lofty title will be forgiven almost anything. I knew once our marriage was dissolved, Statham would tell what he knew to theton. Not only would I be ruined, but you would never have a chance to wed. By leaving England, we give the St. Clairs some peace, knowing we’ll never see them again, while you and I can forge a new life. Americans aren’t interested in titles. We both have a chance to find husbands and lead a life not bowed by shame.”

Leah wiped her cheeks. “What will we live on?” she asked, worry creasing her brow.

“I have the earnings from my children’s books. Mr. Bellows promised to continue to buy my stories. He said there’s a strong possibility of having them also published in America. If times grow hard, I will sell my sapphire necklace.”

“No! Catherine, you can’t. What would Papa say?”

“He would be proud that I had the fortitude and foresight to do so. It is worth a great deal. We could probably live off of what it fetched for several years.”

The coach began to slow. She saw fear and uncertainty in her sister’s eyes. They came to a stop and Strong jumped down and opened the door.

“I see you’ve told her,” he said, sympathy in his eyes. “Don’t you worry, Lady Leah. I’ll make sure no harm comes to you or your sister.”

“You’re going with us, Strong?” Leah asked hopefully.

He winked at her. “I couldn’t very well let you sail across an ocean on your own now, could I?”

Strong helped them from the coach and said, “It’s a little after ten. We have tickets on the next mail coach which leaves at one. I know we’re early but I needed to get you and your luggage here and go back across town to return the rented horse and carriage.”

Catherine made a quick decision. She opened her reticule and withdrew a folded handkerchief. Pressing it into Strong’s palm, she said, “I want you to sell my necklace. I believe I will get a better price for it in London than Boston. With the money, we will be able to buy a small home for the three of us. Would you have time to find a jeweler once you return the carriage?”

He nodded. “I have just the right buyer in mind.” He slipped the handkerchief into his pocket. “Let me get your luggage.”

Strong retrieved Leah’s valise and Catherine’s trunk that rested atop the carriage. She’d only packed simple things to wear during her week at Eversleigh, with no ball gowns or fancy items included. The wardrobe in the trunk would be much more suitable for her new life and she could buy Leah whatever she needed once they arrived in Boston.

“You’ll need to stay with these,” Strong advised. “I will be gone for a few hours.”

“But you will make it back in time to board the mail coach?” Catherine asked.

“I’ll be back, my lady. Hopefully, in time to bring you something to eat before we depart.”

Leah took Catherine’s hand and, together, they watched the loyal servant depart.

*

Jeremy entered thesmall office, his anger barely contained. A clerk looked up, blinking rapidly several times and leaped to his feet.

“The Duke of Everton. I’m expected.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” the clerk said nervously. “If you’ll follow me.”

He led Jeremy down a narrow hallway and paused to rap on the doorframe. A man looked up and, like the clerk, shot to his feet, looking flustered.

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