Page 91 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Catherine didn’t likewhat Jeremy had planned. Not one bit.

The carriage hit a bump and she bounced off the seat. He quickly caught her and pulled her back—into his lap.

Looping her arms about his neck, she said, “I can’t always go riding in your lap.”

“I love you,” he said sweetly.

“I’m beginning to wish I hadn’t reminded you this morning.”

He brushed his lips softly against hers in reply.

She pulled away. “Do we really have to go see Statham?” she pleaded.

Her husband’s green eyes grew hard. “Yes.”

“Must you challenge him to a duel?”

“It may not come to that,” Jeremy said.

Catherine hoped it wouldn’t.

They arrived at what once had been her home in London. She’d spent spring and summer in the city each year while her father conducted business in Parliament. The structure before her looked so familiar and yet seemed oddly cold.

Jeremy handed her down and she saw Morefield waiting for them. The only reason he would be present would be as Jeremy’s second. Dread filled her.

Morefield greeted them and her husband handed his friend a letter. She saw Statham’s name on it.

“Wait outside,” Jeremy cautioned. “I hope it won’t come to issuing Statham a challenge but if it does, then I will indicate you are to deliver it to him.”

“Can I ask what this is about, Everton? What slight Statham might have caused?”

“You may not,” Jeremy said curtly.

Morefield’s eyes met hers. Catherine shrugged helplessly. He had to know somehow that the possible duel involved her.

“We’ll return shortly,” Jeremy said, taking her arm and escorting her to the door.

He rang the bell. Jervis answered it, his eyes widening in surprise.

“We wish to see Lord Statham,” Jeremy said.

“Please, come in, Your Graces,” Jervis said.

They entered the foyer and Jeremy produced his card, which he gave to the butler.

“My wife would like you to give up your position here and come to work for my family. If you’re still interested, you should give Statham your resignation. I don’t know which of my houses you’ll be placed in. That’s up to Her Grace and my secretary.”

“I am eager to join your service, Your Grace,” Jervis said. “Things are... not as they used to be here and at Statham Manor.”

“You might want to wait until after my business with Statham is concluded,” Jeremy advised. “And if you don’t mind, we’ll come along with you. Announce us but I want access to Statham immediately afterward.”

Catherine knew he wanted to keep her cousin off-balance.

“Very good, Your Grace. If you’ll follow me.”

The butler led them to a drawing room. They waited as he knocked and opened the door. She knew he handed Statham Jeremy’s card as she heard, “The Duke and Duchess of Everton, my lord.”

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