Page 15 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

Chapter Six

His words—and theemotion behind them—moved Catherine. To think this man hadn’t spoken of his beloved brother in years and yet he’d opened up and shared special memories with her. It touched her to her core.

She looked at Jeremy St. Clair with new eyes. She’d been taken by his dashing looks and charm. His smooth moves on the dance floor. But the depth of character he’d revealed made her appreciate him even more.

She realized she’d never learned so much about a person in such a short time. Though Catherine had only spent an hour in this man’s company, she believed she knew him better than anyone of her acquaintance. Even her conversations with her parents and Leah, as well as her friends, had always been ones that skimmed the surface. In her eighteen years, no man had revealed so much of himself to her, let alone any of her girlfriends. The marquess had spoken of so many events from his past and she’d eagerly asked questions, forming a solid picture of the boy he’d been and seeing how his experiences had shaped him into the man he was.

The time spent in his company had passed swiftly. Looking around, she saw they were the only remaining couple in the buffet room. Already, servants scurried about collecting dirty dishes and silverware.

“You owe me nothing, Lord Sather,” she assured him. “Your conversation was open and refreshing. I haven’t enjoyed anyone’s company this much for the entire length of the Season.”

He rose and assisted her from her chair. “I should return you to the ballroom before your next partner comes looking for you.”

Noting the rueful look on his face, Catherine silently thanked her mother and said, “I have no commitment for now. You might recall no one had claimed the post-supper dance.” She paused. “It would be nice to take a turn outside. You did mention a stroll. I would appreciate some fresh air.”

His smile caused her heart to skip a beat. “I can think of nothing more that I would like to do.”

He offered her his arm and led her from the room toward the ballroom. Locating a set of open French doors, they stepped out into the May evening. Immediately, a cool breeze caressed her heated skin. Catherine saw two other couples walking slowly. One woman’s head rested against her companion’s shoulder.

“Enough of me and my past,” he said as he slowly led her around the terrace. “Tell me about yourself, Lady Catherine.”

She noticed he’d addressed her formally again, unlike when he had called her by her first name moments ago while they were still at the table.

“I’m not sure there’s much to tell. I haven’t led as exciting a life as you have, what with your adventures with Timothy and going away to school.” She thought a moment. “I will say that I come from a very loving family. Mama and Papa are devoted to one another and open with their affection toward each other. They have always made Leah and me feel we are treasured.”

“They indulge you?” he asked.

“Not in the way you think. Material things mean little to either of my parents. Leah and I have been raised to feel the same. We rarely exchange gifts. Time spent with one another is more valued than a new hat or pair of gloves.”

“What of the magnificent necklace you wear?” he prodded.

She fingered it lightly. “It’s more an exception to the rule. I received it tonight, for my birthday. I’ve never been given anything so grand. It is something I will wear with fondness the remainder of my life, knowing it is from my parents and recognizes the fact that I am now a grown woman.”

“Tonight was your birthday?”

Catherine laughed. “I suppose last night was for it’s well past midnight, my lord.”

“I wish you belated birthday wishes, all the same. What do you enjoy doing?”

“I adore reading. Sometimes, I make up stories for my sister. She’s forever telling me to write them down. She thinks I could publish them and entertain other children with my tales.”

His gaze caused her cheeks to warm. “I think you could do whatever you put your mind to.” He paused. “What else?”

“I enjoy riding. Dancing. Arranging flowers. We only come to town each spring to be with Papa while Parliament is in session. This year, I haven’t spent much time with Leah, thanks to all of the events I must attend and all the obligation calls I must return. To be frank, I’ll be happy to be back in the country so I can enjoy life at a slower pace.”

“How old is Leah?”

Catherine chuckled. “She is eleven but sometimes I feel she’s older than I am. She’s very inquisitive and friendly.”

“My half-sister, Rachel, is also eleven. She is intelligent and curious, as well. Perhaps we should have the two of them meet.”

“Oh, that would be lovely. Leah has been somewhat lonely with me gone so often this spring. She has no friends her age in town.”

“That settles it. With your permission, the two of us will call on you tomorrow afternoon so the girls can meet and see if they enjoy one another’s company.”

Catherine looked at him thoughtfully and asked, “Are you doing this for their sakes or would you ask to call if neither of us had a sister?”

He stopped and faced her, his hands rising to cup her cheeks. A frisson of pleasure rippled through her. Then her heart began beating erratically as she saw the heat in his eyes.

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