Page 18 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

Chapter Seven

Catherine’s head spunfrom all the dancing she’d done. She’d had a partner for every dance since she’d returned to the ballroom. Fortunately, one suitor never showed up, allowing her to catch her breath. She and Charlotte drank a cup of punch to quench their thirsts.

“I’ll forever be in your mother’s debt,” her friend said. “Saving the two most important dances on my card was well worth my while. Cheltham took the supper spot. I took to him so we will partner again for the last dance of the night. What about you?”

“I will end the evening with Lord Sather,” Catherine said, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach as she thought of being in the marquess’ arms again.

Charlotte gave her a knowing look. “Everyone noticed how he led you to a table for two. You were the talk of supper. You both laughed quite a bit.”

She felt her cheeks pinkening. “Sather is very entertaining.” She paused. “He’s coming to call tomorrow.”

Charlotte’s eyes lit up. “I knew I sensed something between the two of you. I wonder what flowers he will send.”

Catherine didn’t care about flowers. She’d received so many bouquets since the Season began that they’d lost meaning for her. “He’s bringing his sister. She’s Leah’s age and he hopes they’ll get on.”

“Hmm. A doting older brother. As much as you prize family, he’s certainly found a way into your heart.”

If only Charlotte knew how much Jeremy St. Clair had already wriggled into Catherine’s heart—and soul.

“Would you like to shop in the morning with me?” her friend asked. “I need a new pair of gloves.”

“I can’t. I promised Leah that we would go to the bookstore. She’s desperate for an outing that just the two of us can take.”

“Very well. Let’s go the day after. By then, Sather will have called and most certainly you will have danced with him again at the Rutherford ball tomorrow night. Since he is childhood friends with Lady Amanda, he’s certain to be there.” Charlotte smiled. “I’m sure we’ll have much to talk about.”

Catherine agreed and finished her punch. She danced twice more and then saw Sather approaching her. Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest as she smiled at him.

“Lady Catherine.” He bowed to her and took her hand in his. “I believe this dance is meant for us.”

They moved to the center of the ballroom. About a quarter of the couples who’d been present at the height of the ball had now left, leaving more room on the dance floor. As the string quartet launched into another waltz, the marquess drew her near, one arm about her and his hand taking hers.

This time, they did not speak. Instead, the music spoke for them as Sather twirled her about the ballroom in grand fashion. She felt light on her feet and giddy on the inside as she smiled up at him, his gaze never leaving her during the entire dance. When the last note sounded, he brought them to a stop.

“May I return you to your parents?”

“Please.” Catherine looked about. “There. Mama is in green, speaking to that striking older woman. Oh, she has beautiful posture. She must have been a true beauty in her day.”

He grinned. “That woman is my grandmamma. Come, I want you to meet her.” He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and they wove their way through the parting couples.

Her mother beamed as they arrived. “Catherine, darling, you must meet the Dowager Duchess of Everton. I only learned tonight that she and my mother were the best of friends as young girls.”

The duchess assessed Catherine, her head high but her eyes twinkling. “Lady Catherine, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Her eyes flicked to Sather. “I see you have met my grandson. I believe you danced twice tonight.”

“Yes, Your Grace, we did. Lord Sather is a most excellent dancer.”

The old woman nodded sagely. “Jeremy is excellent at many things. I’m only glad he’s come home to England. I have missed his company this past year, though he did write beautiful letters to me regarding his travels.” She paused. “Have you met the Countess of Statham?” she asked her grandson.

“No, though I’ve had the pleasure of meeting the earl during card play tonight.” He bowed to her mother. From the look on her mother’s face, it was obvious she was taken with Sather’s charm.

“Speaking of the earl, Cor, I told him that Rachel and I were calling on Lady Catherine and her sister tomorrow afternoon. He asked if you might wish to accompany us and stay for tea.”

Catherine wondered why he addressed his grandmamma as Cor and thought she would ask him about it tomorrow. She had a thousand things she wished to learn about him. In a dozen hours, he would be at her house, seated next to her. She shivered with anticipation.

“I would be happy to visit with Statham.” The dowager duchess faced Catherine. “And you, too, Lady Catherine. You’ve made quite an impression on thetonduring your come-out.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. I look forward to spending more time with you. Do you have any sweet that you prefer? Our cook is most talented and would be happy to make something special for you.”

The dowager duchess laughed. “My grandson is the one with the sweet tooth. Rachel, too.” She looked at Sather. “It’s unusual to bring one’s sister when you call upon a lady.”

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