Page 4 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

“I am happy to be back in England. You’re looking well, Barton. Any news?”

“His Grace is in residence, naturally, with Parliament in session. Her Grace arrived from Eversleigh two days ago, in anticipation of your arrival. Lord Luke is finishing his term at Eton and will be home within the next week. And Lady Rachel is—”

“Here!” cried out a joyous voice from the top of the staircase.

Jeremy watched his half-sister race down the stairs. When she still had half a dozen steps to go, she flung herself at him. He caught her and held on as she hugged him tightly, smothering his face in kisses.

“Did you miss me?” she asked, her face flushed with color, her St. Clair eyes gleaming at him.

He pretended to ponder her question and then said, “Only a smidgeon. More importantly, did you miss me?”

A dramatic sigh came from her as he set her on her feet. “You know I did, Jeremy. Did you get my letters?”

“I did, poppet. I answered them, every one. Thank you for keeping me abreast of the happenings in the family. You always have a colorful way with words,” he praised.

“It was so boring without you at home,” she declared. Then mischief lit her eyes. “Did you bring anything for me?”

He laughed. “Wasn’t it enough that I sent you something from every city I stayed in?”

“Oh, I appreciated every gift, Jeremy. You’re ever so thoughtful.”

She grew quiet and he knew she was thinking of their father. The children of the Duke of Everton received scant attention from their father, no matter their gender or age. He couldn’t think of a single gift his father had ever given him and doubted Luke or Rachel had received anything.

Taking her hand, he said, “I’m sure somewhere in my trunk I can rummage through and find something meant for you. It may take hours to unpack, however. I crammed as much into it as possible as I made for home. I don’t suppose Manfry is still available?”

Rachel sniffed haughtily. “Manfry hated that you left him behind. He complained that, especially going abroad, you needed a valet. His nose has been out of joint ever since.” She smiled. “Don’t worry. Cor kept him busy.”

Jeremy contained the laughter that threatened to erupt. The true power in the St. Clair family was his formidable grandmamma, the dowager duchess. If Manfry was under Cor’s supervision, the valet had been worked to the bone during his master’s absence.

From the corner of his eyes, he saw a figure descending the stairs, a woman who looked vaguely familiar. She reached the foot of the stairs and curtseyed to him.

“Lady Rachel, it’s time for our reading hour.”

“Oh, Miss Bates, Jeremy has only arrived at home. Surely, we can forego reading this one time.”

“On the contrary, it’s important to keep to a schedule,” the governess said. “Besides, Lord Sather will want to wash away the travel stains of the road. Come along, my lady.”

Rachel flung him a look of desperation, which he decided to ignore.

“It’s important to do as your governess says.”

Her bottom lip stuck out in a pretty pout. At eleven, Rachel already had the St. Clair height, as well as the jet black hair and emerald eyes. She would be quite the beauty someday and likely break several hearts before she chose a husband.

“Will you at least take me riding in the morning?” she asked petulantly.

“I’d be delighted to as long as there’s a mount available for me. Shall we meet before breakfast?”

Her smile said she’d forgiven him. “I’ll meet you in the stables. Don’t be late, Jeremy. I don’t tolerate tardiness. It’s something Miss Bates has ground into me.” Under her breath, she added, “Along with countless other things.”

With that, Rachel turned and trotted up the stairs, her governess following after her. Jeremy decided that the poor woman must earn every penny of her salary, caring for the headstrong young tomboy.

Barton cleared his throat. “My lord, His Grace has been informed of your arrival and wishes to speak with you in the library.”

“Very good, Barton. I suppose Manfry came to town with Cor?”

“He did, my lord. You’ll find your chamber prepared. Even now, Manfry will be unpacking your trunk and helping you to settle in.”

“Then I will go see Father. Thank you, Barton.”

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