Page 41 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

Catherine grasped his hand, knowing he couldn’t feel her touch. Tears welled in her eyes. She’d known this day would come. Doctor Patterson thought it would occur shortly after she’d brought her father home but he’d continued to surprise them all by continuing to live.

“Nothing... you... can do.” He smiled. “Your mother... waiting...”

She held her breath, even as the last one left his body. For several minutes, she sat, not moving, accepting that he was gone. Rising, she kissed his forehead.

After five years devoted to his care, her life—and Leah’s—would now change radically. Martin Crawford would be thirty next year. The spoiled boy had become a spoiled, selfish man and would make for a terrible Earl of Statham. Still, everything would be his by law, from the title to this house to all of the land and investments. She gave thanks that she had the money from her books for she doubted Martin would provide much in the way for her and Leah. She could see him sticking them in a tumbling down cottage, the same way the half-brother inSense and Sensibilityhad done to the Dashwood women.

Catherine realized she was on the shelf at twenty-three, even though she had a dowry guaranteed by her father. Her youth had passed her by and no man would want to become her husband. At least Leah would have a chance to find wedded bliss. Her dowry was also protected from Martin. Thank goodness Papa had made sure of that. At sixteen, her sister would need to wait a year—better two—before she made her come-out. Once Leah married, Catherine could be a devoted aunt to her sister’s children. That would almost be as good as having ones of her own.

She released her father’s hand and penned a brief letter to Martin Crawford in London, knowing he would come immediately to claim all that was his. Finishing it, she rang the bell and Strong appeared.

“Papa is gone,” she told the faithful retainer. “I wanted to tell you how grateful I am to have had your help with him these last years. You are a good, kind man, Strong.”

The valet mopped tears from his eyes. “I thought the world of the earl.” He paused. “I wonder if the new earl will even have need of me.”

“That, I cannot say. Cousin Martin may bring his own valet. It’s up to him. If he discharges you, I will write a letter of reference.”

He gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you, my lady. You have been a saint to care for the earl as you have.”

She bowed her head a moment, overcome with emotion. Raising it, she said, “I’ve written to my cousin, informing him of Papa’s death.” She handed him the sealed letter.

“I will see to its delivery myself,” Strong promised. “I’ll leave for London once we’ve laid the earl out downstairs. He is already fresh from his earlier bath. Let me dress him a final time.”

“Thank you.” Catherine left to find Leah. Jervis informed her that Leah and her governess were out riding but should return within the hour. She told the retainer her father had passed and sent him upstairs to help Strong. She had their housekeeper gather the servants. Catherine addressed them regarding her father’s death and said, while she could make no promises as to their future employment, she would put in a good word for each of them with the new Earl of Statham. Anyone not retained could expect a letter of reference from her.

Sadly, the servants dispersed. She knew the next time she saw them, each would wear the black armband signifying their grief at the earl’s passing. She watched as Strong and Jervis carried her father downstairs and into the small parlor. Strong told her he would stop in the village to inform the vicar and Doctor Patterson of the earl’s death before he made his way to London.

Needing some fresh air, Catherine left the house and walked slowly to the stables. When she drew near, she saw two riders approaching in the distance and steadied herself. As they rode into the yard, her eyes met Leah’s. Her sister leaped from her horse and ran to Catherine, throwing her arms about her. No words were necessary as the sisters clung to one another, Leah’s sobs the only sound. The governess dismounted and claimed the reins of Leah’s horse, leading both mounts into the stable.

Leah pulled away. “That hateful cousin of ours will show up gloating by nightfall,” she said.

“You remember Martin?”

Her sister’s chin rose a notch. “I do. He is as vile as Uncle Edward was. I hate both of them.”

Catherine stroked Leah’s hair. “It doesn’t matter what he is because he’s the new Earl of Statham and will do whatever he wishes.”

Fear showed in Leah’s eyes. “What will happen to us, Catherine? Statham Manor is now his. Will Cousin Martin allow us to remain in our home? Or perhaps send us to London?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. Obviously, he doesn’t value family much since we haven’t seen him in a good while.” She placed both hands on Leah’s shoulders. “You will be fine. Before long, you will make your come-out. Papa reserved money for your gowns. You have a generous dowry. You will be able to choose a man to wed and never see Cousin Martin after that if you wish.”

Leah looked relieved and then she bit her lip. “What of you, Catherine? Will you wed? Can I go with you when you do so or will Cousin Martin be my guardian?”

“We can talk about that later. Right now, let’s go say our goodbyes to Papa.”

Catherine led her sister back toward Statham Manor, wondering how long the place would remain their home.

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