Page 47 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

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Catherine sat ather dressing table while Leah arranged her hair. She hadn’t hired a lady’s maid for herself as she interviewed and put staff into place for Statham’s London residence. He wouldn’t have paid for one in any case. Because of that, Leah had spent the last week practicing on Catherine’s hair, using both hot irons and paper curls, and varying the styles with different gowns.

She and Leah had also combed through their parents’ wardrobes. She gave a few choice pieces to Barton and Strong and had Barton sell the rest of her father’s clothes. Her mother had been three inches shorter and much smaller in her bosom and hips so none of her clothes fit Catherine. Instead, she’d found numerous pairs of gloves and several hats and reticules that looked almost new and would work for the Season.

After she’d found a reasonably priced dressmaker, Catherine had offered the woman the entire lot of her mother’s clothes, knowing the woman could use much of the materials and trims in her work. The seamstress gladly bought everything, giving Catherine a generous sum, which she then used to commission two ball gowns and three day dresses. She wore one of those gowns tonight, knowing she had a short window to make a good impression amidst all of the young misses who made their come-out at the Rutherford ball. The seamstress had then reworked some of Catherine’s old gowns. There had been magic in her needle for many of them looked as fashionable as anything currently seen on the streets of London.

She’d written Charlotte and told her of her intentions to return to society. Two days later, Lady Stanley, formerly Amanda Rutherford, had called on Catherine. She’d wed four years ago and was the mother of a two-year-old son she spoke of proudly. Amanda had offered to renew their acquaintance and said she hoped it turned into a friendship. She’d also told Catherine she would make sure her mother invited her to the Season’s opening event and mention her to others. Because of that, several invitations had arrived in the mail. She thought half of them were sent in blatant curiosity and the others in pity. Still, it would give her entrance into society once again. She needed to make the most of every opportunity as she searched for a husband.

“There. What do you think?” Leah asked.

Catherine looked at her image in the mirror. Her sister had done a series of looping, rope-like twists that cascading into two loose braids. The effect was stunning.

“You’ve done better than any lady’s maid, Leah. I almost look beautiful.”

“Youarebeautiful, you silly goose. Men will flock to you tonight.”

Catherine didn’t think so. Dozens of younger women would have their pick of the choice gentlemen in attendance. Of those left over, some of them would have heard the gossip about her. How her father had recently died and she wasn’t even bothering to mourn him. Still, she hoped a few names would be scribbled onto her dance card.

Leah lifted the sapphire necklace and placed it around Catherine’s neck. She gazed at it in the mirror, remembering how proud Papa had been when he’d given it to her. She blinked several times, fighting the tears that threatened to fall.

“I have an idea. I’ll be right back.”

Leah hurried from the room and returned a minute later. She handed something to Catherine. When she looked down, she saw a pair of her mother’s earrings resting in her palm.

“I shouldn’t,” she said. “These are Mama’s. That means they now belong to Statham.”

“They match the necklace perfectly. Wear them, Catherine. He’ll never notice and you can return them to Mama’s jewelry box later. You should go downstairs, though. Charlotte will be here soon.” Leah frowned. “I still can’t understand why Statham won’t escort you. He’s going to the same place.”

“Leave Statham to his own business. I’d rather go with Charlotte and Morefield,” Catherine replied.

Her cousin had arrived two days ago. She’d walked him through the townhouse, pointing out what work had been done and what was left to complete. She noted that she’d left the countess’ suite alone in order for his bride to have the chance to decorate it as she wished. She’d also presented to him a list of the servants she’d hired. He seemed to ignore everything she had done. His only remark had been to inform her he would speak to her if he saw her at an event but he wouldn’t go out of his way to engage her in conversation or introduce her to anyone. He also said he would need the carriage each evening and she would need to make other arrangements to be transported to the various events. Catherine bit her tongue, knowing no good would come if she upbraided him.

They went downstairs to the foyer. Jervis met them, approval in his eyes.

“Lady Catherine, you are a vision to behold,” he complimented. “I hope you’ll enjoy tonight’s ball.”

Moments later, Statham appeared at the top of the stairs and descended, looking her over carefully.

“You need to remove your jewels,” he said casually.

“What?” Leah cried.

“Any jewels in this house belong to the estate.” He looked pointedly at Leah. “That means they belong to me.”

Catherine slipped off the earrings and handed them to him. She stepped back.

“And?” he prompted.

“The necklace is mine. It’s not a part of the estate. Papa gave it to me for my eighteenth birthday.” When she saw doubt on his face, she added, “You can ask Leah. Or Jervis. They’ll tell you. Mr. Larson would say the same. A gift is just that and shouldn’t be returned.”

Her cousin frowned in displeasure as he slipped the earrings into his pocket. He turned to Jervis. “Is my coach ready?”

“Yes, my lord.” Jervis went to the front door and opened it. He handed Statham his hat and cane. “Have a pleasant evening, my lord.”

Statham walked out without a word.

The moment the butler closed the door, Leah said, “How petty of him. I hate him. More each day.”

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