Page 48 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

“Leah, watch your tongue,” Catherine chided.

“I hope you have a lovely time.” Her sister embraced her and fled up the stairs in a huff.

When she was out of sight, Jervis said, “She’s young, my lady.”

“I know. She still worries me, though. We already walk on eggshells around Statham as it is.”

He gazed at her with sympathy.

The doorbell rang. One of Charlotte’s footmen stood there. She left with him and allowed him to hand her into the carriage where Charlotte and Morefield waited, hoping she didn’t betray how nervous she was.

“You look dazzling, Catherine,” Charlotte declared. “You’ll have to have Morefield beat gentlemen off with a stick.” She frowned. “We saw Statham’s coach pulling away as we arrived.”

“I can’t thank you enough for conveying me to the ball tonight.”

“We’re happy to do so,” Morefield said.

“My husband has his instructions. He is to talk to his single friends and make sure they all dance with you.”

“Please, don’t go to any trouble on my part.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” Morefield assured her. He looked to his wife and nodded.

Catherine knew something was up. Though she’d kept the secret of her birth from her friend, she had shared with Charlotte Statham’s edict that she marry by Season’s end. She’d also told Charlotte why she needed a way to tonight’s ball.

“Morefield and I have talked things over,” Charlotte began. “We’ve decided it might be easier if you came to stay with us during the Season. Leah, too, of course. It would be more practical, all of us leaving from our place, than coming for you each time.”

The offer moved her. “Charlotte, that’s most generous, but I’m afraid it might reflect poorly on Statham.”

“What if it does? He’s been horrid to you since becoming the earl. Your papa would be appalled at how derelict he is in providing for you and Leah.”

“Statham wishes to make a match during the Season,” she reminded her. “I’m sure there would be gossip if Leah and I left his household and came to stay with you.”

“I don’t think so, Lady Catherine,” interjected Morefield. “Women seem to do this sort of thing all the time.”

“May I consider it for a day or two? I might even mention it to Statham to sound him out.”

Charlotte sniffed. “I’d think he be happy to see the both of you gone.” She looked to Morefield.

He cleared his throat and then said, “We’d also like to extend our hospitality to you if you choose not to accept any offers. Once the Season ends, that is. You may not find a suitable husband and Charlotte and I are concerned for you and your sister’s welfares.”

“I cannot have you take us in as charity cases,” Catherine said firmly. “I’m determined to find someone to marry.” She wondered if Morefield thought no one would offer for her. Doubt and insecurity filled her.

Morefield looked at her steadily. “The offer will remain open, Lady Catherine. You shouldn’t have to rush into a marriage because of Statham’s demands.”

She remembered how her father had also told her to take her time. Unfortunately, she no longer had that luxury. “Thank you,” she said graciously.

They fell silent until they arrived at the Rutherford townhouse. The footman handed them down and Morefield escorted them inside.

Catherine braced herself as they entered. Tonight, she might meet the man she would wed.

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