Page 60 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

“I would be most grateful, Lady Catherine.”

She was already planning to take Strong with her and Leah and hoped Jeremy would find a place for him. Now, she added Jervis to the growing list.

The door to the study was closed so she knocked and heard her cousin bid her to enter. Catherine went inside, pushing aside memories of her father sitting at that very desk.

“Have a seat.” It was more a command than invitation.

“Thank you,” she said graciously.

He pushed aside the page in front of him. “How did you manage it? Becoming engaged on the first day of the Season?”

She clasped her hands in her lap. “I renewed my acquaintance with Everton. We had been friendly during my come-out. If the accident hadn’t taken me away from London, there’s a strong possibility he would have asked Papa for my hand.”

Statham snorted. “Why didn’t he ask me?”

“It wasn’t necessary. I am of age, Statham. There was no need to inconvenience you. You aren’t my guardian.” She thought of Jeremy on bended knee, asking to marry her.

And of those endless kisses that set her afire.

“I will provide him with the name of the family solicitor and they can discuss the dowry,” she continued. “I hoped you would be pleased that I will soon be off your hands. As it is, I’m moving to Charlotte’s house today with Leah. The London townhome will be available for you to entertain as you see fit.”

“Does Everton have any sisters?” he asked abruptly.

Catherine wondered why he would ask that. “One. She is Leah’s age.”

“I see.”

She waited for him to speak further but silence hung over the room. Finally, she stood. “I will see to the rest of the packing. If you’ll excuse me.”

“When is the wedding? Is it here?” he demanded, a sour look on his face.

“I’m not certain of the exact date. Everton’s purchasing the special license today. He wants us to be wed by next week. Of course, I will let you know the time and place.” To placate him, she said, “I was hoping you would give me away. As for the breakfast, Charlotte begged to host it and I could not turn down her request.”

Her friend hadn’t—but Statham didn’t need to know that. Catherine knew he wouldn’t want the expense of hosting the wedding breakfast himself.

He lifted a sheet from his desk and began reading it so she supposed she’d been dismissed. She returned upstairs and found that her things were now packed away so she went to Leah’s room. The maid fastened the lock on the trunk.

“I’ll have a footman come and bring the trunks downstairs, my lady,” the maid said.

After the servant left, Leah threw her arms around Catherine. “I’m so relieved we’ll be leaving Statham.”

“Have a seat,” Catherine advised. “There’s much more to tell you.” She led Leah to the bed and the sisters sat.

“We’ll only be at Charlotte’s a short while.” Before Leah could protest, she added, “I’m getting married. You will come to live with me and Everton.”

“Who’s Everton?” her sister asked, a puzzled look on her face. “Oh, Catherine, don’t tell me you accepted the first man you danced with merely to get away from Statham.”

“No, I didn’t.” She decided to let her happiness show.

“Then why...” Leah’s voice trailed off. “You’re blushing. And you’re smiling. Good heavens, you’re radiant! Who is this Everton?”

“He’s the Duke of Everton. Jeremy St. Clair.”

“A duke?” squealed Leah. “Catherine!” She hugged Catherine hard. “Tell me.”

“I knew him many years ago. During my come-out. Lord Sather was to call on me the next day after a ball. He insisted upon bringing his sister, Rachel, who is your same age. He thought you might become good friends. And his grandmamma was also coming to tea.” Catherine paused. “But his father died that night after he reached home. And our carriage crashed.”

Leah took Catherine’s hands. “Oh, my goodness.”

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