Page 7 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

“You are kindhearted, Cor.”

She shrugged. “I do my best for this family.”

“I’m afraid to ask since the news of Luke has been all bad, but what of Rachel?”

Her face softened. “Rachel is a delight. She reads voraciously. Asks about everything. Her riding skills have improved tremendously.”

“Is she still climbing trees?”

Cor chuckled. “Would you expect anything less? I turn a blind eye to some of her activities but, mind you, I know everything she does. As far as Luke goes, he’s a good boy, just a bit misguided. His grades at Eton have been excellent. He has tremendous potential. They both do.” She paused. “I know they are only half-siblings to you, Jeremy, but you must promise me you’ll look after them when your father and I are gone.”

He took her hands in his and kissed them. “That won’t be for many years, Cor.”

She smiled. “You’d be surprised. I’ve been to my fair share of funerals lately. It seems I have friends dying to the left and right of me. You can do me a favor, however.”

“Name it. I am yours to command.”

“Escort me to the Wethersby ball tonight. A dear friend of mine will be attending. She lost her husband over a year ago and buried herself in the country. She’s only just come to town and I promised I would meet her there. Besides, it would be a good way to let others know you are back in London.”

“I can do that but I have a favor to ask in return.”

She patted his knee. “You only need to ask, my boy. I doubt I would deny you anything.”

“Father seems to be hiding something.” He watched as she stilled. “I aim to find out what. I want to tour all of our properties and become familiar with how they’re run. He’s—”

“I will share with you what I know, Jeremy. Why don’t we meet after breakfast tomorrow to discuss matters? Right now, I’m sure you’re ready for a bath and a good English meal.”

Soaking in a hot bath sounded very appealing but he disliked being put off again. Still, Cor would be true to her word and tell him everything she knew. He supposed he could wait until morning to discover what his father had been up to.

“I’ll take your advice, Cor. It will be a bath for me and fresh clothes.”

“Evening wear, darling. Don’t forget the ball.”

“Of course.”

He kissed her cheek and made his way to his bedchamber. Manfry was ecstatic to see him and immediately sent for hot water. While Jeremy waited for it to arrive, he dashed off the letter of recommendation for Matthew Proctor and asked Manfry to entrust it to Barton’s care. He fully intended to speak with his friend tomorrow but leaving it with Barton would be more convenient.

As Jeremy soaked in the hot tub, he wondered what Cor might reveal about the state of their affairs.

*

Catherine exited thecarriage and her father offered her his arm. She took it and he escorted her and her mother inside. They joined the receiving line and were soon greeted by Lord and Lady Wethersby. The viscountess remarked upon Catherine’s birthday gift.

“What a sumptuous necklace. It suits you, of course, bringing out the blue in your eyes. Your dance card will be filled in no time, Lady Catherine.” With a sly smile, she added, “I’m sure you’ll have your pick of the litter by the time the Season ends. Aim for a duke, my girl. With your looks and family name, it’s easily within your grasp.”

Catherine smiled benignly as she moved away. She couldn’t understand the fixation on titles that every woman seemed to possess. Everyone from her own maid to society matrons urged her to do what it took to wed someone above her station, especially a duke. For heaven’s sake, there were only so many dukes to go around and even then, most of them were already wed. Once again, she glanced at her parents and wished she could find love.

Or that love might find her.

“I’m off to the card room,” her father announced, kissing his wife’s cheek and then Catherine’s. “Enjoy yourselves.”

“Be sure to get yourprogramme du bal,” her mother urged. “Last time, I believe yours filled up more quickly than any other girl’s did. Looking as you do tonight, I believe the same will occur.”

She saw her friend, Charlotte, and went to greet her as a footman handed her the dance card. Catherine slipped it into her reticule and joined Charlotte.

“Wherever did you get that brilliant necklace?” her friend asked, her eyes round as Catherine slipped her arm through Charlotte’s.

“Today is my birthday. Papa and Mama gave it to me in honor of the occasion.”

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