Page 72 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Catherine sat alonein the Everton carriage as it made its way back to London. She had traveled this same road less than a day ago. Now, she returned with a heavy heart.

Jeremy chose not to ride with her. Instead, he’d claimed a horse from the stables and rode ahead of the coach. Every now and then as they made their away around a bend, she caught a glimpse of him and fresh sorrow blossomed within her.

She wanted to die. It would be easier if she did. She’d wronged the man she loved, even if she did it for the right reasons.

When London came into sight, she leaned partly out the window and saw her husband ride off. Even knowing how badly she’d hurt him, he’d still accompanied her to the city, protecting her from any harm on the road. Catherine closed her eyes. Every breath she took brought further misery. She didn’t know if she could survive. She had to, though. She had Leah to think of. She couldn’t leave her sister in the hands of Statham. Catherine must get both of them out of England, far from his conniving grasp.

Strong didn’t head to the St. Clair townhouse. Instead, she had instructed him to go to her solicitor’s office. She’d found a new one when she and Leah had first come to London from Statham Manor since she no longer trusted Larson, who served as Statham’s legal representative.

They arrived at his office and Strong helped her down.

“Once I’ve concluded my business here, we’ll go to Mr. Bellows’ office.”

He nodded. Strong hadn’t made his opinions known. For that, she was grateful.

Catherine entered the offices and spoke with the clerk, telling him she needed to speak with Mr. Davidson at once. He asked her to wait and then after talking with Davidson, the clerk returned and escorted her to him.

Davidson rose. “Your Grace, I hadn’t expected to see you.”

He knew of her recent marriage since Catherine arranged to have her dowry transferred to his control. Larson hadn’t been able to stop her but he did keep Leah’s, saying Statham, as guardian, had the final say on it. Davidson had met with Jeremy two days before the wedding. Catherine was here to find out if the monies had already been transferred to Jeremy.

“I have some unfortunate news, Mr. Davidson.”

“Please, have a seat.”

She took it and composed herself. “Everton and I are not suited. You are to draw up annulment papers.”

Shock caused his face to turn ashen. “Your Grace, I–”

“Has my dowry been forwarded to Everton’s estate?”

“I was going to do that this afternoon.”

“Then keep it. Draw up the papers as soon as possible. I’d like to sign them by tomorrow morning. Can you manage that?”

“I can,” he said, uncertainty on his face.

“Then I will return here at nine o’clock tomorrow morning. Do we both need to be present when we sign?”

“No.”

“Good. I will sign and then you may contact Everton and let him know that he can sign.” She rose.

He did the same. “Forgive me, Your Grace, but I’ll need to know the circumstances.” Davidson hesitated. “To obtain an annulment, only three categories are available.”

“What are they?”

“Fraud. Incompetence. Or... impotence.” He blushed profusely.

Catherine had been the one to misrepresent herself and she succinctly said, “Fraud,” knowing Jeremy would think she’d charged him with it because of not wanting to have any children with her. By the time the truth came out, he would know she was the one to blame. She decided she would write a letter to him and give it to Davidson once Statham began the rumors. She would confirm she’d kept her true identity from her fiancé and his family and that she was the one who had committed fraud. The annulment fell squarely on her shoulders.

“Very well,” the solicitor said.

“I will see you in the morning, Mr. Davidson.”

Catherine left the office and Strong drove her to her publisher’s office. Once again, she entered and spoke with a clerk, apologizing for not having an appointment, but stressing the urgency of her business. She was immediately granted access to Bellows.

---