Page 10 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

Jeremy saw Eric had stopped tying the other end of the sheet and realized the boy had been about to kill himself. He would have stepped through the trap door, his neck snapping in an instant.

“Is it because of the abuse from the older boys?” he asked softly.

Eric nodded, his eyes lowered in shame.

“They’re all bigger than me. Stronger. They’ve threatened and tormented me until I can’t take it anymore.” Fat tears rolled down his pale cheeks. “I don’t want to live anymore.” He raised his eyes to meet Jeremy’s, his face defiant. “You can’t stop me.”

Though only a year older, Jeremy could easily keep the boy from harming himself but he ventured, “No, I can’t. Only you can stop yourself. That’s what I’d do if I were you.”

Eric sniffled. “You would? Oh, of course you would. You’re a St. Clair. You’re a favorite of all the teachers and the other boys alike. You’d never want to do away with yourself. You St. Clairs lead a charmed life. Everything comes so easily to you.”

Knowing the boy was within a hair’s breadth of ending his life, he said, “Everyone has pain, Eric. They don’t always show it. Or they bully others to keep their own sadness at bay. My mama died giving birth to me. My stepmamma just gave birth to my half-brother. She died, too. I know Mama looks down upon me from heaven but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss her. I never got to know her. I would give anything for a single day with her. Life is unfair like that sometimes.”

He took a step closer. “Life is cruel to you right now but you shouldn’t give in. You’re very smart. You come from a good family. In time, you’ll grow tall and strong. Don’t let them win, Eric. Don’t give in. Don’t hurt your family like this.”

The boy sank to his knees, his sobs coming in heaves. Jeremy went and touched his shoulder in comfort.

“I would like to be your friend. I’ll ask my brother to do the same. If you have two St. Clairs on your side, no one will ever threaten you again. Would you care to make friends with me, Eric?”

Slowly, the boy nodded. Jeremy insisted Eric loosen the knot from his neck, somehow knowing it was important for the younger boy to take control of his situation and not have Jeremy do it for him. The two boys had returned to their dormitory without further conversation.

He pulled Timothy aside the next morning before breakfast and told him what had happened and how frightened he’d been that Eric might kill himself. Both boys were ready that night when the bullies came to harass Eric Saunders. Together, they pushed through the circle surrounding Eric. Timothy shoved aside two of the worst as Jeremy helped Eric to his feet. Jeremy had calmly told the ruffians that Eric was a friend to both St. Clairs and if anyone had a problem with that, he and Timothy would clarify the situation—with their fists.

The group around Eric had dissolved. No one ever tormented him again.

As Jeremy now looked at the fully grown man who’d been that sad little boy, he was thankful he’d been there that night and kept Eric from harming himself.

“What would you have me do, Sather? Name it.”

“I would like an introduction to Lady Catherine Crawford,” he replied.

Morefield looked astounded. “That’s it? You saved my life and that’s all you’ll claim?”

Jeremy felt adrift, especially after his travels. Timothy had been gone almost a decade. His father’s debauchery meant he might pass in the near future, making Jeremy the new duke with a multitude of responsibilities. By tomorrow, Matthew would be on the road to Cambridge and gone from his life. Jeremy had parted ways with so many of his friends until he felt alone, except for Cor. He felt every bit as lost as young Eric Saunders had all those years ago.

Who knew? Lady Catherine might be the one to save him.

When he failed to reply, Morefield frowned. Still, he rallied and said, “I’d be happy to make the introduction. By now, though, I doubt she has any openings on her dance card.”

Jeremy grinned. “Perhaps you’d consider allowing me to take your slot.”

“Ah. So, the favor grows? And here, with all the time that had passed, I didn’t know if you would ever call it in.” He put an arm around Jeremy’s shoulder. “You may claim the supper dance, old friend. Come, let us speak to her.”

Morefield led him to where Lady Catherine and her companion stood. Bowing, he said, “Lady Catherine, Lady Charlotte, allow me to introduce to you my dearest friend, the Marquess of Sather. He has recently returned from abroad and is eager to participate in the events of the Season. He would be delighted to make your acquaintance.”

They exchanged curtseys and bows and then Morefield said, “I’m afraid I must beg off of our dance, Lady Catherine. Urgent business has arisen and I must leave at once to attend to it.”

Her brow wrinkled in concern. “I’m most distressed to her that, my lord. I hope everything will work out to your satisfaction.”

“Will you be at the Rutherfords’ ball tomorrow night?” he asked. “If so, would you consider saving a dance for me?”

“I’d like nothing better than to do so,” she replied.

“Then I will bid you good evening.” He bowed and left them.

Another gentleman stepped forward and engaged Lady Charlotte in conversation. As she turned toward him, Jeremy said, “Might I request a dance with you, Lady Catherine?” noting her eyes were as deep a blue as the sapphires she wore.

He took her card before she could offer it to him and boldly struck through Morefield’s name. Her lips twitched in amusement.

---