Devoted to the Duke, page 17
Jeremy led Catherine from the drawing room and to the stairs. They climbed to the top floor where the nursery and schoolroom lay, along with bedrooms for a nanny, governess, and other servants. Opening the door, he saw that Jenny was being rocked by Sara, her nanny.
They stepped inside and Sara rose. “Good afternoon, Your Grace.”
“Hello, Sara. This is Lady Catherine, my fiancée. I wanted her to meet Jenny.” Jeremy turned and saw Catherine glowed as she looked at the baby.
“May I hold her?” she asked.
“Of course, my lady.” Sara handed the sleepy girl over and Catherine went to the rocker and sat. She slowly rocked and begin talking to Jenny, telling her how glad she was to meet her and how she hoped to be a good stepmamma to her. Then she began to sing a lullaby, her voice low and soothing.
Tears welled in his eyes, seeing them together. He blinked rapidly.
When Jenny fell asleep, Catherine rose. Sara motioned her over to the crib and Catherine eased the baby into it.
“Thank you,” she told Sara. “I hope you won’t mind if once His Grace and I are wed that I spend time in the nursery each day.”
“Not at all, my lady. You’ll always be welcome.”
Catherine turned to him. In that moment, if he hadn’t known before, he knew now.
He was in love with her.
Leading her from the nursery, he took her across the hall and opened the door. “This is the schoolroom.” He brought her inside and closed the door. “Timothy and I met with our tutor here before we went off to Eton.”
Catherine began wandering about. “I imagine generations of St. Clairs have spent time within these walls.” She paused and looked out the window.
Jeremy followed her, slipping his arms around her from behind and holding her against him. His lips touched her neck. A sigh escaped her and her head fell to the side, granting him better access. He licked and nipped as she squirmed, little sighs coming from her. But he needed more. Spinning her quickly so she faced him, his mouth came down on hers. She opened readily, eagerly, and he took his fill.
Minutes later, he stopped. His hands itched to wander to her breasts and hips. He would remain a gentleman. For now. As far as Jeremy was concerned, their wedding couldn’t come soon enough.
*
Morefield escorted them home, except for Leah. She begged to stay longer and Catherine said she could. It pleased her that the girls had hit it off so well. Matthew Proctor, Jeremy’s secretary, had come in as they were about to leave. He promised to escort Leah home after the girls talked themselves out.
“That will never happen, Matthew,” warned Rachel. “I finally have the sister I’ve always dreamed of. Two brothers were plenty to put up with all of these years. Leah and I have decided to share a room. We already have so many things in common.” She put her arm around Leah. “And we will make our come-out together.”
Catherine kissed Leah goodbye and returned with Charlotte and Morefield to their townhouse. She would see Jeremy at the Billingsley ball later that evening.
“I do like Cor,” Charlotte said in the carriage. “She will be quite an ally to have. What do you think, Morefield?”
“I’ve known Cor over twenty years. She never changes. She is hospitable. Dependable. And a fierce protector of Everton and his siblings.”
“What are you going to wear tonight, Catherine?” Charlotte asked. “You know every eye will be on you. I’m sure tongues have wagged all over town all day at the earl’s daughter who captured the heart of a duke at the opening ball of the Season.”
She only had one other decent ball gown to wear. The others had been made over. “I’ll wear lavender tonight. Do you think you might spare your lady’s maid for a few minutes to help me with my hair?”
Charlotte clasped her hand. “Of course. That dreadful Statham, stranding you without one. I thought your hair looked lovely last night.”
“Leah did it. She practiced on me for a couple of weeks.”
“When is the wedding?” Morefield asked.
“Everton hasn’t said. He only wants it soon. He mentioned next week.”
“Next week? That’s hardly time to put anything together,” Charlotte complained. “I’m assuming Statham won’t be hosting the breakfast?”
Catherine grinned. “I told him you were. He was delighted to have it somewhere else.”
She watched the couple exchange a look and then Morefield said, “The breakfast will definitely be our gift to you.”
They arrived home and Catherine relaxed in a hot bath before dressing for the evening. Someone had pressed all of her clothes and hung them in the wardrobe. A maid arrived to dress her and then Charlotte’s personal maid came and arranged Catherine’s hair in a simple coiffure that complimented both her dress and face.
Nerves shot through her as she left the bedchamber. Charlotte was right. As the first engaged couple of the Season, she and Jeremy would likely draw attention tonight. She knew she wasn’t any different from the person she’d been her entire life, but ever since Statham had told her of her origins, she felt as if she would make some horrible mistake in front of the ton. Do or say something that would be seen as unpardonable.
Descending the staircase, her pulse sped up when she saw Jeremy waited at the foot of the stairs. He looked marvelous in his snow white shirt and black waistcoat and coat. His dark hair gleamed and his eyes told her how much he appreciated her efforts.
He took her hands in his. “You look ravishing.” His lips brushed her cheek. “I have half a mind to skip the Billingsley ball and find a clergyman who would marry us tonight.”
“You’ll do no such thing, Everton,” Charlotte warned. “It’ll be a proper wedding and breakfast for Catherine.”
Jeremy winked at Catherine. “I am your humble servant, Charlotte.”
“When is the wedding? Morefield and I are hosting the breakfast.”
“When is convenient for you?” he asked. “I’d like it as soon as possible.”
“Next Thursday will do,” she replied. “That’s a week away. Where will the ceremony take place?”
Her fiancé turned to her. “Where would you like it?”
“Could we have it here, Charlotte?” Catherine asked. “I don’t want a huge church filled with people I barely know. I’d prefer something small and intimate.”
“I’ll make it happen,” her friend proclaimed as her husband slid his arm about her waist.
“We’ll see you there,” Jeremy said and led her outside to his coach. The ducal seal graced its doors and a team of the finest horseflesh stood ready to carry them across London.
Once inside the carriage, she said, “I know I’ve already asked a favor of you. To let Leah come live with us.”
He chuckled as he pulled her into his lap and kissed her. “Rachel is the happiest I’ve seen her.”
Catherine looped her arms around his neck. “It will be nice to help them prepare together for their come-out. We can hire a single dancing master. The same seamstress can make their gowns. How old is Luke?”
“He’s twenty and at university now.”
“He will be a perfect escort for them and I’m sure he’ll be able to introduce them to many of his friends. Of course, I’ll expect we’ll also keep an eye on both of them. They’re both high-spirited girls.”
“I’d rather keep an eye on you.”
He kissed her again, this time longer.
“Don’t ruin my hair,” she pleaded. “I’m already nervous enough as it is. The ton will be watching us closely tonight.”
“Let them,” he said, nipping at her lips.
Catherine gave over to the kiss, relishing the taste of him and the clean, spicy cologne he wore.
He broke the kiss and slid her from his lap to sit next to him. “You better stay there or I can’t be held responsible for what you might look like when you alight from this carriage.” He paused. “Did you have another favor to ask of me?”
“Yes,” she said breathlessly. “Papa had two retainers I wish to bring with me. Neither is happy with Statham. These men are like family to me, Jeremy. Jervis is the butler at Statham Manor and has been with our family since Papa was a boy. He is almost a second father to me. Jervis is wise and capable and simply wonderful.”
“And the other servant?” he asked.
Catherine smiled. “I adore Strong. He was Papa’s valet. I know all men have a valet but Strong did everything for my father, especially after the carriage accident paralyzed him. Strong bathed Papa. Turned him to prevent bedsores from occurring. Spent hours and hours at his bedside, talking to him and telling him about everything occurring on the estate. Strong made Papa still feel as if he were a part of everything and not so isolated. Frankly, I don’t know how I could have managed without Strong during all those years. Both men are extremely loyal to me. If you could find a position for them, I would be so grateful. Jervis wouldn’t have to be a butler. He would thrive wherever you placed him. Strong is no longer a valet since Statham brought his own with him. Strong serves as a driver for the earl.”
She looked at him hopefully, knowing how much she wanted to help Strong and Jervis, but not knowing how her husband-to-be would react to her request.
“I have numerous estates. Finding two men a place won’t be a hard task. Once you’re familiar with my holdings, you can help me decide where Jervis and Strong should be employed.”
Relief filled Catherine as he slipped off her glove and raised her wrist to his lips, pressing a hot kiss along it. “I’ve told you. I can deny you nothing.”
Waves of heat rippled through her. Her breasts grew heavy. “Thank you.”
Jeremy placed the glove on her hand again, smoothing it up her arm.
They arrived at the ball and, as Catherine expected, she felt every eye on them as they stood in the receiving line and then entered the ballroom.
“The countess wishes to speak to us,” Jeremy said, escorting her to the far side of the room.
Countess Lieven kissed both her and Jeremy. “Well done,” she said. “When is the wedding?”
“Next Thursday,” he replied smoothly. “You should receive your invitation tomorrow.”
“Dance with Everton no more than three times,” she instructed Catherine. “It’s obvious he’s smitten with you but you need to come to know more of those in society.”
They circulated about, meeting some people she knew and many she did not. Jeremy signed his name to her dance card, reserving the first and last dance and the supper dance in the middle. The rest of her programme filled quickly.
What surprised her most was when Statham claimed a dance. She gave it to him readily, wondering why he wished to be seen with her. She decided it was because Jeremy was a duke and her cousin might wish to trade on her soon-to-be status as a duchess.
When Statham returned her to Jeremy for the final dance of the evening, her suspicions were confirmed.
“Here’s your fiancée, Everton. Cousin Catherine is a wonderful girl. We spent many good times together growing up. I look forward to getting to know you and your family.”
Statham left and immense relief filled her. Jeremy took her the dance floor and she tried to lose herself in the music.
Catherine couldn’t help but notice that Statham sat out the dance—and watched them from the sidelines. Unease filled her. She had held up her end of their bargain by finding a husband.
Would Statham hold up his and keep her secret safe?
Chapter Twenty-One
Catherine decided that if she must keep the knowledge of her and Leah’s mothers from Jeremy that she would be open in every other regard. Because of that, she asked her publisher to tea. She’d already invited him to their wedding but wanted her fiancé to know exactly who John Bellows was. She told Mr. Bellows she wanted her fiancé to know about her children’s stories.
Luke, Jeremy’s brother, had come down from Cambridge for the wedding. Catherine was enjoying getting to know the middle St. Clair sibling. Like his brother and sister, he had the St. Clair emerald eyes and midnight black hair. He also was a terrible flirt and teased her unmercifully. Not having had a brother, Catherine relished their banter. She hoped not only would she give Jeremy daughters but sons, as well. She imagined a household filled with children who loved one another and never hid their affection as they enjoyed one another’s company.
She’d asked that tea be at the St. Clairs’. As usual, Luke was giving both her and Rachel a hard time about how women primped. He also couldn’t understand the fuss over the wedding. Even though it was to be a small affair, there were many details to attend to and he’d become exasperated at all of the wedding talk.
“If I ever think of marrying, I’ll merely elope to Gretna Green,” Luke said.
“You’ll do no such thing,” Cor warned.
Barton announced their visitor and John Bellows entered. He was a jovial man, with a baldpate and blue eyes that twinkled, and as wide as he was tall.
“Thank you for coming, Mr. Bellows. I particularly wanted you to meet my fiancé.” She introduced him to Jeremy and then Cor, Luke, and Rachel. Leah had already met Bellows and knew what Catherine intended today.
As they waited for tea to arrive, Catherine said, “Mr. Bellows holds a special place in my heart. He is not only my friend but we do business together.”
She saw a puzzled expression appear on Jeremy’s face. Rachel sat up, suddenly more interested in their visitor.
Luke said, “Ah, this should be interesting. Catherine’s in business, Jeremy. I wonder what it involves. Should a duchess do business?” he asked, stirring the pot.
Cor gave Luke a look that immediately silenced him.
Catherine smiled. “I have always enjoyed creating stories. I did so when I was young in order to entertain myself. When Leah came along, she became my audience of one.”
Leah chimed in to show her support. “Catherine made up the most fantastic stories. They had adventure and romance. I begged for a new one each day.”
“Sometimes, I would alter stories I’d told Leah. I would tweak them until I was satisfied. Leah is the one who put into my head that I should try to publish them so other children could enjoy reading them.” She smiled. “That is where Mr. Bellows came in.”
All eyes turned to their visitor. “Lady Catherine sent me a letter several years ago. I run a publishing house. In it, she included a short story about a pig and a frog who become friends. I was quite charmed by it and wrote back, asking if she had written any more. We corresponded over several months and I started publishing her stories. Eventually, I put a group together and sold them as one volume.”
Rachel clapped her hands in delight. “I have a copy of it.” She gave Catherine an approving smile. “You’re quite talented.”
“I had time on my hands in the country,” Catherine continued. “Even though I was nursing Papa, he slept for long periods of time. While I sat at his bedside, I would write. Mr. Bellows eventually came to visit us at Statham Manor.”
The publisher chuckled. “I had to meet the author who’d entertained both me and my seven grandchildren. Every time I saw one of them, they clamored for another C. E. Lawford tale. Imagine my surprise when I discovered C. E. was a female.”
“My name is Catherine Elizabeth,” she explained. “I didn’t think I would have a chance of being published unless I masked my identity. Initials indicate a male. Hence, I became C.E.”
Jeremy threaded his fingers through hers and smiled warmly at her. “Who knew I was marrying such a talented author?”
“Will you continue to write your stories once you wed Everton?” Leah asked hopefully.
Before she could respond, Cor said,” Of course, she will.” Looking at Catherine, she said, “I would think you might sell even more copies if you wrote as the Duchess of Everton.”
“I would like to continue writing. As long as it doesn’t interfere with my duties once I marry Everton,” she said. “When we have children, I’m sure I’ll be quite busy.”
She sensed tension run through him. “Would you rather I stopped writing?” she asked softly.
“No,” he said firmly. “You should continue. We can’t have Mr. Bellows’ grandchildren disappointed, can we?”
Her publisher beamed. She knew he was glad the duke would allow her to continue since her books were some of the most popular in England.
Luke held up a teacup. “To Catherine—a future St. Clair who continues to surprise us all.”
The others lifted their cups in response. “To Catherine.”
After Mr. Bellows left, Jeremy walked her back to Morefield’s. She didn’t see the point of getting the carriage out when there were only a few blocks between the two residences.
“Are you disappointed to hear that I am an author?” she asked.
“Not in the least. In fact, I’m bursting with pride.”
Catherine decided she’d imagined the tension she thought she’d detected in him.
“I’ve thought we should go to Eversleigh after the wedding. Just for the week. I still have duties with Parliament in session but I’d like to show you your new country estate.”
“I would love to see it. Where is it?”
“Near the coast. Just outside Dover. I’ve spoken to Cor. She will remain in London with Rachel and Leah, while Luke heads back to finish his term at Cambridge.”
“You’re certain you don’t mind Leah moving in?”
Jeremy grinned. “If I didn’t allow Leah to move in with us, I’m sure Rachel would pack her bags and show up on Morefield’s doorstep, demanding to be let in so she could select her new bedchamber.”
“They have become good friends rather quickly,” she said. “I’m so pleased. And grateful to you for taking Leah in, along with me. And Strong and Jervis.”
He stopped. “If I had to take in every servant and relative you had, it would be worth it, Catherine,” he said huskily. “And if we weren’t on this busy square, I would kiss you thoroughly to let you know how much I mean it.”
Her heart filled with love for him. He hadn’t said the words to her—nor she to him—but Catherine knew this man did love her and would tell her in his own time.
