Devoted to the Duke, page 22
It was Jeremy.
He drew up the reins, his gaze locked upon hers.
“Don’t get on that coach, Catherine,” he ordered.
Summoning her courage, she raised her chin a notch. “You are no longer my husband, Everton. You cannot tell me what to do.”
He withdrew a sheaf of papers from his pocket. “I didn’t sign the annulment. You are still my wife.”
Without taking his eyes from hers, he tore the pages again and again and then flung them into the air. The pieces fluttered on the breeze and drifted to the ground.
Jeremy dismounted and slowly walked toward her.
“I know the truth, Catherine. I read your letter.”
She knew she hadn’t confessed to her illegitimacy in it. “No, Jeremy. You don’t know the whole truth. If you did, you wouldn’t be here.”
He smiled. “The letter only gave me a piece of the puzzle. Strong filled in the missing parts.”
Catherine couldn’t believe that Strong had betrayed her.
Jeremy continued steadily walking toward her. He reached her and his hands spanned her waist. Being a step from the ground made them stand at eye level.
“I know about the blackmail. I know why you demanded the annulment. You thought the St. Clairs would be humiliated.”
“Yes,” she hissed. “I couldn’t have you and your family humiliated, Jeremy. It’s true that some gentlemen in the ton produce bastards. But none of them have tried to pass those bastards off as their legitimate offspring to society. The truth will get out. Leah and I will be ruined. And you and your family would share in our disgrace. I can’t allow that.”
Tears filled her eyes. “I always prized family above all else, never knowing it was all a lie. I’m a mongrel. Not good enough for the St. Clairs and their rich heritage.”
His hands tightened on her waist. “I think your parents are the greatest love story I’ve ever heard. Your father loved your mother so much he was willing to give her children the only way he could. And your mother loved the two of you girls deeply. You were hers. From the start. Most of the ton will see it the same way. Those that don’t aren’t worth our time. You and Leah are innocents in this, Catherine.”
He lifted her to the ground and tenderly cupped her cheeks. “Dukes are known for weathering scandals better than most, thanks to our lofty titles. And even if this became the scandal of all scandals, it wouldn’t matter. Because I love you. I was a fool before. An utter fool.” His thumbs stroked her cheeks. “I want to have children with you, Catherine St. Clair. As many as we can. I want to love you every day for the rest of our lives.
“I have to ask—are you brave enough to love me? Scandal or no scandal? For better or worse?”
She’d never said aloud the words that filled her heart.
Until now.
With tears blinding her, she could barely make him out, but Catherine told him, “I do love you, Jeremy. I always have.”
He kissed her with a tenderness that let Catherine know how cherished she was. From a distance, she heard the rousing cheers of the coach passengers and bystanders who’d taken a keen interest in this entertaining conversation.
“Excuse me, Your Grace?”
Jeremy broke the kiss and smiled down at her. Then he looked to the driver who sat in the box. “Yes?”
“We’ve got a schedule to keep, Your Grace.”
“Of course. Leah, come down.”
Catherine saw her sister standing in the coach’s doorway, grinning shamelessly. She started down the steps and Jeremy caught her waist, lowering her to the ground. Leah fell into Catherine’s arms.
The coach started off and Catherine said, “Oh, no! Our luggage.”
Jeremy laughed. “I am a duke, you know. I can buy you both new wardrobes.”
Her wonderful husband took her in his arms again. “I love you, Catherine St. Clair. I plan to take you home now and make love to you the rest of the day.”
He kissed her again, long and deep. She returned it openly, happily, love swelling in her heart.
When they finally parted, Leah stood nearby with an amused look on her face. Strong stood beside her.
“Your coach awaits,” Strong said, not bothering to hide his smile.
Catherine rushed to the valet and threw her arms about him.
“You do realize you meddled in the life of a duchess,” she teased and kissed his cheek.
He turned bright red. “I do, Your Grace. And it was worth it, I see.”
She looked back at her husband. “Yes, it was, Strong.”
Jeremy joined them, his arm possessively going around her waist. “Attach my horse to the back of the coach, Strong.”
“Certainly, Your Grace.”
Jeremy led her to the grand carriage with the St. Clair ducal seal on its doors. He hoisted her into it and turned to help Leah.
Her sister laughed. “I believe I will ride up in the box with Strong.” She winked at Jeremy.
He encompassed Leah in a bear hug and then turned her loose. “You are a very smart woman, Lady Leah. You’re going to make some man very happy one day.”
She looked at him wistfully. “Even if I’m a bastard?”
He took her chin in hand.
“You’re the daughter of an earl. A sister-in-law to a duke. And you’re smart and beautiful and vivacious. Men will be clamoring at my doorstep the moment you attend your first ball. I’ll have to make them take a number and wait their turn to enter the house.”
Jeremy kissed her forehead and then climbed into the carriage. He sat and pulled Catherine into his lap.
“That was sweet what you said to Leah. Do you believe it?”
“I do. She will make an excellent match. Just as her sister did.” Giving her a rakish grin, he asked, “Now, where were we, Duchess?”
Catherine kissed him soundly in response.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Jeremy led Catherine into the house, Leah trailing behind them. Immediately, Cor and Rachel appeared, Matthew not far behind them. The women began peppering him with questions.
Glancing over his shoulder, he told Leah, “Tell them everything. And make sure the servants know to keep out.”
Leah’s eyes twinkled with mischief. She curtseyed and said, “Whatever you say, Everton.” Turning to face the others, she said, “Come into the parlor and I’ll tell you everything.” She began sweeping the others in the opposite direction.
Jeremy swept Catherine off her feet.
She looped her arms around his neck as he carried her up the stairs. She couldn’t stop smiling at him.
“I’m sorry I didn’t trust you enough to tell you the truth,” she apologized.
He reached the top of the stairs and proceeded down the hallway.
“Your letter said you thought I wouldn’t marry you if I learned about your origins.”
“I didn’t think you would.”
They arrived in front of the door to his rooms and he opened it.
“And yet you selfishly accepted my proposal and married me.”
Catherine bit her lip. “I couldn’t help myself.”
“Because you loved me,” he insisted.
“Because I loved you,” she agreed happily.
“You’re going to have to prove that,” he said solemnly as he ventured into the room and kicked the door closed. “And I will do the same.”
Jeremy set her down and took her in his arms. His kiss was thorough. Unhurried. Magical. When he finally broke it, Catherine found herself breathless, trembling with anticipation.
“I plan to kiss every inch of you,” he shared.
She felt her face flame at the thought.
“To do that, I’ll need to have access to every inch,” he explained as he removed her bonnet and tossed it aside. Jeremy carefully slipped the pins from her hair until it spilled down her back.
He fingered a lock and then brushed his lips against it. “Your hair is one of my favorite things about you.”
“You don’t think it’s too red?” she asked, knowing now it came from the actress who was her mother.
“Not at all. It warms under the light inside. Outside, it blazes like fire.” He ran his fingers through it, satisfaction filling him.
Taking her hand, he led her to the bed and had her sit. He knelt and removed her pumps and then reached under her skirts, his fingers gliding up her calves and to her garter. He unfastened the silk stockings and rolled them down her legs before slipping them from her feet. Catherine’s heart already raced so that she thought it might burst from her chest.
Still kneeling, he reached for her hand and removed her gloves. Reverently, he pressed a kiss into each bared palm.
“Your turn,” he said, sitting on the bed.
She rose and lifted his hat from his head, placing it on the nearby chair. Catherine ran her fingers through his thick, dark hair, watching his emerald eyes glow at her. She backed away and he held out a leg, his polished Hessians gleaming. Grasping firmly, she pulled the boot from his foot. His other leg rose and she removed the second boot.
Frowning, she said, “Your buckskin breeches are too tight for me to get to your stockings.”
“Then take them off.” He leaned back on his hands, a smile playing about his lips.
“I will. Eventually.”
Instead, she pulled him to his feet and took off his coat and then unbuttoned his waistcoat. Peeling it from him, she bit her lip, thinking what she should do next.
Jeremy locked his legs around the back of hers and she braced her hands on his shoulders to keep from falling. She moved them to his cravat and undid it sensuously, sliding it from his neck. The shirt buttons came next and once she’d unbuttoned them, he raised his arms so she could pull it from him.
Catherine couldn’t help but gasp. He was bare to the waist now, his sleek, muscled torso a thing of beauty. A dark matting of hair covered his chest and ran in a line into his breeches. She gave in to temptation and placed her palms on it, moving them slowly. He sucked in a quick breath and she realized how moved he was by her touch. His eyes had closed. The corners of his mouth turned up. She pushed him back against the mattress and leaned over, kissing his throat, feeling his pulse jump. Her hands continued to roam, her fingertips finding his nipples and playing with them.
Jeremy’s hands shot out and grabbed her wrists. “My turn,” he said, pushing up until they both stood.
“I wasn’t through,” she protested.
“In time, Duchess,” he promised.
He bent until he grasped the hem of her green overdress and pulled it over her head. The simple silk underdress followed. He kissed her again, pulling her close, his hands running through her hair and over her back. His bare skin felt on fire.
Jeremy nuzzled her throat, licking and nipping, causing her breasts to grow heavy and a pounding to start in her nether regions. He removed her petticoat. His eyes feel to the curve of her breasts, pushed upward by her corset. His thumbs rubbed along the curve, over and over.
“Your skin is like satin,” he told her as he gently turned her and loosed the stays.
Catherine only wore her chemise now. His fingers went to her shoulders and slipped under the sleeveless garment, causing her breath to quicken. Slowly, he pulled the chemise from her. She stood naked in front of him. Surprisingly, she felt no embarrassment as his admiring gaze took her in.
“You are exquisite.” He pressed a soft kiss to her mouth and another few along her collarbone.
“My turn, Duke,” she proclaimed boldly.
She bent and unbuttoned the buttons at his waist and then the ones at his fall. Immediately, his manhood spilled out, standing at full attention. She swallowed, wondering how it was ever going to fit within her. Worried now, she pushed the breeches down his thighs and they fell to the floor. He sat again so she could pull them off. Now, it was easy to get to his thick, cotton stockings and she removed those, as well.
Jeremy stood again, looking like an Adonis who rose from the seas. One hand moved to cradle her neck as his arm went around her waist. His hungry mouth descended upon hers, taking his fill. His body burned against hers, the skin heated. Passion sparked between them. Kissing was no longer enough. They collapsed onto the bed, both their hands roaming. Her tongue glided along his neck, tasting the salt of his skin, as she breathed in his musk. He pinned her wrists above her head and held them with one hand as he feasted upon her breasts. Catherine writhed beneath him, the blood pounding in her ears.
Then his fingers danced along her belly and down to her womanhood. Her body knew what was coming when they entered her as before. She gasped his name, over and over, as he brought her to a height she’d never known. The orgasm spilled from her, her body jerking, trembling, as she rode the crest of passion.
Jeremy moved over her, twining his fingers through hers. She felt his manhood brushing against her.
“Don’t be afraid,” he said.
“I’m not,” she told him. “I’ll never be afraid when I am with you.”
He entered her with a single thrust and stopped. A sharp pain erupted. As she cried out, his mouth covered hers, kissing her, encouraging her. The pain quickly subsided and Catherine was aware he was now inside her.
They were one.
Jeremy kissed her again deeply and began to slowly move. The friction of their bodies caused a beautiful sensation. His fingers tightened on hers as he began thrusting. Gradually, he increased his pace and she found herself meeting each thrust. Living for it. The same feeling from before began building within her. She held tightly to him. Suddenly, it erupted in a halo of colors and sensations, more powerful than anything she’d experienced.
He called out her name and buried his face against her throat as he collapsed. She welcomed his weight, which pushed her into the mattress. She felt treasured. Protected.
Loved . . .
Jeremy rolled off her but brought her along, pinning her to his side as he lay on his back. Her cheek rested against his chest and she heard the furious beating of his heart. Her legs tangled with his. Her hand stroked his side.
“I love you, Duke,” she said softly.
He ran his hand along her back, up and down, the motion soothing.
“I love you, Duchess,” he answered.
Catherine had never felt such peace.
*
Jeremy awoke, feeling the warmth of Catherine’s back pressed against his chest. His arm held her to him, even in sleep. He didn’t know how he’d lived so long without her. They were perfectly matched.
She stirred, a little sigh escaping. He kissed her bare shoulder.
“Good morning, my love.”
Her hand stroked his forearm. “Good morning.”
He pressed his lips to the side of her throat.
“Mmm.”
He idly wondered if they could stay in bed all day. They had for much of yesterday. After several bouts of making love, he’d rung for Manfry and had his valet bring them something to eat. After eating and sleeping and making love again, Catherine declared herself famished. He’d given her one of his dressing gowns and they’d sneaked down to the kitchen to retrieve a midnight snack.
Now that she was awake, he thought they could start the process over again.
“Jeremy?”
“Yes?” His thumb stroked her bare belly.
“I’m disappointed in you.”
He froze.
“I had no idea in marrying a slightly older man, you would prove to be senile at your age.”
She turned to face him, her fingers playing with the hair on his chest.
“You don’t remember?” she asked, a frown marring her lovely face.
“Apparently not,” he said guardedly.
She sighed heavily. “I seem to remember marrying a man who told me I would tire of hearing him tell me how much he loved me.” She paused. “I believe he said he would tell me in the morning when we awakened. As we dressed and ate. When we made love. When we fell asleep each night.” She sniffed. “I’ve been awake a good minute now and haven’t heard the words once.”
He grinned. “I love you.”
“I suppose that’s a start.”
Jeremy kissed her. “I love you.”
“That’s better.”
He kissed her again. “I’ll tell you a hundred times today,” he promised.
“No, that’s not good enough. You were remiss as we started the day. Two hundred,” Catherine declared, mischief shining in her bright, blue eyes.
“Two hundred it is,” he agreed. “I love you, Catherine St. Clair.” He kissed her brow. “I love you.” Her cheek. “I love you.” The tip of her nose. “I love you.” Her chin.
Jeremy worked his way all over her body, from her ears to her toes.
“Satisfied?” he asked.
“Not until you make love to me.”
He needed no further invitation.
When they finished, he told her to stay in bed. She smiled lazily as she watched him dress.
“You know, the way you’re watching me, it’s as if you’re undressing me, Duchess,” he teased.
Catherine shrugged. “And what if I am, Duke?”
“I love you.”
She smiled. “I know. I love you, too.”
“Come on.” He threw back the covers and scooped her up, already wanting to return to their bed. “Time for you to get dressed. If you don’t, we may never make it downstairs to breakfast and I know just how hungry you can get.”
“Hungry for you,” she murmured into his ear, her teeth tugging on his earlobe.
“I love you.”
“I’m counting, you know.”
He grinned. “I’m sure you are.”
Carrying her through his dressing room to hers, he set her down and then played lady’s maid, getting her ready for the day. Every time he put on a new piece of clothing, he told her he loved her. With every stroke as he brushed her hair, Jeremy did the same. He left it to his wife to pin up her hair, knowing he’d only pull them out again so he could run his hands through her waves.
“Can we go see Jenny before breakfasting?” she asked.
“Of course.” A warm feeling spread through him, knowing that Catherine would care for his daughter as if Jenny were her own.
