Devoted to the duke, p.1
Devoted to the Duke, page 1
Devoted to the Duke
The St. Clairs
Book 1
Alexa Aston
Copyright © 2019 by Alexa Aston
Kindle Edition
Published by Dragonblade Publishing, an imprint of Kathryn Le Veque Novels, Inc
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Books from Dragonblade Publishing
Dangerous Lords Series by Maggi Andersen
The Baron’s Betrothal
Seducing the Earl
The Viscount’s Widowed Lady
Governess to the Duke’s Heir
Also from Maggi Andersen
The Marquess Meets His Match
The St. Clairs Series by Alexa Aston
Devoted to the Duke
Midnight with the Marquess
Embracing the Earl
Knights of Honor Series by Alexa Aston
Word of Honor
Marked by Honor
Code of Honor
Journey to Honor
Heart of Honor
Bold in Honor
Love and Honor
Gift of Honor
Path to Honor
Return to Honor
The King’s Cousins Series by Alexa Aston
The Pawn
The Heir
The Bastard
Beastly Lords Series by Sydney Jane Baily
Lord Despair
Lord Anguish
Lord Vile
Lord Corsair
Dukes of Destiny Series by Whitney Blake
Duke of Havoc
Duke of Sorrow
Legends of Love Series by Avril Borthiry
The Wishing Well
Isolated Hearts
Sentinel
The Lost Lords Series by Chasity Bowlin
The Lost Lord of Castle Black
The Vanishing of Lord Vale
The Missing Marquess of Althorn
The Resurrection of Lady Ramsleigh
The Mystery of Miss Mason
The Awakening of Lord Ambrose
By Elizabeth Ellen Carter
Captive of the Corsairs, Heart of the Corsairs Series
Revenge of the Corsairs, Heart of the Corsairs Series
Shadow of the Corsairs, Heart of the Corsairs Series
Dark Heart
Live and Let Spy, King’s Rogues Series
Knight Everlasting Series by Cassidy Cayman
Endearing
Enchanted
Evermore
Midnight Meetings Series by Gina Conkle
Meet a Rogue at Midnight, book 4
Second Chance Series by Jessica Jefferson
Second Chance Marquess
Imperial Season Series by Mary Lancaster
Vienna Waltz
Vienna Woods
Vienna Dawn
Blackhaven Brides Series by Mary Lancaster
The Wicked Baron
The Wicked Lady
The Wicked Rebel
The Wicked Husband
The Wicked Marquis
The Wicked Governess
The Wicked Spy
The Wicked Gypsy
The Wicked Wife
Unmarriageable Series by Mary Lancaster
The Deserted Heart
The Sinister Heart
The Vulgar Heart
Highland Loves Series by Melissa Limoges
My Reckless Love
My Steadfast Love
My Passionate Love
Clash of the Tartans Series by Anna Markland
Kilty Secrets
Kilted at the Altar
Kilty Pleasures
Queen of Thieves Series by Andy Peloquin
Child of the Night Guild
Thief of the Night Guild
Queen of the Night Guild
The Book of Love Series by Meara Platt
The Look of Love
The Touch of Love
Dark Gardens Series by Meara Platt
Garden of Shadows
Garden of Light
Garden of Dragons
Garden of Destiny
Rulers of the Sky Series by Paula Quinn
Scorched
Ember
White Hot
Hearts of the Highlands Series by Paula Quinn
Heart of Ashes
Heart of Shadows
Heart of Stone
Highlands Forever Series by Violetta Rand
Unbreakable
Undeniable
Unyielding
Viking’s Fury Series by Violetta Rand
Love’s Fury
Desire’s Fury
Passion’s Fury
Also from Violetta Rand
Viking Hearts
The Sins and Scoundrels Series by Scarlett Scott
Duke of Depravity
Prince of Persuasion
Marquess of Mayhem
The Unconventional Ladies Series by Ellie St. Clair
Lady of Mystery
Lady of Fortune
The Sons of Scotland Series by Victoria Vane
Virtue
Valor
Men of Blood Series by Rosamund Winchester
The Blood & The Bloom
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Books from Dragonblade Publishing
Acknowledgements
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Epilogue
Excerpt from Midnight with the Marquess
About the Author
Acknowledgements
My thanks to Kathryn Le Veque, who challenged me to try something new. You’re always pushing me out of my comfort zone, and I appreciate every time you nudge me from the nest.
My gratitude to my editor, Scott Moreland, whose belief in this book—and me—makes writing a thing of joy.
Chapter One
London—May, 1806
Catherine Crawford sat with her back to the mirror as her maid fussed over her hair, hoping Tilly’s efforts would be worth all the time spent sitting still in the chair. Her younger sister, Leah, watched, an enraptured look on her face.
“I can’t wait until I’m old enough to go to balls. I love to dance.” Leah began twirling around the room, her arms spread wide as she swung them through the air.
“Watch yourself, my lady,” Tilly warned. “Wouldn’t want another broken arm to deal with, would we?”
Leah stopped at once, her face turning red to her blond roots. “That won’t happen again, Tilly,” she said quickly, plopping on the bed.
“True. If you stay out of trees, that is,” the maid admonished, tugging on one of Catherine’s curls a bit too hard.
“Easy, Tilly,” Catherine warned.
“On your hair or Lady Leah?” Tilly asked saucily.
She knew she should chastise the maid but Tilly had been in the Crawford household ever since Catherine could remember and sometimes, though the older woman seemed too familiar with the daughters of the house, Catherine knew the servant had a good heart and would fiercely protect both girls if push came to shove.
“Hurry and finish, Tilly,” chided Leah. “Or else Catherine will be late to the ball.”
The maid fussed a moment longer. “There. I’m done. Close your eyes, my lady.”
Catherine did as instructed and Tilly rotated the stool to where it faced the mirror propped on the vanity, eager to see how her auburn locks had been styled tonight.
“You may open your eyes, my lady.”
She did as requested and studied her image in the mirror. A slow smile spread across her face.
“You are incredibly talented, Tilly,” she praised. “I will be the envy of every girl at the Wethersby ball tonight.”
The maid sniffed. “You’re already the envy of many, Lady Catherine. I know. I see all the bouquets that arrive. I’m the one who dresses you to meet all those gentlemen who call in the afternoons for tea. I’m the one who accompanies you on your walks with them in Hyde Park. And I see the envious looks cast your way by those young ladies of the ton looking for a husband. Mark my words, you’ll snap up the best lord when the Marriage Mart is done. Three offers already and the Season’s only a month old.”
Tilly smoothed Catherine’s hair a final time and added, “I’m off to retrieve your mama. She said she wanted to speak to you once I had you ready.” The maid looked at Leah. “And it’s about time you were in bed.”
“Do I have to go, Tilly?” Leah pleaded. “I’m eleven now. I shou
“It’s almost nine as it is and it’s bad for you. Come on, now. I’ll help you undress once I fetch your mama to Lady Catherine.” The maid bobbed a curtsey and left the room, Leah still protesting as the door closed.
Catherine sighed. She didn’t want to snag a husband.
Not until she fell in love.
She knew it wasn’t the done thing. The purpose of the Season was to move up the social ladder. To find a well-bred, wealthy, pleasant fellow that would offer her the protection of his name and rank. She would then wed him sometime after the Season ended and then go about providing him with an heir and, hopefully, a spare. Once she did so, her life would be her own. She could search for a lover, as long as she was discreet about it. That was when love, if it was to be found, might come her way.
In the meantime, her husband would do the same, although men often sought out a mistress soon after they married. At least that’s what Catherine had picked up from the gossiping females of the ton. Supposedly, a man was free to come and go as he pleased, as long as he did not publicly embarrass his wife. The said wife was to turn a blind eye to all comings and goings and be grateful for having wed a titled gentleman who provided her with financial security, children, and—if she was lucky—affection.
Not at all what Catherine had in mind when she thought of marriage.
Her parents had ruined her expectations. The Earl and Countess of Statham were that rare couple who’d met the first week of her mother’s Season and fallen deeply in love. The match had proven suitable to both of their families and they’d spent the last twenty-eight years devoted to one another and their two daughters. She couldn’t imagine her father desiring to couple with another woman. He treated his wife as if she were the most precious thing on earth. And to think of her mother in the arms of another man? Laughable.
Because of the beautiful example she’d grown up with, Catherine assumed all married couples loved one another and that when her time came, she would recognize her soul mate in her heart. Instead, she’d been exposed to the ways of society as she’d embarked upon her first Season and didn’t like them. At all.
She’d already received three offers of marriage, which was ridiculous. She’d danced with one of the gentlemen once and the other two thrice before they made their offers. Of course, besides dancing with her, they had called on Catherine and she’d poured tea, conversing with them as she tried to get to know them. All three were amiable, handsome men, with beautiful manners and varying amounts of wealth. The problem was, she’d felt nothing for any of them. Though she knew it to be foolish, she wanted her heart to race and a giddiness to overtake her. She thought if she wanted to kiss even one of them, it would be a good sign. So far, none of that had happened. She’d proven popular at events and made it clear that she would entertain no more offers from any gentleman until the Season ended. That would be in less than three months, which caused panic to ripple through her.
What if she didn’t find someone to love?
She would be expected to wed. Every woman did. Preparing for the Season had been terribly expensive. Dozens of ball gowns had been made up, with more gowns for parties, the theatre, and the opera. Mama had told Catherine not to worry about the expense but she couldn’t help doing so. Mama had said Catherine must look her best in order to attract the right man.
Catherine didn’t want to attract a man by wearing a fancy ball gown. She wanted a man who would be attracted to her for her—not because of what she wore. She wanted a man who was interesting and kind and could carry on a decent conversation. Already, she’d discovered too many eligible gentlemen of the ton had very little to say. It was important for her to fall in love with someone who loved to talk about everything—politics, literature, economics—and not merely the weather. How were you supposed to get to know anyone when all they spoke of was the weather?
Not only did she believe she needed to love a man to marry him, she wanted him to love her in return. How could she be sure if he did?
It was all so very complicated.
A part of her knew her decision would be important not only for her, but for her family. Her father was already in his early fifties, not old but not terribly young. Since Mama hadn’t provided the expected heir, much less a spare, the earldom and lands would fall to her uncle. Edward Crawford was nothing but a busybody, always sticking his nose into everyone’s business. At least she knew he was gentleman enough to live up to his obligation to take care of her mother and his nieces if her father passed.
She wasn’t so sure Cousin Martin would.
Martin Crawford was Uncle Edward’s only child, which meant he would eventually inherit Statham Manor and become the Earl of Statham. He was smallminded and had a vicious streak. Martin had pinched her repeatedly as a child when they were young, causing large bruises and making her cry. He’d threatened her not to tell. Being six years older than Catherine, Martin had assured her no one would believe her wild stories about him and so she’d kept quiet. Something told Catherine that if her father and uncle were both gone, Martin would continue the cruelty toward her he’d displayed since childhood.
Because of that, it was imperative that she wed a man who would promise to look after not only her, but her mother and Leah. Just in case the unthinkable became reality.
A knock sounded at the door and her mother entered, closely followed by her father. She couldn’t remember the last time he’d come to her bedchamber. Possibly, never. Catherine rose to greet them, uncertainty filling her. She wondered if he would ask her to begin to consider from the many gentlemen of the ton which one might become her future husband.
“Oh, you look stunning, my dear!” her mother exclaimed, taking Catherine’s hands as her eyes swept up and down her daughter. “Tilly is a genius.”
“You look more lovely with each outing this Season,” her father declared, kissing her cheek and then bringing a flat, square box from behind his back and pressing her to take it. “For you, child. After all, it is your birthday.”
No one had mentioned it all day and Catherine assumed her parents and the rest of the household had forgotten with all the many events they’d been swept up in over the last few weeks.
She pushed the lid up, finding a sapphire necklace inside. Stunned, she raised her eyes and met her father’s twinkling ones.
“Do you like it, dearest?”
“Oh, Papa, I adore it!”
Catherine threw her arms around his neck as he chuckled.
“Your mother wanted to give it to you at the start of the Season but I thought we’d wait for your birthday.” He gazed lovingly at his wife. “She made sure you would wear blue tonight in order to complement it.”
“Give it to me, Catherine,” Mama said. “I’ll place it around your neck.”
She handed the precious necklace over and her mother fastened the clasp. Eager to see what it looked like, Catherine ran to the mirror and fingered the jewels, in awe of receiving such a tremendous present.
Turning to face her parents, she said, “I don’t think I’ll ever receive a more lovely gift.”
“Let’s hope you do,” her father teased good-naturedly. “That husband of yours, whomever he might be, better shower you with jewelry.”
The thought of marrying anyone she’d met so far gave Catherine pause. She looked at her parents, her father’s arm around her mother’s waist now, and saw how close and loving they were toward one another. Tears misted her eyes.
“Don’t cry, dearest,” Papa said. “No matter who you wed, you’ll always be my little girl.”
She hurried to him and hugged him tightly, wishing she never had to grow up and leave his household.
He grasped her elbows and drew her back. “What’s wrong, Catherine? I thought the necklace would please you but you seem most upset.”
Her lips trembled as she said, “I’m afraid I may never find someone to love, Papa. The way you and Mama love one another.”
He kissed her forehead. “Well, if you don’t find anyone good enough for you this Season, we’ll simply do all of this again next year.” He cupped her cheek. “There’s a perfect match waiting for you out there, Catherine. I feel it in my bones.”
“You mean . . . you don’t expect me to wed by summer’s end?” she asked.
“Of course not,” he said. “Your mama and I want you to be as happy as we’ve been all these years. If it takes another Season—no, five Seasons—then you’ll wait until you find the right man to be your husband. You have no need to rush into a match. The same goes for Leah.”
