Page 12 of The Twelve Days of Love

Then the detective had taken Boy to a street vendor and bought him two meat pies, which he had devoured. They’d talked a bit and Boy had promised the runner to meet him and the earl.

Courage failed him, though, and he hadn’t wanted to hear what Lord Mayfield had to say. He feared that the earl had spied him skulking about and wanted to warn him away, telling him never to speak to Lucy again.

Boy couldn’t allow that.

Lucy reminded him of his baby sister. The two girls had the same color of hair and sweet disposition. The moment Lucy had arrived at the Driskells’ place, he had done his best to protect her. Boy was glad when Jem had suggested that they run away because Boy had also seen the looks Driskell gave Lucy and knew the time was coming soon for her to go upstairs and become a plaything to the rich and wicked.

When Driskell had given chase that day when Jem was killed before their eyes, Boy had thought their best chance of escape was to go in separate directions. His intention had been to reunite with Lucy.

Until the earl and countess claimed her.

He knew she had a better life now, better than the one they could have shared on the streets. Still, sadness filled him, knowing he would never speak to Lucy again. He figured the runner would be looking for him again, especially since he didn’t show up for tonight’s meeting. Boy wondered if he should leave London for a bit. Lay low until they had forgotten about him.

Loneliness filled him. He’d had no one since Lucy and Jem. If he did leave London, no one would miss him. Then a thought occurred to him. He knew from the earl’s servants where the Mayfield country house was. Boy decided he would go to Fairhaven and try to catch Lucy outside. See her and talk with her a final time. Then he would go far away. Maybe join the British navy and see the world.

Determination filled him. This would be his course of action. He would say goodbye to the girl who was the only family he had. Make sure she was happy and loved.

And then Boy would leave for good.

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